The following is a book review by The Ameri Brit Mom. This post expresses the genuine opinion and experiences of The Ameri Brit Mom and is in no way endorsed by authors, publishers, and outside influences.
Title: I Am the Messenger
Author: Markus Zusak
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright Date: 2005
One of my favorite books of all time is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I’ve read the book three or four times on my own and have actually taught it in my classroom before as well. Aside from a great plot and character development that book stands out to me because of the literary style of Zusak. He is known for his short sentences which create a sense of urgency and fast pace for the reader. His sentences may be short, but he can pack so much into so few words.
My love for Zusak’s work has put I Am Messenger on my to-read list for years. I’ve told myself I’d eventually get to reading this stand alone novel of Zusak’s. I’d read many reviews ahead of time giving this book mixed reviews, and so my fear was that by reading this book it may change my mind about Zusak. I’m here to tell you that I am so glad that I finally bit the bullet and gave this dust-gatherer on my shelf a read.
I Am the Messenger is a book about Ed Kennedy.
Ed is average in every sense of the word. He is a young cab driver who lives alone with his dog, Doorman. Ed’s circle of friends enjoy gathering to drink and play cards, but he is terrible at the game and attends mostly for the company. Additionally, one of the friends is Audrey, a girl that Ed is in love with, but who has rejected him a number of times. Everything about Ed is common until he witnesses a bank robbery and by chance helps to apprehend the culprits.
From that moment on things really begin to change in Ed’s life.
One at a time, Ed receives Aces in the mail. First the diamonds, then clubs, spades, and finally hearts. On each of the cards Ed finds the names of complete strangers or locations. At first Ed has no clue what is going on and nearly throws the first card in the trash. Time passes and with the names on his mind Ed begins to investigate these people. He is led to places where help is needed desperately.
From abusive husbands to a priest with a waning congregation Ed is led through a series of tasks and fulfills his role in helping those he was assigned to by the cards. Some of the jobs are easier than others. But in the end Ed follows the commands of the cards.
All is going well in Ed’s quest to help the world as prescribed by the aces until the instructions lead him to problems much closer to home. In the process Ed learns that the people around him are not as ordinary as he thought.
Ed begins to see the world differently and recognize his purpose.
Ed is not average. No one is. We all have the power to be the Messenger.
photo credit: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19057.I_Am_the_Messenger
The Ameri Brit Mom 