sensational

I Am the Messenger
Markus Zusak, © 2002
young-adult fiction; 360 pages

I must begin this post by admitting that I'm an optimist and believe people are good (or have the capability to be) and can change. Ed Kennedy is a 19 year old cab driver that lives in a small suburb outside of Sydney, Australia. He begins to receive playing cards with cryptic messages written on them, which leads him to making small and large differences in selected lives around him. Several times throughout the book as Ed finds ways to help these individuals, emotional shivers (can't think of a better way to describe it) coursed through my body. Ed is able to make people feel beautiful, accepted, safe, or loved.

I love the idea that ordinary people can make a difference in each others lives. Zusak shows us that we can make a difference in other's lives if we are willing to live in the present, be observant, show empathy and the willingness to give some of our time.

read it

Note: Zusak does not hold back on Australian slang. If you've been to 'the land down under' you'll love the reminiscense of their colorful language. If you've never been, you'll still enjoy it and learn some good phrases for your eventual trip. Also, Zusak has another incredible book, The Book Thief. You can get more information about this book by clicking on the link above. Pick it up because it will blow your mind!

Final Note: This is the second Michael L. Printz Award winning book I've read. To find out more about this award and past winners follow the link.