59 pages • 1 hour read
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357
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Australian Town • Contemporary
2002
YA
14-18 years
640L
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak follows 19-year-old cab driver Ed Kennedy, whose life changes when he stops a bank robbery and begins receiving playing cards with cryptic messages leading him to help those in need. Set in suburban Sydney, the novel explores themes of personal growth, finding meaning in suffering, and the power of human connection, employing an unconventional narrative style. The novel contains mentions of substance abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and profanity.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
171,327 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Markus Zusak's I Am The Messenger is lauded for its engaging narrative and unique premise, centered around an underdog protagonist delivering mysterious messages. While praised for thought-provoking themes and emotional depth, some critics find the plot resolution unsatisfactory. Overall, it's a compelling read marked by its blend of mystery and heart.
Readers who would enjoy I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak are typically young adults or older teens who appreciate suspenseful, thought-provoking narratives with a touch of humor and heart. Fans of John Green’s Looking for Alaska or J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye may find the novel particularly engaging for its protagonist's journey and moral complexities.
171,327 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Audrey O’Neill
Ed’s guarded and loving friend and love interest, who struggles with emotional attachment due to a painful past but ultimately finds courage in her feelings for Ed.
Marvin Harris
Ed’s brash and sarcastic best friend, whose loyalty and hidden struggles come to light during a pivotal message that transforms his relationship with Ed.
Dave Sanchez
Known as Ritchie, this humorous friend of Ed's outwardly appears nonchalant but grapples with a sense of aimlessness that Ed helps him begin to address.
Beverly Anne Kennedy
Ed’s hypercritical mother whose harsh words have shaped his self-perception, motivating him to seek personal growth beyond her expectations.
357
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Australian Town • Contemporary
2002
YA
14-18 years
640L
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