I Am the Messenger: Part 1

by Markus Zusak
Ed Kennedy lives an ordinary life — but when he stops a robbery, he gets swept up in an extraordinary mission.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Parts 4–5

Here is a link to our lists for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
15 words 494 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. jocular
    characterized by jokes and good humor
    He calls out in a jocular manner, "It’s Ed Kennedy, sir."
  2. sadistic
    deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on another
    It’s like being in school again and your sadistic math teacher’s barking orders at you from the front of the room...
  3. disgruntled
    in a state of sulky dissatisfaction
    With a disgruntled look on his face, Marv reaches into his pocket and pulls out his car keys.
  4. hapless
    unfortunate and deserving pity
    For a moment, I look down and pity him because I realize that I’m quite possibly looking at the most hapless man on earth.
  5. sanctimonious
    excessively or hypocritically pious
    He even manages to sound sanctimonious.
  6. penchant
    a strong liking or preference
    He’s called the Doorman because from a very early age he had a strong penchant for sitting by the front door.
  7. copious
    large in number or quantity
    I’ve rubbed it under his arms in copious amounts.
  8. allude
    make an indirect reference to
    As I’ve alluded to earlier, my mother really has quite a swearing habit on her.
  9. aspersion
    a disparaging remark
    ...Mr. Kennedy, could you please refrain from casting such aspersions?
  10. leniency
    mercifulness as a consequence of being tolerant
    Typical of the leniency these days.
  11. resolutely
    showing firm determination or purpose
    The roses are the only things alive, standing resolutely by the driveway.
  12. trepidation
    a feeling of alarm or dread
    I get up and step over the Doorman with great trepidation.
  13. impeccable
    without error or flaw
    She puts the coffee on the table and politely leaves...Impeccable timing.
  14. litany
    any long and tedious address or recital
    "I'm in no mood for your litany of crap."
  15. preposterous
    inviting ridicule
    The Annual Sledge Game is a preposterous game of soccer played at the Grounds before Christmas.
Created on Wed Sep 11 14:34:54 EDT 2013 (updated Thu Jul 31 12:02:28 EDT 2025)

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