Review: I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Title: I Am the Messenger
Author: Markus Zusak
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Release Date: May 9th, 2006
Pages: 360
Format: Paperback 
Source: Bought 
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction 

Protect the diamonds, survive the clubs, dig deep through the spades, feel the hearts. Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That's when the first ace arrives in the mail. That's when Ed becomes the messenger. Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

Everyone has a purpose, everyone has a reason to live, but sometimes we just need a little push to help guide us in the right direction. However, the road will not be easy and the idea of questioning your ideas will be put to the test, and this my readers is what Markus Zusak does with his writing and his works.

I am the Messenger is placed towards the teen market but the impact this story leaves makes it open to a diverse audience. This is a heavy read that will take you on an adventure that will make you stop and think about your life. So philosophical I know. The story is written so exquisitely that it makes you wonder that if the story was a physical object you would want to hold it delicately in your hands so that no damage comes to it.

Ed is such an interesting character. He is the type of character who lives what one could call a simple life. He doesn’t much stuff, he lives on his own…well he has his companion dog, and he drives taxis. Simple. However, that changes when he receives a playing card with addresses on them. Ed is the perfect character to follow and watch as he grows from his experiences and people he brings into his life. He is a likeable character.

What I liked most about this book was this book was so much than words an author writes. There are words that pull you into an adventure that shows how you are the only person that can make you truly do anything and you are the decision on how you want to live your life. Well this is what I get from this book at least. I am curious to see what others think?

Overall, this book is a book that any reader no matter your age should read. It will one that I will hold dearly to my heart. A book written simply but one that holds messages for everyone. I Am the Messenger is the perfect book to start the new year off with!

Happy Reading!