I am the Messenger

Reader reviewed by Vicki

I read this book based on rave reviews from Amazon.com. I liked it, but I did not LOVE it the way other readers did. Not really my cup of tea; surprising because I tend to enjoy young adult titles

Reader reviewed by TheBookworm

Through And Through Okay

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak*
3 out of 5 stars

Ed Kennedy is a nobody. Taxi driver. Local deadbeat. Cornerstone of mediocrity. Pathetic card player. His life is a peaceful routine until one day he unintentionally stops a bank robbery. Soon after he receives his first ace. That is when Ed Kennedy becomes the Messenger. One card at a time he is changing the lives of people around him. It might be a box of Christmas lights or an empty shoe box. It might even be reading to or listening. And it might even be attempting murder or beating up someone. Whatever the need, Ed is sent to fix what is broken. As each card becomes harder and closer to Eds inner circle of friends, one thing still bugs him. Who is sending him?

This wasnt my favorite book, but it wasnt the worst either. It was okay. The main character is truthful and straightforward, but still able to feel ashamed and humiliated. What really took the joy out of reading it was the references to sex. I was skipping pages and I believe this book is for older readers. It says ages 12+ but should be a lot higher. The last few chapters to the book were the best. When the cards were for his friends. I got close to teary eyed when it came to Marv and& well youll find out when you read it! The dialogue was a little messy. It was sometimes hard to figure out who was saying what. I am the Messenger wasnt a work of art, but that doesnt mean it should be overlooked as a possible read.

Date Reviewed: August 17th, 2008

*This book was provided by Book Divas.

Reader reviewed by superbro



"I am the messenger", began perfect with a touch of hilarious antics,and a bumbling bank robber. Saddly this funny touch never was interweved with the rest of the story. Ed kennedy the main character, was always down on his luck, never the best around the ladies, and not exactly raking in the money (being an under aged cab diver), the author reiterates,this lowly life throughly through out the book, by Ed thinking or saying this. After awhile I got quite annoyed wiht his always complaining. His life wasn't that bad, having four friends and a house with a loving dog, I felt that he didn't have the right to complain. The story line really felt like there was no danger, for example he had to help a abused wife but I really didn't feel like I really cared what happen. his actions took me out of the book, by doing things that completly to him out of his poor me attitude. the problems that confronted him where not challenging at all from buying an ice cream cone for a young girl, to buying chrismas lights. to sum it up this book really didn't keep me interested and the book and saddly, I only finish was to see the ending( which was a ba- d summerization)I would not recrommend this book to those who like a good plot.