I am the Messenger

Sometimes when I finish a particularly good book, I give myself a few days before reviewing it. It's as though I can't put into words what I loved, or why I loved it; I just know that it was spectacular.

I had that experience with the book I finished this weekend, I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I'd previously read The Book Thief by Zusak and was blown away. (I realize the phrase might not be appropriate for a WWII novel, but it remains an apt description for my reaction to that novel). The Book Thief is a beautiful, and horrific read that I recommend to anyone.

I obviously must be a fan of Zusak, because the moment I finished I am the Messenger (which I devoured), I just wanted to contact all of my book loving friends to tell them they must read this book. It was amazing, simply amazing.

I am the Messenger features a young adult (19) who is at that stage I remember well. When life is just sort of there, and you live it, but never really experience it. When the future is just an abstract concept. And our main character, Ed, is thrown a curveball. Suddenly he is making a difference in other people's lives.

If you love to read (and why are you reading my reading blog if you don't?) check out either of these books. Both are among the best I've read in a long while.

But, a fair warning before I sign off. Zusak's writing style can be a little unorthodox at times. Here is a excerpt from the 10th page of my American paperback edition.

I'm standing at the Ford's window.
I have the gun pointed at his eyes.
He stops.
We both do.

It took some getting used to when I read The Book Thief, but by the time I go to I am the Messenger, I hardly noticed.