Have you ever heard of the popular young adult novel "The Book Thief," by Markus Zusak? Odds are you have probably read it or seen the movie. But have you read any other works by Markus Zusak? I highly recommend Zusak’s other awarding winning novel, titled, "I Am the Messenger," especially if you are struggling with what it means to be an adult.
In "I Am the Messenger," Ed Kennedy is faced with the ultimate question: What now? He wonders if he will ever amount to something. Compared to icons of the past, he has accomplished nothing. At 19 he’s settled as a cab driver with his caffeine-addicted dog as a roommate. His only hobby consists of playing cards with three friends. Marv is an arguable idiot with money he never spends. Ritchie is even lazier than Ed. Audrey is the girl Ed hopelessly loves but refuses love him back. His mother has even dubbed him useless. Compared to icons of the past he has accomplished nothing. This is the tale of how Ed Kennedy became more than Just Ed. This is the tale of how Ed Kennedy picked up the gun.
"I Am the Messenger" is a heart-wrenching, heart-throbbing novel you will not put down. From the bank heist on page one to the end of page 357, there is suspense and transformation. Aces become an icon throughout "I Am the Messenger," as each suit leads Ed closer to the heart. Instructed by an anonymous man, Ed must become the town messenger, delivering both good and terrible messages. Zusak successfully crafted a complex novel, which reveals that sometimes all you need is a little faith if you want to become somebody.
There were many times when I had to put "I Am The Messenger" down for a short while because the content was so heavy. This 19-year-old boy has to endure so much and he discovers a lot of pain, both his own and that of others around him. Despite all this hurt I was still able to pick it up and keep going because the suspense enticed me. I needed to know what happened next. Ed often restored my faith in humanity after some many other characters he met took it away. A huge part of "I Am the Messenger" is Ed's transformation into a man through the delivering of his messages. Zusak also shares literary gems throughout the entire novel many of which are in Ed’s thoughts. "I Am the Messenger" is a literary treasure for youth and adults alike. In the words of Ed Kennedy, “I wish I could hold up that knife and tear open the world. I’d slice it open and climb through to the next one” (296).
If you’re a reader who likes a fast-paced novel that keeps you guessing while artfully presenting questions of identity and love, "I Am the Messenger" is the book for you.
