I Am the Messenger
Registered by Miss-Owl on 12/25/2006
17 journalers for this copy...
Received this from my lovely cuz hunnyb for my birthday. My first Zusak - I'm looking forward to reading this one.
My cover is different & so is the title - something about catering to US markets, apparently.
As Zusak is an Australian writer, though, I'm going to have to say that the real title is The Messenger :)
My cover is different & so is the title - something about catering to US markets, apparently.
As Zusak is an Australian writer, though, I'm going to have to say that the real title is The Messenger :)
Loved it! A compelling read, executed with such a metaphysically deft sleight-of-hand that I had to lie down after reading it. Well, not really - that might have been Christmas dinner speaking :) but it was hugely enjoyable, very thought-provoking & ultimately heart-warming. I loved Ed's character & his phlegmatic approach to life.
Off on an international ring around the world. Participants so far:
rooshill (US --> US)
lauraloo29 (Canada --> international)
crimson-tide (WA, Aust --> Aust)
silvermoonwyrm (Vic, Aust --> Aust)
star-light (Vic, Aust --> Aust)
catsalive (NSW, Aust --> Aust)
back to me!
rooshill (US --> US)
lauraloo29 (Canada --> international)
crimson-tide (WA, Aust --> Aust)
silvermoonwyrm (Vic, Aust --> Aust)
star-light (Vic, Aust --> Aust)
catsalive (NSW, Aust --> Aust)
back to me!
Have you ever noticed that idiots have lots of friends? ROTFL! and Sex should be like Maths...
I got this on Saturday and started reading it that night. Sorry I didn't journal sooner - I've been off the computer a bit lately.
I'm about half through already (starting the spades now) and I love it! Thanks so much for sharing Miss-Owl. (and I numbered it for you first thing)
Will update when I've finished.
I got this on Saturday and started reading it that night. Sorry I didn't journal sooner - I've been off the computer a bit lately.
I'm about half through already (starting the spades now) and I love it! Thanks so much for sharing Miss-Owl. (and I numbered it for you first thing)
Will update when I've finished.
Absolutely loved it. Great humor, sweet and deep, with magic and authenticity. My version of the Doorman staring at me throughout the reading likely helped. :)
PMing lauraloo now.
PMing lauraloo now.
mailed on Friday - just catching up now - enjoy!
Arrived today. I have a couple of rings before it. Isn't that the way! Not to worry. I will keep it moving. Thanks!
This was a compelling read. Interesting. Although I don't know if I liked it much...... I didn't enjoy that secretness of why Ed was chosen. Or why Darryl and Keith were so "hands on" when Ed first met them. Certainly something to think about.
I'll be sending this back Down Under next week. I think it may be too heavy for me to afford airmail, but I'll see what I can do. Thank you for sharing!
I'll be sending this back Down Under next week. I think it may be too heavy for me to afford airmail, but I'll see what I can do. Thank you for sharing!
Arrived very safely back in Aussie land after a long trip - thanks to lauraloo29. I notice that the postage rates from Canada appear almost as bad as from Australia! I'm looking forward to it, as I really enjoyed "The Book Thief".
Thanks Miss-Owl for sharing.
Thanks Miss-Owl for sharing.
Journal Entry 10 by 
crimson-tide
from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, July 3, 2007
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, July 3, 2007
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this book. I enjoyed it - well most of it that is - I thought the ending was pretty naff! I enjoy Zusak's style of writing, and his character development is very well done (especially of Ed and the Doorman). He writes great dialogue too, and can inject humour into some very sad situations. It's just that something just didn't totally gell for me. Don't get me wrong, it was easy to read and enjoyable as I said, and for a relatively young writer he certainly has a great talent. It's the difference between a 7 and a 9 that he somehow didn't manage to produce. Hard to explain.
Sending to silvermoonwyrm tomorrow.
Update: Sent as promised on 4th July.
Sending to silvermoonwyrm tomorrow.
Update: Sent as promised on 4th July.
Eep. I was sure this was my first payday after receiving this book, but it can''t have been. I''ve been terribly slack, but have PM''d star-light for her address just now.
This wasn''t the sort of book I''d normally read, and I don''t know if I''d read anymore Zusaks, but I did enjoy this. I liked the twists and turns, the way that the whole thing felt like a giant scavenger hunt. I disliked how much of it was a setup, though the final few pages explain that, it still disturbs me. There enough people like the first diamond without making more.
Will post on as soon as I get star-light''s address.
This wasn''t the sort of book I''d normally read, and I don''t know if I''d read anymore Zusaks, but I did enjoy this. I liked the twists and turns, the way that the whole thing felt like a giant scavenger hunt. I disliked how much of it was a setup, though the final few pages explain that, it still disturbs me. There enough people like the first diamond without making more.
Will post on as soon as I get star-light''s address.
I found this waiting for me when I returned home today after 2 weeks away. I have one book to finish, then will start this one. Thanks silvermoonwyrm for sending and Miss-Owl for sharing.
Intriguing plot, fine writing and an excellent cast of characters made this a gripping read. I found myself cheering Ed on as he carried out his missions and desperately wanted things to end well for the characters involved. I was especially touched by the ace of hearts. Overall a very enjoyable and uplifting read.
As for why Daryl and Keith were so hands on when Ed first met them, I think it's because at that stage Ed needed 'encouragement' to continue with his mission.
Thanks Miss-Owl for sharing this book.
I have PMed catsalive and will send this on when I have an address.
As for why Daryl and Keith were so hands on when Ed first met them, I think it's because at that stage Ed needed 'encouragement' to continue with his mission.
Thanks Miss-Owl for sharing this book.
I have PMed catsalive and will send this on when I have an address.
Journal Entry 14 by star-light from Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia on Thursday, September 6, 2007
Mailed to catsalive yesterday.
Journal Entry 15 by 
catsalive
from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, September 11, 2007
catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Thanks star-light.
Journal Entry 16 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, September 27, 2007
catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, September 27, 2007
Well-written & very easy to read. I enjoyed the conversations between The Doorman and Ed, & I agree that the dialogue was good. It didn't really catch my interest though, perhaps I was affected by the pervading apathy - I'll blame Ritchie for that, shall I? I was uninterested in Ed's 3 friends & his family for the most part.
Thanks Miss-Owl. I'll drop it in the post today.
Thanks Miss-Owl. I'll drop it in the post today.
This book is back home now! Thanks, everyone, for participating in the ring.
This book is now on loan with a friend. I'm not sure if he's going to journal, but he's welcome to :)
The book is back with me. My friend's a quick reader but a shy one :)
Reserved for an international bookring. Participants are:
turn pages (UK --> UK/EU)
cally-c (UK --> UK/EU)
kinedi (UK --> UK) --> book is here
MarthaK-H (UK --> anywhere)
LGinder (US -->US)
msjoanna (US --> US)
SarahKathryn (US --> US)
supertalya (US --> anywhere)
Wandering-B (Hong Kong --> anywhere)
karen07814 (UK -->international)
& back to me! (Sydney, Australia)
Reserved for an international bookring. Participants are:
turn pages (UK --> UK/EU)
cally-c (UK --> UK/EU)
kinedi (UK --> UK) --> book is here
MarthaK-H (UK --> anywhere)
LGinder (US -->US)
msjoanna (US --> US)
SarahKathryn (US --> US)
supertalya (US --> anywhere)
Wandering-B (Hong Kong --> anywhere)
karen07814 (UK -->international)
& back to me! (Sydney, Australia)
Thank you very much for sending the book... I'll finish my current ring and will then read this one... Looking forward to it, thank you!
I have tried long enough now to get through this book, and I just cannot get into it. Very frustrating.
Some time ago I contacted the next person on the list and so I keep waiting for the book to be sent on...
Some time ago I contacted the next person on the list and so I keep waiting for the book to be sent on...
Journal Entry 22 by turnpages at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/26/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to its next reader...
On its way to its next reader...
Arrived this morning! I have a few rings in front of this one, but I will get to at in turn!
Journal Entry 24 by cally-c at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (10/15/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
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Sent to kinedi.
Sent to kinedi.
I really enjoyed this one - a great set of characters & a very odd plot. I'm not quite sure I 'grasped' the ending though!
Thanks to Miss-Owl for sharing & turnpages for sending it on. Book is on its way to kinedi later today.
Thanks to Miss-Owl for sharing & turnpages for sending it on. Book is on its way to kinedi later today.
Arrived safely in Scotland. Thanks for posting it up to me, looking forward to starting in the next few days.
Journal Entry 27 by kinedi from Rushyford, County Durham United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wow, I just whizzed through this one as I could not put it down. In certain ways it reminded me of ''The 5 people you meet in heaven'' by Mitch Albom but I think Markus Zusak has a fantastic writing style which appealed to me so much in ''The Book Thief'' Both books are very different though from the subject matter point of view but I really do think Markus Zusak has a great future ahead of him.
I have now PM'd MarthaK-H for her address so it can move on swiftly. Thanks ever so much for organising this bookring and for the extra effort of going through people's wishlists to invite them to join this ring. It was very much appreciated :o)
I have now PM'd MarthaK-H for her address so it can move on swiftly. Thanks ever so much for organising this bookring and for the extra effort of going through people's wishlists to invite them to join this ring. It was very much appreciated :o)
Journal Entry 28 by MarthaK-H from Lewisham, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Just recieved this in the post today, thanks Kinedi. I have just started reading another book this morning but as I have a relaxing half term week ahead I will try to read this one as quickly as poss as I have wanted to get hold of it for a while, since reading & loving The Book Thief. I will also PM LGinder today to ensure it gets moving again quickly.
Journal Entry 29 by MarthaK-H from Lewisham, Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, October 30, 2008
Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said??
Its not the normal sort of genre that I read but loved The Book Thief & wanted to read more from Zusak so was really pleased when it arrived.
I didn't really get the premise of the cards at first & why Ed just seemed to go along with his unusual & risky task so easily, but then again I suppose he had the time on his hands! However, I quickly got into the story & found it really hard to put down. I loved The Doorman & their conversations & like others was really touched by the ace of hearts. Its a great book to make you think about how you spend your time & how much you don't want to be like any of Ed's friends (throughout the most part of the story!!)
I'm really glad that Miss Owl keeps sending this one out & also touched that she took the time to contact those who were wishing for it - many thanks! :0)
I will pop it in the post to LGinder today. Hope she enjoys it!
Its not the normal sort of genre that I read but loved The Book Thief & wanted to read more from Zusak so was really pleased when it arrived.
I didn't really get the premise of the cards at first & why Ed just seemed to go along with his unusual & risky task so easily, but then again I suppose he had the time on his hands! However, I quickly got into the story & found it really hard to put down. I loved The Doorman & their conversations & like others was really touched by the ace of hearts. Its a great book to make you think about how you spend your time & how much you don't want to be like any of Ed's friends (throughout the most part of the story!!)
I'm really glad that Miss Owl keeps sending this one out & also touched that she took the time to contact those who were wishing for it - many thanks! :0)
I will pop it in the post to LGinder today. Hope she enjoys it!
Absolutely perfect timing as I just finished a book this morning. I'll start it now and get it back in the mail quickly.
Pm'ing the next in line for the address so as not to hold it up once I'm done.
Pm'ing the next in line for the address so as not to hold it up once I'm done.
I'm going ahead and rating the book at an 8 and making a journal entry although I'm just about 2/3 of the way done. So far I've enjoyed it, really love the doorman. Guess you have to have a really old and smelly dog to appreciate that part. Interesting how the author had Ed be a messenger through the cards.
Really thought I'd have more time to finish it up this week but prior commitments just cut into my couch time, hate it when that happens. I'm leaving on a road trip Tuesday but I have the address of the next in line with the envelope all addressed. When I'm finished I'll just find a post office and pop it in the mail. Final destination is the state of Montana (US) so it'll probably be mailed from there.
If anyone hasn't read the Book Thief from Zusak I'd recommend it. Excellent, excellent book! Thanks for sharing Miss-Owl.
Really thought I'd have more time to finish it up this week but prior commitments just cut into my couch time, hate it when that happens. I'm leaving on a road trip Tuesday but I have the address of the next in line with the envelope all addressed. When I'm finished I'll just find a post office and pop it in the mail. Final destination is the state of Montana (US) so it'll probably be mailed from there.
If anyone hasn't read the Book Thief from Zusak I'd recommend it. Excellent, excellent book! Thanks for sharing Miss-Owl.
Book was mailed to the next participant from the local post office in Great Falls, Montana (media mail). Hope it travels safely and arrives quickly. Thanks for sharing! Went out on or about Friday, November 14th.
This has arrived safely in NYC. I have a couple of rings ahead of it, but will turn to it soon.
Update 1/12/09: I'm nearly finished with this book and have PM'd the next person for her address. Sorry to be so slow - not as much reading time during the winter holidays.
Update 1/12/09: I'm nearly finished with this book and have PM'd the next person for her address. Sorry to be so slow - not as much reading time during the winter holidays.
Journal Entry 34 by msjoanna at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, January 15, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/15/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, the book followed a pretty set formula. Yes, it was sentimental. Still, the writing was brilliant and the characters were wonderful. The story traces a few months of Ed Kennedy's life as a lazy slacker post-high school. He drives a cab, plays cards with his friends, and lives in the small town where he grew up. Nothing much is happening in his life. Then, he begins the journey of the book. He starts receiving instructions for people to visit, and, somehow, he keeps doing it.
Perhaps the best character in the book is the Doorman, Ed's dog. Ed has entire conversations with his large, smelly, dog that are great.
A fast and easy read and highly entertaining. Definitely recommended.
The book is now in the mail to SarahKathryn -- sorry for keeping it longer than a month and thanks for letting me finish it! I loved it.
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, the book followed a pretty set formula. Yes, it was sentimental. Still, the writing was brilliant and the characters were wonderful. The story traces a few months of Ed Kennedy's life as a lazy slacker post-high school. He drives a cab, plays cards with his friends, and lives in the small town where he grew up. Nothing much is happening in his life. Then, he begins the journey of the book. He starts receiving instructions for people to visit, and, somehow, he keeps doing it.
Perhaps the best character in the book is the Doorman, Ed's dog. Ed has entire conversations with his large, smelly, dog that are great.
A fast and easy read and highly entertaining. Definitely recommended.
The book is now in the mail to SarahKathryn -- sorry for keeping it longer than a month and thanks for letting me finish it! I loved it.
Caught the book in my mailbox today! I'm swamped with school reading but I'm going to bump this to the top of my fun-reading list today; I'll try not to keep it too long.
Journal Entry 37 by Supertalya at bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, May 1, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (5/1/2009 UTC) at bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This is one is going with Me Cheeta to Hong Kong. I wish I could go too! I love Hong Kong!!!
This is one is going with Me Cheeta to Hong Kong. I wish I could go too! I love Hong Kong!!!
This one arrived in today's post - thanks, Supertalya for sending it to me and Miss Owl for making it a ring. I have three in front of it, but hope not to stall it too long. (When it rains, it pours!!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are well written, even if we may think they are total zeros. I loved many of the people Ed helps along the way, especially Milla. Ed had the perfect answer for her when she asked "Jimmy" where he had been, and he replies "I've been looking for you." Very sweet. The message that we can ALL make a difference if we just try comes through loud and clear.
Thanks again for sharing! Posting off to Karen07814 today, 1 June.
Thanks again for sharing! Posting off to Karen07814 today, 1 June.
it's arrived!
Here's where I own up. I read the Book Thief and I wasn't overly impressed. However I then read the reviews for this one and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did, it's similar to Q&A which is issinilar to Slumdog Millionaire incidentally.
It starts off likfe an episode of Only Fools and Horses and quickly improves and sucks you in.
Now I will read some more of Zusaks.
Meantime this one's on it's way home, thanks for sharing!
Here's where I own up. I read the Book Thief and I wasn't overly impressed. However I then read the reviews for this one and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did, it's similar to Q&A which is issinilar to Slumdog Millionaire incidentally.
It starts off likfe an episode of Only Fools and Horses and quickly improves and sucks you in.
Now I will read some more of Zusaks.
Meantime this one's on it's way home, thanks for sharing!
Released 14 yrs ago (6/15/2009 UTC) at Croydon Park, New South Wales Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
over to you
over to you
Safely back with me. Thank you, everyone, for taking part!
