April Book Review One: I Am The Messenger

Its about time I did another book review, eh. I've been a bit of a slacker lately. I've been waiting for the next two books in the Sarah Agnes Prines series to become available, but they haven't yet. I almost want to buy them. (hint to the father of my 3 children, there are three books in the series, I have 3 kids, I would love to own them, mothers day is coming up!) Anyway, in the meantime I thought I'd give Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief, which I loved) another shot. He didn't disappoint.

I am the Messenger (released in Australia as The Messenger, which in my opinion is a much better title, "I Am" just annoys me.)

By Markus Zusak

This book is about a 19 year old "good for nothing" type kid, Ed Kennedy, that inadvertently stops a bank robbery. Once he does that, he starts to receive mysterious playing cards in the mail giving him vague instructions on how to help people in his slummy town in (based on the dialog) Australia. He watches people, finds out what they need, and does something so that their needs are fulfilled. It isn't always easy or pleasant, but is always rewarding. By helping these people he learns about himself and in the process may be helping himself to have a better life.

I really enjoyed this book, and finished in a little over a day. It has some violence, drinking and swearing, nothing too shocking, very "PG13" type stuff. It made me laugh, and even get a little misty near the end, and was very entertaining. I especially liked the character development, and thought that Ed was very likable. And the other characters were all somewhat interesting, but not more than Ed. I loved the dialog, because I swear I could hear the Australian accent in my head, and really who doesn't love an australian accent! It's number two on my list of sexy accents, right behind hillbilly! Just kidding, but the dialog really is fun. I'd give this book 9 out of 10 and for Marde, maybe a B.

Ps. I actually read another book before this one that I was too lazy to review. It was called The History of Love by Nicole Kraus. I also enjoyed this book. It was a quick read at only 250 pages, but I was disappointed when it ended before all the issues were resolved. Anyway, that one I'd give a 7 out of 10, or a C for Marde.