I Am the Messenger: Parts 4–5

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 223 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. periphery
    the outside boundary or surface of something
    Audrey's voice asked a question, but I didn't hear it. It was on the periphery of the wide blast of noise inside my ears.
  2. subside
    wear off or die down
    As we walked on, the giant noise inside my ears subsided.
  3. condescending
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    "When...am I ever condescending?"
  4. devoid
    completely wanting or lacking
    In the end I talk completely devoid of emotion.
  5. circumspect
    careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
    I’m pretty circumspect for New Year’s Eve. I guess I’m not really in the mood for celebrating this year.
  6. idiosyncrasy
    a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual
    I take the towels in the bathroom down as well as the fairly scungy tea towel in the kitchen. That was one of my father’s idiosyncrasies, or superstitions. Never leave anything out to dry as the sun comes up for the new year.
  7. cajole
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
    This nearly cajoles me into thinking I should also know what Marv needs with the money.
  8. humility
    a lack of arrogance or false pride
    He speaks with humility on his lips.
  9. reminisce
    recall the past
    This kind of reminiscing is supposed to be done at the end, and I haven’t finished yet.
  10. obsessive
    characterized by an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation
    Yes, it all makes sense...The obsessive watchfulness and abhorrent vigilance with money.
  11. abhorrent
    offensive to the mind
    Yes, it all makes sense...The obsessive watchfulness and abhorrent vigilance with money.
  12. succumb
    give in, as to overwhelming force, influence, or pressure
    It refuses to die or run cold....But one night, surely, it has to succumb.
  13. pervade
    spread or diffuse through
    Silence pervades everything until the Doorman yawns and licks his lips.
  14. jaded
    exhausted
    Audrey can see the paleness of my face and the jaded look of the rest of me.
  15. unkempt
    not properly maintained or cared for
    We go to Ritchie’s, to the playground with the unkempt grass, and to Audrey’s place.
Created on Wed Sep 11 15:39:45 EDT 2013 (updated Thu Jul 31 12:43:56 EDT 2025)

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