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I am the Messenger
I am the Messenger
Author: Markus Zusak
Meet Ed Kennedy-underage cabdriver, pathetic cardplayer, and useless at romance. He lives in a shack with his coffee-addicted dog, the Doorman, and he-s hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence, until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That-s when the first Ace arrives. That-s when...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780739337295
ISBN-10: 0739337297
Publication Date: 9/26/2006
Edition: Unabridged
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 8

4.1 stars, based on 8 ratings
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)
Book Type: Audio CD
Other Versions: Paperback, Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed I am the Messenger on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I really liked this - I couldn't really put it down. Playing cards sent to him lead him on a scavenger hunt of sorts. But what he finds are situations that he is challenged to resolve. Some of them are quite frightening. Who would do this to someone? But the chase was better than the kill, and I felt let down by the ending. The excitement still made it worth while to read. I don't think it will make it into my top 10 for the year, but maybe in the top 20. I think I would like to read something else by this author, his imagination intrigues me.
wahoowifeandmom avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is one of those books that surprisingly left me almost speechless. It is so much more than the synopsis leads one to believe. I am so blessed that this was required reading for a grad class for young adult literature or I never would have read it. Mr. Zusak's writing style is poetic in places: "Screams jump over the fence." "A murmuring crawls to the window . . ." It does have some obscene language, but somehow it seems necessary to the setting and voice. A couple of places left me feeling like I missed something, but the incredible message feels life-changing. It is very though-provoking and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for ages 17 and up, and I will be recommending it to my book club because it could generate much good discussion.
perryfran avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on + 1228 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Finished reading this one today and must say that I really enjoyed it! At first, I was not too sure I would like the book given that it is supposedly written for "young adults", however, some of the themes and subject matter I feel are more for older readers including themes of love, sex, and the plights of ordinary human beings. The story is basically about a young man, Ed, who is wasting his life away being put a position to help other people through a series of clues delivered to him on playing cards. The way he reacts to the clues and how he decides to assist the people involved is the crux of the novel. In some ways, Ed reminded me of Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of "Catcher in the Rye." Some of the novel was also a little dark and could have been written for a "film noir" mystery. In the end, Ed discovers that if a guy like him can stand up and do what he did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of. I would recommend this one!
jules72653 avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on
Helpful Score: 3
Very intriguing tale from the author of The Book Thief. There's a very deep and thought provoking undercurrent to the story. I highly recommend this book!
Kit avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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 and 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?

This author is one you're either going to love or hate, there's usually no in-between. This story is quite the story and an interesting read. I found it difficult to put down until I knew all of the answers, or could it not be what it sounds like?
Read All 27 Book Reviews of "I am the Messenger"

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reviewed I am the Messenger on + 12 more book reviews
great book. It had alot of humor and the story line always kept me guessing. Highly recommended.
reviewed I am the Messenger on + 1453 more book reviews
What a delightful, unique read! This young writer who began writing in high school wrote a wonderful original little tale. Imagine receiving five cards to stimulate you to help people as only you can. This is what happens to Ed. He helps many strangers. He helps his friends. And, the final person he helps is himself. There is a message in this book that each of us needs to discover again and again - life is what you make it. However, you must read the book for yourself to see how it all progresses and what happens in each case. Wonderful read for young and old alike.
Beanbean avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on + 56 more book reviews
"I Am The Messenger" by Markus Zusak does not have the impact of the author's subsequent book, "The Book Thief" but it is a pretty powerful, nonetheless. Ed Kennedy is nineteen years old and has done nothing with his life. Then he finds himself in a bank that is being held-up. He performs an heroic act and his life begins to change...though not in the way that you'd think. This is a lovely book about "paying it forward" and random acts of kindness for kindnesses sake.
justreadingabook avatar reviewed I am the Messenger on + 1728 more book reviews
Wow, amazing, moving, thought provoking, interesting, disturbing, and a book that will be with you long after you have finished reading it. It gives you the information that anyone and everyone, no matter where they are in life can make a huge difference in someone elses. Being there, asking questions and interacting with others giving them hope in a way they can understand and keep alive. A wonderful read, not like the style of The Book Thief so if you are thinking of comparing them, you really shouldn't. Different style, story and place in time. Enjoy this book. Let it give you something to think about and take away when you are done.
reviewed I am the Messenger on + 11 more book reviews
This was a quick read. There are references to sex and some swearing - didn't bother me, but it might be offensive to others. The story line was good, though I think it could have used a little more development at the beginning. Definitely worth a day or two sitting at the pool :)
reviewed I am the Messenger on
This is the second book I have read by Markus Zusak...I read "The Book Thief" while on vacation two years ago.
It stuck with me. Wondering how the movie will turn out.
"I Am the Messenger" was just as different and unexpected.
He deals with complex ideas in a simple and clean way. Not your usual story...I never felt he was using "tricks" in his writing. Kinda reminded me of Richard Bach and "Illusions". The story doesn't try to make you suspend belief but makes you want to know more....


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