BOTW January 14

By Paige Waskow

The book of the week is:

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

What's it about?:

     Published in 2002, I am the Messenger follows Ed, a cab driver. The book comically begins with Ed and his close friends getting stuck in a bank during a robbery. After a chain of events that introduces the reader to the basics of his life (such as his coffee loving dog, the Doorman, and giant crush on his best friend Audrey), Ed starts receiving playing cards, aces, in the mail. The first card, the ace of diamonds, simply has three addresses written across it. Noting that this is an odd occurrence, Ed ignores them, however, they continue to bother him. When he finally decides to check them out, his life changes forever.

Why did I choose it?:

     I am the Messenger is one of my favorite books. It's funny and entertaining but dives deeply into what it means to love people and enter into their lives, even though it is so often difficult. It also addresses the meaning of self and existence in a world that has certain expectations of us. The main character is self described as pretty bad at everything and not overly unique. He is a 19 year old taxi cab driver, has hardly any connection to his family, and he plays cards with his friends; that's about it.

     The diversity of characters in the book is great, and Zusak does not cover up struggle or lightly address difficult topics. He asks a lot of the reader: to contemplate who we are in a world with so many other people, to struggle with Ed, and to challenge our life's purpose. I have re-read it a few times, and it doesn't get old.

via GIPHY

Is there anything else you should know?:

1. The book contains the sexual assault of a minor character. The assault occurs towards the beginning of the book but is mentioned a few more times as the main character struggles with it.

2. Markus Zusak is most popularly known for his bestseller and awarded story, The Book Thief.

Where can you get this book?:

I am the Messenger is available at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.



If you have a book you love and want to see as a BOTW, leave a comment below. Happy reading!