Why did liesel have such a fascination with books?

Liesel's obsession with words and learning to read -- a central part of The Book Thief -- is sparked by stealing The Grave Digger's Handbook, which to her at first was only a memento of her brother's burial.  Liesel's trauma and recurring nightmares cause her special closeness with books and the written word. Liesel is an empathetic artist that needs to express herself. Words are one way she can do this, they help her make sense of the world.