I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Coming of age, mystery and action
Rating: 9


This book was both action, mystery and a growing novel for the main character Ed Kennedy. The premise of the book is such: Ed, a seemingly average 19 year old cab driver gets involved with a bank robbery. The aftermath of this robbery changes Ed's life forever, as he must complete mysterious tasks set out by a group of faceless men. As the cards keep coming, Ed gets further and further involved with the people that he surrounds himself with.

I really did enjoy this book. Admittedly, I have not read The Book Thief yet, although it is on my to-read list. I have read many book reviews for this book, and it seems as though if you would like to read Zusak, you should start WITH I Am the Messenger and then move to The Book Thief. I liked this book for many reasons. I like the idea that people who are ordinary can do extraordinary things. I like the idea that there is a society of people out there that are selflessly changing the lives of others, and rewarding people who are good.

There is a lot of debate around people who liked Ed and people who did not like Ed. Many think that Ed is almost desensitized to the things that are happening around him, and he doesn't "get" what is happening. I think that he does understand it, but I also can see myself in his position. He has these assignments to complete, doesn't understand why, and yet has no option.

Plus I loved the Doorman.

P.S.  I am typing this review as my students are watching the movie that they worked hard to watch for this quarter. As I am typing, my students are commentating the things that I am blogging about, which are quite humorous. This is for proof of what I am doing, White 7/8 students. Like, omg. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Author: John Green
Genre: Coming of Age, Roadtrip
Rating: 10!

Yes! Another John Green!

The statement written in purple was written before I started to read the book. Look...look at how innocent and enthusiastic I was. 

I finished this book two days ago, and I have wanted to write a review since. However, I am just NOW allowing myself to write a review and this is why: I AM MAD. So so so mad. So mad. 

But Amanda, you gave this book a 10... why are you mad?

Just read it.

John Green, I cursed your existence Friday night, while at the same time I am very happy you wrote the book.

So enough. The book is about Hazel Grace, teenage girl who has a case of terminal lung cancer. Simply, she feels as though she is a constant state of drowning. In John Green style, she is a character who is sarcastic, humorous and the type of person you would want as your best friend. She is pushed by her hovering parents to Cancer Support Group where she meets and falls in love with one Augustus Waters. Augustus has quirks of his own, and the two depart on a new type of Green road trip, that is to another continent. The story that follows will make you laugh. It will make you cry. 

Looking for Alaska was the first Green novel I read. It was also the first book that I cried during. This book simultaneously follows in its footsteps and surpasses it, as it had me blubbering for almost an hour...for the last 70 pages! 

It was a phenomenal book, but from John Green I would expect no less.