120 books

#4 of 2012: I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

I had five other novels waiting at my side, waiting to change my life, but I chose this and I literally didn’t know what to do with my self after I read it because it was just WHOA MY LIFE IS WHAAA. Markus Zusak, where have you been in my life in the past decade?? I just cannot believe I let the 2000s pass me by without me having been able to read this! If they say The Book Thief is life-changing, well, in my world, it’s THIS that is such. But enough gushing, allow me to be rational for a minute: The story has a quite difficult plot, but with actually simple stories to tell that revolved around universal themes such as crime, love, money, family, friendship, death, poverty, church and religion, brotherhood, livelihood, literature, music and dance, sports and games, revenge, and justice - can be in that order. Zusak’s writing was brilliant - and I agree with the rave reviews that he really outdid his self here. No wonder this got the Printz Honor Award. And the best part? His message was received. And you will, too, if you get a copy for your self, which you MUST!

Yay!s
-The first chapter! It’s one in a million. How many YA novels start with a robbery scene?
-I dug Ed Kennedy, not because his last name is my father’s first name, but he was uncool in such a cool way and he was unafraid to admit his weaknesses.
-The use of suits of cards in the story was in all excellent. At the turn of every chapter, you eventually realize how the use of a certain suit fits the plot.
-The part where Ed went to the library to borrow a lot of books and he didn’t know how that library cards have already went out centuries ago.
-The part where Ed ~plays Jimmy.
-The part where Ed gives Agnes an ice cream.
-The part where I thought Ed’s most loyal friend, Doorman, was killed.
-THE WHOLE PART, HONESTLY.
-And a spoiler: Ed’s seemingly eternal unrequited love with Audrey paid off, in the end!
-This story sends the message of giving, giving, giving even though you haven’t got much to give anymore.

Boo!
-Another spoiler: I wish Ed ended up with the barefoot-running Sophie instead.