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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
It took me a long time to read this book. I say this because generally I am a pretty quick reader. I had to read a lot of things for school in-between this book so it took up some of my time. Now though, I'm glad. This is a book that I am glad I spent almost a month with.
The books starts off with a 19 year old guy named Ed (just Ed, not short for anything) and his friends, Marv, Ritchie, and Audrey, on the floor in the middle of a bank robbery. Marv is quite pissed that the failed robber is trying to run off with his pile of shit car. Since his car is in fact a pile of shit he can't get away fast enough. Ed runs out and hits him and thus becomes the hero.
Ed, is not a hero type. He is an illegal (underage technically) cab driver. He is single (but in love with Audrey), his mother hates him and tells him frequently, his father died, he has a smelly dog named the Doorman.
But........
At the trial for the failure that was the robbery the robber tells Ed that every time he looks into the mirror, he will be looking at a dead man.
Then.....
A playing card, (the ace of diamonds) arrives with 3 addresses listed on it and his life is about to change.
Ed has to deliver messages, he will figure out what the message is when the time is right. He has no choice, two men named Daryl and Keith will beat him up if he doesn't. That and he feels like he has nothing else to do and is driven to finnish this task. Ed gets 3 addresses on the ace of diamonds, then he receives the ace of clubs, the ace of spades and the the ace of hearts. Each with 3 messages he must deliver.
I don't want to give away too much more, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. The way it is written is interesting, clever and it draws you in. Ed, while a bit of an ordinary schmuck is very likable and a good person. The overall message and how everything plays out in the end just blew me away. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time to come.
The books starts off with a 19 year old guy named Ed (just Ed, not short for anything) and his friends, Marv, Ritchie, and Audrey, on the floor in the middle of a bank robbery. Marv is quite pissed that the failed robber is trying to run off with his pile of shit car. Since his car is in fact a pile of shit he can't get away fast enough. Ed runs out and hits him and thus becomes the hero.
Ed, is not a hero type. He is an illegal (underage technically) cab driver. He is single (but in love with Audrey), his mother hates him and tells him frequently, his father died, he has a smelly dog named the Doorman.
But........
At the trial for the failure that was the robbery the robber tells Ed that every time he looks into the mirror, he will be looking at a dead man.
Then.....
A playing card, (the ace of diamonds) arrives with 3 addresses listed on it and his life is about to change.
Ed has to deliver messages, he will figure out what the message is when the time is right. He has no choice, two men named Daryl and Keith will beat him up if he doesn't. That and he feels like he has nothing else to do and is driven to finnish this task. Ed gets 3 addresses on the ace of diamonds, then he receives the ace of clubs, the ace of spades and the the ace of hearts. Each with 3 messages he must deliver.
I don't want to give away too much more, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. The way it is written is interesting, clever and it draws you in. Ed, while a bit of an ordinary schmuck is very likable and a good person. The overall message and how everything plays out in the end just blew me away. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time to come.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With work being slow lately, I decided to start bringing books into work to help pass the time, and to get myself back into reading–something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. This week I started and finished reading the first novel I’ve read in many, many years. I wanted to ease myself back into novels, so I started with something comfortable and familiar: I Am the Messenger (or The Messenger) by Markus Zusak, one of my favorite books from my teenage years.
I originally got The Messenger from one of my parents’ acquaintances; I don’t even remember who they were or why they gave it to me. And wow, what an interesting choice of book to give to a kid that you don’t know, because The Messenger is not a gentle book. It’s got some real mature shit in there (like, content warning stuff)--shit that I certainly didn’t fully understand the first few times I read it over 15 (?) years ago. It’s interesting, too, how my reading of The Messenger has changed since I last read it over a decade ago. For instance, there are several scenes and word-choices that really make it painfully obvious that this book was written in 2002 (like fat-phobic language and the notion of “boys will be boys”). Some of the female characters are treated in a very male-gazey fashion at times, and there are some pretty weird choices made towards them by Zusak. All this is shit I didn’t even think about when I was younger.
Taking my critique into account, this book, in my opinion, still hits, and it hits me differently now–deeper, in some ways. I definitely teared up this time when I never did before. And I still love Zusak’s writing style (if not always his writing choices) in this book. The Messenger’s writing is ambitious and evocative while feeling grounded at the same time. Zusak’s style, specifically from this book (because I read it long before The Book Thief), was definitely a big influence on my own style; I’ve always liked how he uses page formatting to emphasize the words and the moments without going overboard. I also like the structure of this book’s narrative, which strikes me as very video game-like (specifically taking on “quests”). This time around, I think that I enjoyed The Messenger’s “meta-narrative” of sorts. I wouldn’t blame people for thinking it’s a bit ridiculous, but I found it endearing.
I also realize that I got my habit of saying “no worries,” which is an Australian mannerism, from this Australian book. I… may not have realized it was set in Australia when I was younger, despite the extremely Australian way the characters talk, and how it was summer in December… I could be a bit dense at times.
All-in-all, coming back to this book–my original, worn I Am the Messenger copy, no less–was like talking with an old friend after a long absence, and I got sucked into the conversation.
I originally got The Messenger from one of my parents’ acquaintances; I don’t even remember who they were or why they gave it to me. And wow, what an interesting choice of book to give to a kid that you don’t know, because The Messenger is not a gentle book. It’s got some real mature shit in there (like, content warning stuff)--shit that I certainly didn’t fully understand the first few times I read it over 15 (?) years ago. It’s interesting, too, how my reading of The Messenger has changed since I last read it over a decade ago. For instance, there are several scenes and word-choices that really make it painfully obvious that this book was written in 2002 (like fat-phobic language and the notion of “boys will be boys”). Some of the female characters are treated in a very male-gazey fashion at times, and there are some pretty weird choices made towards them by Zusak. All this is shit I didn’t even think about when I was younger.
Taking my critique into account, this book, in my opinion, still hits, and it hits me differently now–deeper, in some ways. I definitely teared up this time when I never did before. And I still love Zusak’s writing style (if not always his writing choices) in this book. The Messenger’s writing is ambitious and evocative while feeling grounded at the same time. Zusak’s style, specifically from this book (because I read it long before The Book Thief), was definitely a big influence on my own style; I’ve always liked how he uses page formatting to emphasize the words and the moments without going overboard. I also like the structure of this book’s narrative, which strikes me as very video game-like (specifically taking on “quests”). This time around, I think that I enjoyed The Messenger’s “meta-narrative” of sorts. I wouldn’t blame people for thinking it’s a bit ridiculous, but I found it endearing.
I also realize that I got my habit of saying “no worries,” which is an Australian mannerism, from this Australian book. I… may not have realized it was set in Australia when I was younger, despite the extremely Australian way the characters talk, and how it was summer in December… I could be a bit dense at times.
All-in-all, coming back to this book–my original, worn I Am the Messenger copy, no less–was like talking with an old friend after a long absence, and I got sucked into the conversation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Pedophilia
This book is brilliant! I’m a little confused as to how it won an award in a children’s book category, because I don’t personally think it’s appropriate for children, but it is a marvelous book.
It’s got just enough “out there” stuff, that you don’t believe it, but enough “in there” stuff for you to say, “You know what? Okay. I can suspend my disbelief for a while”.
It’s tense, sometimes creepy, and downright uplifting. So many of my tears shed were of happiness, and usually when I cry at books it’s sadness.
A BIT of a spoiler alert here!
i love how it doesn’t really feel like it wraps up at the end. Like, they give you the answers (sort of) but you’re like, “No. That’s not sufficient. I’m still very confused. This is a terrible answer to my questions,” but moments later you realize that Zusak could have written any ending and it would have had the same effect, because the end doesn’t matter. The only thing that could have completely ruined the end was if he had made it super elaborate and important. But by not doing so, you realize that it’s not the end that matters, it’s the rest of the book. It’s the journey (to be clichéd).
Overall, this book might be one I read again. It didn’t overpower you with it’s sex scenes (or imagined ones) *cough cough Time Traveler’s Wife!*, it wasn’t long winded or overly descriptive. It has some FANTASTIC quotes. Seriously. This guy knows how to not write ordinary sentences! And it made me smile. And feel good. :)
I can’t wait to read something else by Zusak. I’ll have to give The Book Thief a try!
It’s got just enough “out there” stuff, that you don’t believe it, but enough “in there” stuff for you to say, “You know what? Okay. I can suspend my disbelief for a while”.
It’s tense, sometimes creepy, and downright uplifting. So many of my tears shed were of happiness, and usually when I cry at books it’s sadness.
A BIT of a spoiler alert here!
i love how it doesn’t really feel like it wraps up at the end. Like, they give you the answers (sort of) but you’re like, “No. That’s not sufficient. I’m still very confused. This is a terrible answer to my questions,” but moments later you realize that Zusak could have written any ending and it would have had the same effect, because the end doesn’t matter. The only thing that could have completely ruined the end was if he had made it super elaborate and important. But by not doing so, you realize that it’s not the end that matters, it’s the rest of the book. It’s the journey (to be clichéd).
Overall, this book might be one I read again. It didn’t overpower you with it’s sex scenes (or imagined ones) *cough cough Time Traveler’s Wife!*, it wasn’t long winded or overly descriptive. It has some FANTASTIC quotes. Seriously. This guy knows how to not write ordinary sentences! And it made me smile. And feel good. :)
I can’t wait to read something else by Zusak. I’ll have to give The Book Thief a try!
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
I have such mixed feelings about this book! It was enjoyable and interesting and intriguing. I liked not knowing what was happening and really loved the characters and the storyline. If you're interested in a mysterious book, go for this one!
The Good:
I had no idea what to expect with this book and I enjoyed going on the journey with Ed and seeing how he coped with it. It was a really interesting idea and there were so many good moments and wonderful quotes within this book. I don't particularly like his other book The Book Thief and so went into this hesitantly. This one is written really peculiarly but I did love it.
The plot was really original and I really liked seeing every different suit and how it changed, how Ed helped people, how he understood them, how he had to figure out each issue with no instruction. I also liked the interactions with the characters he'd never met but just helped as part of his message and how it helped him and changed him throughout the story.
The characters were mostly great. I really liked how in the final quarter of the book you got more information about a lot of the characters and this really built the story up. This is a book unlike any other and definitely has got me thinking about things I've never thought about before!
The Bad:
I know a lot of people would like the ending, but the ending ruined the book for me. I didn't love it, I thought it was silly and only having read some reviews do I now understand it, which is not how I like to finish a book. I also don't love reading books where the main girl character leads the best friend on and is upset when they aren't continuously available because life changes. Audrey was just not a great character for me and I didn't like how it ended. I think guys deserve better.
The Interesting:
I just loved how the book was structured: diamonds, clubs, spades and hearts. I thought it was a great way to continue the book and it made it easier to read. Also, I did love the character Ed!
Recommended for: People who love alternate storylines and unpredictable endings that keep you thinking. A great one for fiction lovers.
Quotes (Spoiler Free):
“I'd rather chase the sun than wait for it.”
“People die of broken hearts. They have heart attacks. And it's the heart that hurts most when things go wrong and fall apart.”
“If a guy like you can stand up and do what you did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of.”
“She soon says, "You're my best friend, Ed."
You can kill a man with those words.
No gun.
No bullets.
Just words and a girl.”
“Have you ever noticed that idiots have a lot of friends? It's just an observation.”
I have such mixed feelings about this book! It was enjoyable and interesting and intriguing. I liked not knowing what was happening and really loved the characters and the storyline. If you're interested in a mysterious book, go for this one!
The Good:
I had no idea what to expect with this book and I enjoyed going on the journey with Ed and seeing how he coped with it. It was a really interesting idea and there were so many good moments and wonderful quotes within this book. I don't particularly like his other book The Book Thief and so went into this hesitantly. This one is written really peculiarly but I did love it.
The plot was really original and I really liked seeing every different suit and how it changed, how Ed helped people, how he understood them, how he had to figure out each issue with no instruction. I also liked the interactions with the characters he'd never met but just helped as part of his message and how it helped him and changed him throughout the story.
The characters were mostly great. I really liked how in the final quarter of the book you got more information about a lot of the characters and this really built the story up. This is a book unlike any other and definitely has got me thinking about things I've never thought about before!
The Bad:
I know a lot of people would like the ending, but the ending ruined the book for me. I didn't love it, I thought it was silly and only having read some reviews do I now understand it, which is not how I like to finish a book. I also don't love reading books where the main girl character leads the best friend on and is upset when they aren't continuously available because life changes. Audrey was just not a great character for me and I didn't like how it ended. I think guys deserve better.
The Interesting:
I just loved how the book was structured: diamonds, clubs, spades and hearts. I thought it was a great way to continue the book and it made it easier to read. Also, I did love the character Ed!
Recommended for: People who love alternate storylines and unpredictable endings that keep you thinking. A great one for fiction lovers.
Quotes (Spoiler Free):
“I'd rather chase the sun than wait for it.”
“People die of broken hearts. They have heart attacks. And it's the heart that hurts most when things go wrong and fall apart.”
“If a guy like you can stand up and do what you did, then maybe everyone can. Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of.”
“She soon says, "You're my best friend, Ed."
You can kill a man with those words.
No gun.
No bullets.
Just words and a girl.”
“Have you ever noticed that idiots have a lot of friends? It's just an observation.”
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
последната част на книгата малко ме разочарова и ѝ смъкна оценката мъъъъничко- от 4.5 на 4.25, но определено заобичах книгата, с всичките ѝ малки недостатъци и препоръчвам със всяка фибра от тялото си!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes