So a couple weeks ago, I finished I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I've been meaning to write a review for a while now, but am only just getting to it. It was, quite simply, amazing. Some books are like ice cream, you tear through them as fast as you can because they are delicious and fleeting. Other books, you savor like the most decadent dessert from a five-star restaurant. I'm happy to say that I am the Messenger was most definitely the latter. After reading a number of breezy stories, I was so happy to find one that truly took me away from the world and placed me firmly in the mind of Ed Kennedy, underage taxi driver and unlikely hero.
The story opens during a bungled bank robbery that Ed manages to foil. From there, we're launched into Ed's amazing journey of self-discovery via a series of unexplained playing cards. Ed is called to deliver messages to a number of people who need his help in one way or another. More than anything, this story is one of affirmation. Through Ed, I found stories of hope and heartbreak, but none was more profound than that of Ed's own.
If you've read The Book Thief by Zusak, you might already be a fan of his poetic prose. I know I am (wink, wink). In this story, I particularly love Zusak's formatting. It brings meaning to the words without thesaurusing us to death. That, I really liked.
If I could write a review comprised of nothing but overused superlatives (Great! Grand! Breathtaking!), I would. But, in honor of Ed, a simple guy with simple needs, I'll only say this: read the book. It will linger with you longer than the stench of Ed's loveable dog the Doorman. You'll love it. I promise.
Educate yourself on the topics in this post:
- Markus Zusak: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/
- I am the Messenger: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19057.I_Am_the_Messenger
- The Book Thief: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief
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