3rd Quarter SSR (I Am The Messenger)

The fictional novel entitled I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak enraptured me within the first few pages, as its enthralling plot and rather blunt characters invigorated my sense of empathy, so much so that I believe this novel will be read 100 years from now. The stark contrasts between an audience's initial impression of a character versus our encounter with a character's often hidden, tumultuous pasts puts us on the edge of our seat. Ed Kennedy, an ordinary and dead beat cab driver, lacks motivation in his life, perceived as a disappointment by his family, friends, and even himself. However, with the introduction of mysterious playing cards that send him on missions to help people, Ed Kennedy seems reborn, alive with a renewed sense of purpose. Numerous missions that deal with Ed's morality, such as his contemplation of killing a man who he witnessed raping his wife, are not only riveting for readers, but allow audiences to empathize with the inner war that is waged within Ed. Readers, regardless if they're from 100 years or 1 day from now, can resonate with this common inner conflict that every individual faces, allowing readers to question their own decisions and what they'd do in his position. The relatability that Ed poses, mainly through being an ordinary, unmotivated individual, enables readers to connect with his difficult decisions and refound sense of purpose. The fact that he was randomly and mysteriously picked for such life altering missions culminates into a larger lesson for audiences: no matter who you are, or how mundane life may seem, there will be a reason to keep going on. Events such as learning his mother has a secret boyfriend after his father's death, and discovering that his quiet friend of 10 years, Marv, has an illegitimate child not only envelops readers in such interesting plots, brings an aspect of realism towards the audience. Everyone has their secrets and sides unknown to the rest of the world, kept behind a curtain to even those closest to them. Whether it's 100 years from now, or it's the past, present, or future, I Am The Messenger will be read, as it adds an element of applicability to readers' lives, grounding them through its two dimensional characters and touching story arc.