I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
I think I might be a Markus Zusak fangirl. Every book I’ve read by him guts me with the beautiful writing and characters that fly off the page. Bridge of Clay had me ugly crying in an airport. Because I’m a #boymom? I don’t know. So, for this month’s virtual book club, I picked his book, I Am the Messenger, which is the one he wrote before Bridge of Clay.
It follows underage cab driver, Ed Kennedy, whose life isn’t going exactly as planned. He’s in love with his best friend, Audrey, and his life feels stagnant. Then, he intervenes in a bank robbery and someone starts leaving him cards. The cards send him to different people in the city who need help. We follow him as he decodes the cards, figuring out what each person needs and then helping or hurting people as befits the situation. It’s funny and suspenseful and raw in many places. It’s a great read that will stick with you after you finish the book.
“Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.”
― Markus Zusak, I am the Messenger.
Random Thoughts
- One of the things I love about this book is that at the beginning, Ed is isolated and stuck. Through the cards, he puts himself out there and into the community. Often, he makes a difference to people through small acts. It’s a great reminder to pay attention and seize those little moments to do something kind.
- Oh Audrey. I’ve known so many Audreys in my life.
- There’s so much beautiful, simple writing in this book. “My arms are killing me. I didn’t know words could be so heavy.” Yes.
Questions
- Which of the people he helped resonated the most for you?
- Did this book make you look at people differently? See beauty where you never noticed it before?
- One thing that stuck with me is that someone’s life can be changed by one moment of human connection. Have you experienced this?
- What did you think of the end? It wasn’t what I thought, but I liked it.
Drop me a comment and tell me what you thought of this one.