The Book Jumper is a children’s book by German author Mechthild Gläser.
Amy and her mother flee Bochum to take refuge on a forgotten Shetland island. Years ago, when she was pregnant with Amy, her mother left the island just as helter-skelter as they left Bochum now. Amy never knew why. She also never knew her dad. The island, the castle, and Amy’s grandmother are all very mysterious, but not as mysterious as learning that Amy is a book jumper, like everyone in her family. Book jumping is an important ability that gets lost once people get older. Together with two other young people Amy is taught in the art of book jumping. In the beginning book jumping novices have to stick to a favourite book. In Amy’s case that’s The Jungle Book. She is told that it’s important not to stray from the path of the story or to interfere with it. The book jumpers are vital for literature because they have to make sure that the stories remain exactly as they were originally written down.
Among other things, Amy is taught that she can only jump into a book from a specific spot and when she puts the open book on her face. She realizes soon, that this isn’t a necessity for her. She can jump into any book pretty much from wherever she wants. Already on her first jump into the jungle book, she strays from her path and meets Goethe’s Werther. Together with him, she travels in the no-man’s-land between different stories or enters other novels, like Alice in Wonderland. It doesn’t take long until she realizes that there’s something wrong in the land of literature. It seems that a thief is stealing ideas and important story lines get either jumbled or lost. Together with Werther and Will, another book jumper, Amy tries to catch the thief. Unfortunately, the thief is quite dangerous. He kills a beloved literary character and, in the end, even attempts to kill Amy and her grandmother. I can’t really tell much more without spoiling the story.
When Lizzy proposed to read this, I really liked the premise of the book. The idea to jump into your favourite novels, meet favourite characters was so appealing. Sadly, this didn’t work for me. I read it pretty quickly, it had some amusing moments and characters, especially Werther, but it felt quite lifeless. Even the love story between Will and Amy, did only work at first. The solution to the story felt forced. The only thing I liked, was Amy’s back story.
The book is initially amusing, but not exactly a must-read. Something was missing. It may sound weird, but it isn’t fantastical enough. I also didn’t like that Mechthild Gläser spoils a few classic stories by giving away the ending. On top of that, the German blurb is misleading. We’re led to believe Amy will become friends with Elizabeth Bennett, but she only sees her once and very briefly. I hope others enjoyed this more than I did.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
It is too bad that this was a bit disappointing. I think that the premise sounds like it has a lot of potential. It also seems like an idea that adults could get a lot out of. On a side note I really like the first cover that you posted.
Great review as always Caroline.
Thanks, Brian.
Lizzy loved it, so, I was the wrong audience. I love children’s books and fantasy, so, possibly I went into it with the wrong expectations. I saw amazon readers felt to 70% like a Lizzy, 30% felt like me. It’s a lovely cover, I agree.
What a shame it didn’t work for you, particularly as the core idea sounds quite fun. The bit about Elizabeth Bennett sets a certain kind of expectation, so I can understand why you felt a little shortchanged in the end. Oh, well…
It was a shame. I think the Bennett bit is bad marketing. They have zero interaction, and do not, like the blurb says, swoon over Darcy together, which makes you think they interact.
Oh, shame. The premise really attracted me (I want to be a book jumper) but it’s a shame it didn’t live up to your expectations!
It’s a great premise but it did not work. Lizzy actually relied to my comment on her site and she agrees with my reservations, but liked it anyway.
Hmm. I can’t help thinking that this sounds suspiciously similar to Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series…
I haven’t read that series but heard of it. It’s possible there’s a similarity.
Indeed it is, Tony. But the different target audience makes all the difference.
… and the fact that Ffforde is a genius!
What a shame this failed to live up to expectations as it sounds like such a great premise for a story.
The premise sounded so good but there was something missing. I’m pretty sure, this is a book I won’t even remember in a month or two.
Haha, I have the same reaction as a lot of other people. Great premise! Shame it didn’t deliver. I’ll check Lizzy’s review to see what the 70% think…
Yes, do that. She felt so differently.
Nice review, Caroline! Sorry to know that you didn’t like the book as much as you had hoped to. The premise of the story looks very interesting. It reminds me of Jasper Fforde’s ‘The Eyre Affair’. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hope you like your next book better. Happy reading!
Vishy, I’m loving my next book. 🙂
It seems like the Fforde comparison is spot on, only as Lizzy says, he’s way better. I haven’t read him.
Wonderful to know that, Caroline! Happy reading!
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