I Am the Messenger

Courtesy of Alfred A. Knopf

Bibliography

Zusak, Markus. I Am the Messenger. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Print.

 ISBN 9780375836671

Plot Summary

Feeling like he’s not much of anything worthwhile, Ed wonders what he can make his life out to be. At 19, he spends his time driving a cab and hanging out with a few friends until the Ace of diamonds mysteriously shows up in his mailbox. Before long Ed is doing strange jobs and doesn’t know who he’s working for, but he thinks he may have been chosen because he was in the news having luckily caught a bank robber. Weirdly, whoever he’s working for knows him more than he’s comfortable with.

Critical Analysis

Suspenseful, edgy, and lulling. Readers will find themselves wondering how far Ed would go; would he kill someone? Zusak writes a thrilling novel from Ed’s point of view, drifting through life as Ed’s melancholy existence seeks meaning. This is an interesting read that will lead readers to not only find out what happens next, but perhaps take a little introspective look at their own life. Readers get to know the main characters intimately and witness them emerging into new phases of their lives as Ed challenges them each to get past something unique.

Zusak’s poetic flare strikes again in this coming-into-adulthood novel. As the story plays out Ed’s thoughts trail almost poetically, with short thoughts interspersed with longer thoughts and dialogue. The story all happens around a British city which may be very interesting for teens who would like to travel or experience city life. The dialogue is enjoyable, as Ed and his friends’ vernacular is street lingo with cursing in a British dialect. It really brings the characters to life, and they surely do need a life. There is just enough balance between paying it forward and getting what’s deserved for himself to keep a reader’s interest. All the story events could happen in real life. Ed finds himself dealing abuse, apathy, dementia, sex, love, and teen pregnancy. Issues and language make this book fitted to older readers.

Awards and Review Excerpts

2006 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2006 Kentucky Bluegrass Master List

The Children’s Book Council of Australia, Book of the Year Older Readers 2003

2005 Printz Honor Book

ALA 2008 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults

From Kirkus Reviews: “The openly sentimental elements are balanced by swearing, some drinking and violence, and edgy friendships.”

From Publishers Weekly: “The author artfully pulls readers through the many plot twists, building to a startling revelation.”

Connections

Students may wish to brainstorm ideas for helping people in need. Classes could do service projects together or in small groups.

Combine with a study in life planning including career planning, home economics, and budgeting.

Create multimedia book trailers.