Ed Kennedy is a 19-year-old cab driver whose life has settled into a pattern of playing nightly card games, having depressing encounters with his mother, and mooning over his best friend Audrey, whom he secretly loves. He is very self-centered and feels quite sorry for himself. The day the mysterious playing card with its cryptic instructions arrives in the mail, it forces him to think about someone else, and eventually to do good deeds. The cards that follow have similar assignments of good tasks for him to carry out. His assignments are not always completely clear; he must research and observe each person. For some, he just needs to give them the push they need to achieve what makes them happy, for others he must show them how to take responsibility, for some he must show other people the value of that person, and still others he just has to be a positive figure in their lives. In the end, he begins to see the effect of his actions, especially on those closest to him. And only one mystery remains, who sent the cards?
The voice of the narrator is the strongest element of this book. He seems to be honest, and the way he speaks is modern and without any sense of forced “coolness.” He is who he is, and doesn’t make apologies for that. The plot is interesting and keeps a reader focused. I think the idea is original, and well executed. The mystery included in the plot saves the book from being too much of a lecture on seeing the problems of the world around you.
I enjoyed this book, but must admit that the ending confused me. I think it ended with some elements of a less than realistic nature which conflicted with the majority of the book. In spite of this, it was a really fun book to read. I think that it would appeal to most Young Adults regardless of gender. The narrator is endearing without being sappy, and I think he tells the story particularly honestly. I also think that his narration is the element of the book Young Adults would appreciate the most. I would recommend it.
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