The Unwritten Girl: The Unwritten Books

by James Bow

Rosemary Watson lives in the small town of Clarksbury, where news travels fast and gossip sticks around. Years before, her brother Theo suffered a nervous breakdown, and Rosemary, now entering junior high, is constantly teased about it. She wonders if she might go crazy like her brother, and she feels guilty for not being able to save him. She tries to hide in books, but even there she's uneasy: she can't stand to see characters suffer. She's happiest...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550026046
• ISBN13: 9781550026047
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Dundurn Press
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.3"
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 10

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Rosemary Watson likes the company of books much better than that of people her own age. Which explains her hesitance to accept the help of the new boy, Peter. That and the weird thing she saw in the library right before. It looked like a girl, but it folded up and disappeared. The only thing Rosemary knows for sure is that it was angry. And if there's anything worse than a hallucination, it's one that's mad at you. Maybe she's just going to have a nervous breakdown like her older brother, Theo. Due to a huge freak storm, and missing the bus, Rosemary is forced to bring Peter home. Theo seems to be literally lost in a book; he can't put it down or stop reading it. He won't even let Rosemary look at it. When she manages to get a peak, she is shocked to realize the book is blank until Theo reads it. Theo snatches the book out of her view and warns her to "look out for the books." After another visit from angry ghost girl, a near breakdown from Theo, and a message from Puck, it appears that it is up to Rosemary and Peter to save Theo. He has gone to the Land of Fiction to try and keep Rosemary safe, and now she needs to rescue him. Rosemary and Peter must navigate the Land of Fiction, with Puck as their guide. They must meet challenges, find their strength, face their fears, and find out why so many of the characters in the Land of Fiction are so angry with Rosemary. I can't describe to you how great I thought this book was! Between the idea of being truly sucked into a book, to living in the stories that you've read, to the fabulous reason that all of the characters are upset. It's hilarious, scary, exciting, and impossible to put down. I've always loved Puck, and the fact that he speaks mostly in iambic pentameter, intended or not, is just too perfect. If you're a book fanatic, this is an absolute must! Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

You should read this one...

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a hero in the Land of Fiction? Oh, sure it's exciting, but Rosemary and Peter discover that it can be pretty scary too. And telling yourself that the hero always wins in the end doesn't help you when you are being attacked by jaguars or knights with swords. This book is well-written, fast-paced, and sometimes funny. The main characters are very likable. I believe there is a sequel coming out soon--I'm looking forward to it.