I Am the Messenger

Not as brilliant as The Book Thief, but an earlier work, and a much easier read. Still has a nice thought provoking message. ( )

I got this book from the library, just because I got the cover. I didn't see who wrote it or what it's called. After I finished the last page, and read the author's biography, I realised it's the author of The Book Thief, a book I have bought and adore. Then I realised why I loved the main character. He reminds a lot to the boy I love, and Audrey resembles on me. What I loved the most about this book was the message the boy gives to all those people, and for no particular reason. I loved the symbolism with the aces. Perfect book. I even enjoyed it more then the book thief. Thank you, Markus, for making me think about becoming a better person. Great job ♥ ( )

This would have been truly astounding if it weren't for the insanely weak ending. As I approached the end, I couldn't think of any way the book could end in a satisfying way. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that *no* proper ending would have been the most satisfying way to finish it off. Instead, we got a lackluster "Return of the King" it-keeps-not-ending ending. ( )

This is my first Zusak book. I will definitely read more.
Ed Kennedy is an apathetic 19 year old in love with his friend, but too sedate to do anything about it. He drives a cab (illegally), plays cards, and generally goes along with whatever others are doing. Oh, and he has a terribly smelly coffee drinking canine pal named The Doorman. Then one day he is a witness to a bank robbery and ends up thwarting the theft. He starts receiving cryptic messages soon after, from someone who obviously assumes he has what it takes to get up off his ass and do something.
The books is wonderfully funny during some moments, and quietly lovely in others. Zusak has created a character who could walk off the page.
At its best, the book helps the reader ask "who writes my life?" At the "worst", the book has the aforementioned funny and lovely moments. I'd say that's a pretty darn good book.
Ultimately, though, I keep vacillating between 3 and 4 stars, so I guess I would give it a 3.5.
When I think about the book, the writing, the formation of the characters, the twisty ending, I'm completely smitten. But the truth is, I haven't thought about the book much since reading it, except to sit down and write this review. ( )

I liked the book. Indeed easy to read, and I finished in one day.

Loved the concept, Ed receiving aces with riddles/assignments to fulfill.
I tried to imagine Doorman's smell, but I'm not sure I came close, LOL.

Of the assignments I liked Milla & Sophie the best. Richie was the least interesting character imho. I'm not sure I like the ending very much, a bit too much 'and they lived happily ever after' for my liking. ( )