I Am the Messenger | Markus Zusak | Anyone can do anything

I Am the Messenger | Markus Zusak | What a wonderful book

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I Am the Messenger

	I Am the Messenger Markus Zusak Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2006 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 71 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Anyone can do anything

I Am the Messenger is an amazing book!!! Markus Zusak shows his talent of having a variety of voices (if you have ever read The Book Thief you will know what I am talking about). You slowly build your friendship with the character; brick by brick, layer by layer, until you have built a fascinating structure full of complexity and intrigue. As the story continues you learn more and more about the characters. As problems occur Markus Zusak makes them so realistic that you believe this can happen. Ed (the main character) learns lessons from his and other people's mistakes and achievements. He paints the story delicately taking every piece and carefully placing them together so that each part ends up perfectly intertwined.
Ed's life is messed up. He is a nineteen year-old taxi driver (which is illegal in Australia). He's hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, who has dated every messed-up guy known to man, except Ed. In his spare time, he plays cards and drinks with his three friends. Yes, I'm sure that you have seen Ed's face before, look up loser in the dictionary; he's the picture they show. At least that is what you would have referenced him to until he became "that guy in the newspaper."
Ed stopped a bank robbery. He became front page news. That was the beginning of a new life and a new job/duty to the world.
Shortly after becoming Channel 2's number one star Ed received a playing card in the mail, the ace of hearts. Written on the card are three places and three times. Each card leads him to someone that needs his help in some way. After completing his first assignments he gets a new ace, and it continues.
The ending of the book (like you have heard in other reviews) could be improved. He gives everything away, telling us everything. He acts as though he wants us to only see his point and his point only. An author is supposed to try and get one point across, and the reader is the one who decides the true point. The ending wasn't a bad ending it just wasn't good. It didn't let you think.
The ending does not ruin the book, though. I strongly recommend this book, the story is worth reading the ending. Though it is not the most appropriate book, it has a wonderful message showing you that anyone can do anything if they put their mund to it.

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What a wonderful book

Ed Kennedy, a lazy, underage cab driver was chosen when he unexpectedly stopped a bank robbery. "Then. For some reason I'll never understand. I run out, picking up the gun along the way. When I cross the road, I lock eyes with the gunman. He attempts to get out of the car, but it's to late now for that." Ed was not sure why, but when the first ace came he knew he could not ignore it. "For a moment, it feels like everything stops to watch as I reach in and pull out an old playing card. It's the Ace of Diamonds." He was unsure of the reason and the person behind this great journey when he began, but he knew it was his duty to finish all the instructions no matter how hard it was.

The start of I Am the Messenger took my attention with its capturing plot line. Markus Zusak used creative ideas and an interesting group of characters to write this readable book. I love how every detail comes together for a perfect ending leaving you with a wonderful message to think about. I Am the Messenger definitely deserves the Michael L Printz award for excellence in young adult literature. I would recommend this book for readers of all ages.

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I Am The Messenger

Meet Ed Kennedy. He's that sweet guy with the unimpressive job, whose life is all around mediocre. We've all met Ed at one point or another. The question is are we brave enough to be him? I Am the Messenger is seemingly about a young man who accidently catches a criminal and recieves cards in the mail by an unknown sender. But really is the story of an everyday person changing the world around him driven by an indefinite power.
An all around inspiring book that maintains a funny and loveable narrator; as well as some noteworthy people, and a dog named The Doorman.

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Emotionally charged.

I read this book to see if it was something my middle school son would enjoy. It is an amazing book; however some of the adult themes might make some young people uncomfortable. This book is more edgy than most young adult fiction and is written in a very sophisticated way. Although it is definitely unrealistic, it does deal with very real and tough issues. I liked it well enough that I checked out the audio book at the library and listened to it as well. The reader does a great job with that as well.

What if?

This is a book that challenges the reader to think about what s/he can do, not what others might or should do.

Ed and his friends are drifting through life: accepting and existing without questioning. Suddenly a series of events happen which cause Ed to be more actively involved in his own life and, as a consequence of that involvement, to help others.

Okay, elements are contrived, some readers will dislike the graphic language and the ending may jar. But to focus solely on these aspects is to miss the underlying message: the power that we each have to make a difference.

I enjoyed this story. Markus Zusak is an accomplished writer who, in this book, has provided the reader with the means to think beyond 'what is' to 'what might be' If only ..

Recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

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