What do you think?
Rate this book
Unwritten
An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.
When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.
Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.
He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.
When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.
Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.
He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
2236 people are currently reading
8968 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
51 books9,536 followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,162 reviews
March 12, 2016
Sometimes with a story you end up with more than you expect. I picked this book up from the library with a cursory glance thinking it might be okay but it could just as easily end up one I would not read. Later, looking for a book to read I picked it up. From the prologue I was hooked. I wanted to know who this woman was seeking confession from an old friend and priest. It was obvious she was troubled and had plans to put an end to her troubles and her life. Then I turned to the next chapter and fell in love with the voice of this man who steals into River City Children’s hospital to anonymously deliver gifts for the sick children. I wanted to know who he was, his story and why he lived on a boat packed with thousands of books in Florida. A loner, books are his friends. This man is also friends with the old priest, known to his friends as Steady.
The two men become involved in saving Katie Quinn, a world famous actress, from self-destructing and help her see there might be an alternative. Idolised by her fans Katie has found that, ‘A pedestal is the loneliest place in the world.’ It makes you wonder whether fame is too high a price to pay for losing any private life. As the man nicknamed Sunday by the priest observes, ’Man, or woman is not, made to be worshipped. We are not physically cut out for it. Life in the spotlight, on the pedestal, at the top of the world was a lonely, singular, desolate, soul-killing place.’ Katie wants a way out but it requires careful planning. It may also require Sunday to forfeit what he values most, his current way of life. The setting is so well described at times you can almost hear the mosquitos and wildlife of the Everglades.
When the story moves to France there were a few things that stretched credibility but it didn’t matter, because by then I was so thoroughly involved with these characters and the secrets Sunday and Katie both have. If you can read this book without some tears then you are stronger than me. I was up till 1am because I simply could not put this book down. I suspect it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I loved it. I found it a compelling story about three people scarred by life, who find a way out. An added bonus, the story is managed without graphic sex scenes and crude language.
The two men become involved in saving Katie Quinn, a world famous actress, from self-destructing and help her see there might be an alternative. Idolised by her fans Katie has found that, ‘A pedestal is the loneliest place in the world.’ It makes you wonder whether fame is too high a price to pay for losing any private life. As the man nicknamed Sunday by the priest observes, ’Man, or woman is not, made to be worshipped. We are not physically cut out for it. Life in the spotlight, on the pedestal, at the top of the world was a lonely, singular, desolate, soul-killing place.’ Katie wants a way out but it requires careful planning. It may also require Sunday to forfeit what he values most, his current way of life. The setting is so well described at times you can almost hear the mosquitos and wildlife of the Everglades.
When the story moves to France there were a few things that stretched credibility but it didn’t matter, because by then I was so thoroughly involved with these characters and the secrets Sunday and Katie both have. If you can read this book without some tears then you are stronger than me. I was up till 1am because I simply could not put this book down. I suspect it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I loved it. I found it a compelling story about three people scarred by life, who find a way out. An added bonus, the story is managed without graphic sex scenes and crude language.
July 21, 2020
An avid Charles Martin fan, I was somewhat disappointed in this novel. It is predictable and filled with repetitious phrases and character tics (like the "spittle" forming in the corner of one's mouth). I guess that is Martin's new favorite characteristic. Although this novel does not carry the same literary merit as his earlier works (for example, _When Crickets Cry_), it's not an awful book--just not what I consider Martin's typical genius. The whole strong-silent-man-saves-mysterious-woman-in-distress plot is becoming stale. And trust me, I'm a sucker for that type of storyline. Instead of buying new Charles Martin novels, I think I will just re-read his brilliant early works.
July 25, 2013
I lost myself in this book. It was an interesting, unique concept for a story-line, and the character development was superb (one of the things I appreciate so much about Charles Martin's writing). I grew to love each one of the characters, and I was sad when the book ended and immediately began to miss them.
The one negative thing that I might say is that for being such a redemptive book, there is really so little talk of the Redeemer. Steady, the Catholic priest, certainly personified Christ, but even he had so little to say about God himself. God had to be working in these hearts for anything redemptive to happen, and there just wasn't any mention of God's work really, or of Jesus. I know that Charles Martin is a man of faith, and I appreciate that he is subtle in weaving that faith into his books in a natural way. This time, I think he was just a little too subtle.
Oh, and one last thing, Charles Martin needs to write a series of Pirate Charles and the Misfits now! Don't leave us hanging!!! ;)
The one negative thing that I might say is that for being such a redemptive book, there is really so little talk of the Redeemer. Steady, the Catholic priest, certainly personified Christ, but even he had so little to say about God himself. God had to be working in these hearts for anything redemptive to happen, and there just wasn't any mention of God's work really, or of Jesus. I know that Charles Martin is a man of faith, and I appreciate that he is subtle in weaving that faith into his books in a natural way. This time, I think he was just a little too subtle.
Oh, and one last thing, Charles Martin needs to write a series of Pirate Charles and the Misfits now! Don't leave us hanging!!! ;)
September 9, 2013
***** Five Inspiring Stars*****
As a reader I'm not only looking for a well written and interesting story anymore, but something that will inspire me, that will reach deep inside me and and teach me a lesson that will stay with me for ever. This book did exactly that; every beautiful word created a remarkable story about love, friendship and faith that I'm sure anybody who reads it can relate to it and use its message to heal ourselves or others.
Unwritten is the story of Katie an award winning actress who has all the fame and money in the world, but is completely lonely and broken by a very painful past. Tired of the desolation and the feeling that everyone is trying to get something from her, Katie decides to end her life, but she wasn't counting on meeting Pete who with his own broken heart will become the missing piece on the puzzle of her life.
Katie and Pete have been running away from themselves for years and the only thing that is real in the charade they created as their world is the beautiful and grounding friendship they both have with father Steady. From the islands of Florida to the enchanting country side of France this characters will continue to hide from their past and the secrets that they have become, but will end up finding the answers and the resolutions that ultimately will make the whole again.
This one is a very intricate story where adventure, tragedy and love will teach you that we can all live in a world without limits, if only we accept and embrace who we really are.
I was mesmerized by this author and his ability to write such a magnificent book, I highlighted so many parts of it and wanted to share with you just one of the many beautiful paragraphs that resonated with me:
Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words
What's more--in evidence of the Divine--we string these symbols together
and then write them down, where they take a life of their own and breathe
outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Sutures of the shattered.
The tapestry upon which we write our lives.
To me this was more than story, it is now a treasure, a prize that I will cherish and share with everybody for years to come...
As a reader I'm not only looking for a well written and interesting story anymore, but something that will inspire me, that will reach deep inside me and and teach me a lesson that will stay with me for ever. This book did exactly that; every beautiful word created a remarkable story about love, friendship and faith that I'm sure anybody who reads it can relate to it and use its message to heal ourselves or others.
Unwritten is the story of Katie an award winning actress who has all the fame and money in the world, but is completely lonely and broken by a very painful past. Tired of the desolation and the feeling that everyone is trying to get something from her, Katie decides to end her life, but she wasn't counting on meeting Pete who with his own broken heart will become the missing piece on the puzzle of her life.
Katie and Pete have been running away from themselves for years and the only thing that is real in the charade they created as their world is the beautiful and grounding friendship they both have with father Steady. From the islands of Florida to the enchanting country side of France this characters will continue to hide from their past and the secrets that they have become, but will end up finding the answers and the resolutions that ultimately will make the whole again.
This one is a very intricate story where adventure, tragedy and love will teach you that we can all live in a world without limits, if only we accept and embrace who we really are.
I was mesmerized by this author and his ability to write such a magnificent book, I highlighted so many parts of it and wanted to share with you just one of the many beautiful paragraphs that resonated with me:
Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words
What's more--in evidence of the Divine--we string these symbols together
and then write them down, where they take a life of their own and breathe
outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Sutures of the shattered.
The tapestry upon which we write our lives.
To me this was more than story, it is now a treasure, a prize that I will cherish and share with everybody for years to come...
October 10, 2016
Charles Martin is among my top 10 favorite authors. I can trust just about anything he writes to utterly captivate me. His stories go deep, clear to the bone, and then they go winging back into the sunshine. Ahhh.
It's impressive when an author can make me identify with two people so NOT like me. A thrown-away kid who stumbles into writing. An ugly duckling who reaches the heights of fame. Somehow I understood what they were feeling, had a clear view of their agony, and understood that longing to just run away.
I'm always sad the story is over when I read that last page. Thank goodness Martin keeps writing!
It's impressive when an author can make me identify with two people so NOT like me. A thrown-away kid who stumbles into writing. An ugly duckling who reaches the heights of fame. Somehow I understood what they were feeling, had a clear view of their agony, and understood that longing to just run away.
I'm always sad the story is over when I read that last page. Thank goodness Martin keeps writing!
September 1, 2013
Im at page 64 will i finish this book? Only in the beginning and I already know it's not worth it. Full of non-realistic situations with simplistic drama that has no common sense and been written in million other books, bad Harlequins novels included.
PLOT for the first 5 chapters:
The ultra rich star hires, through her army of lawyers, a writer for her autobiography to tell her miserable story. And the guy runs away with the story and sell it himself making Oprah. Pleeeaaaze if J.LO was selling her story and the writer stole her information, guaranteed her lawyers would find the guy and shut down any edition house before the book is even thought of and Oprah would not touch with a 100 miles long foot pole
Then there is the near missed suicide where the girl jumps over a penthouse balcony with a rope around the neck and survive. The hero explains her neck has not snapped because the rope slipped in his hands as he caught it in extremis. Yeah sure. Of course she had already done the Lohan thing with pills and booze prior.
The plot is so bad that just reading her interactions with the priest in the beginning I already knew there was a suicide planned. "I'm giving you my keys just in case something bad happens and I would like for you to speak at my funerals". Really?! Gawd! Who could invent something so obvious with poor characters definition. Oh and the priest only gets it when sunset comes in though she told him before "it's bad when it gets dark" so now they have to take the hero's car and rush across the city to try save her; how original! How many hints do we need? The author takes us for stupids.
And the best place to hide her for peace and quiet after the missed suicide is in the hero's house, of course, instead of kicking everyone out of her 5-villa penthouse condo which was actually very quiet and dark not long before, so why not rest at home guarded by ex Navy SEALS as the author takes great effort to detail 3 times? Or send her back to the hospital?
I was considering a 2 stars rating reading the 1st two pages; now it's going down to a 1; hopefully not a 0 but I still have 35 chapters and hope is dwindling.
ADDENDUM
I am done with this pensum. The book was corny to the end. Witness this on pgs 358-359:
I sat and stared at the worn marble at my feet. A tear dripped off my nose and landed on the floor beneath me. Then another. Then another. The drops gathered in the vein of the marble... She leaned against me.... Worn marble floor staring back at us. Her tears mixed with mine.
Aaaaaargh! How tacky can you be?!
The only positive is the book which was aptly named Unwritten. I agree it should have stayed that way.
I'll have to give it 1 star unfortunately since 0 is not counted.
PLOT for the first 5 chapters:
The ultra rich star hires, through her army of lawyers, a writer for her autobiography to tell her miserable story. And the guy runs away with the story and sell it himself making Oprah. Pleeeaaaze if J.LO was selling her story and the writer stole her information, guaranteed her lawyers would find the guy and shut down any edition house before the book is even thought of and Oprah would not touch with a 100 miles long foot pole
Then there is the near missed suicide where the girl jumps over a penthouse balcony with a rope around the neck and survive. The hero explains her neck has not snapped because the rope slipped in his hands as he caught it in extremis. Yeah sure. Of course she had already done the Lohan thing with pills and booze prior.
The plot is so bad that just reading her interactions with the priest in the beginning I already knew there was a suicide planned. "I'm giving you my keys just in case something bad happens and I would like for you to speak at my funerals". Really?! Gawd! Who could invent something so obvious with poor characters definition. Oh and the priest only gets it when sunset comes in though she told him before "it's bad when it gets dark" so now they have to take the hero's car and rush across the city to try save her; how original! How many hints do we need? The author takes us for stupids.
And the best place to hide her for peace and quiet after the missed suicide is in the hero's house, of course, instead of kicking everyone out of her 5-villa penthouse condo which was actually very quiet and dark not long before, so why not rest at home guarded by ex Navy SEALS as the author takes great effort to detail 3 times? Or send her back to the hospital?
I was considering a 2 stars rating reading the 1st two pages; now it's going down to a 1; hopefully not a 0 but I still have 35 chapters and hope is dwindling.
ADDENDUM
I am done with this pensum. The book was corny to the end. Witness this on pgs 358-359:
I sat and stared at the worn marble at my feet. A tear dripped off my nose and landed on the floor beneath me. Then another. Then another. The drops gathered in the vein of the marble... She leaned against me.... Worn marble floor staring back at us. Her tears mixed with mine.
Aaaaaargh! How tacky can you be?!
The only positive is the book which was aptly named Unwritten. I agree it should have stayed that way.
I'll have to give it 1 star unfortunately since 0 is not counted.
October 16, 2015
Charles Martin is taking away my MAN CARD! Instead of watching football,baseball and golf,I was finishing this book. He is becoming my favorite author. I have read a bunch of his books and all have been 5 star!! I will not read another one however to the end of the MLB playoffs and the World Series! Guys,try him because if you like great stories,he is the MAN!!!
January 10, 2020
Уникална книга!!!
July 20, 2013
This was my third book by Charles Martin - and my last. The first was The Mountain Between Us which was a survivalist story set in the snow covered mountains of Wyoming (I think). There was a plane crash, the soon-to-be girl friend had a broken leg and how in the world was our hero going to survive and [later] take himself and his soon-to-be-lover out of the mountains. Of course, we had the requisite blizzard and avalanche and wild animals. But ... at just the "last minute" a cabin would appear and (shock!) there was food in the cabin, etc. etc. etc., but then, of course, he had another 100 miles or so to go with this woman with a broken leg to get back to civilization.
The second book, something about a river, was set in Charleston, SC, and the survival issue was giving his dying wife her dream of floating down a river where they encountered all sorts of terrible situations and he had to rely on unprecedented survival skills all while caring for a dying woman who was so sick she couldn't even sit up.
This book is set in the Everglades in South Florida. These stories all have the same framework, but have gotten more and more ridiculous in their plotwork. Presumably our hero (a survivalist, of course)has shucked all worldly goods and worldly aspirations and merely lives off odd jobs he does for a priest. He lives on 2 boats in the area of 1,000 Islands, but also has a very primitive cabin in the Everglades. The Damsel in Distress in this book is a well known movie actress who has been a world favorite since the age of 5. She is willing to "kill" herself and live, as he lives, to escape the world.
But ... wait ... just when we're wondering how she's going to manage without her 17 (yes, 17) cars and her yacht and her 30,000 sq foot condo, we find that she has wealth beyond belief ... stashed.
It just gets too, too improbable and too, too ridiculous.
Oh and the names! We have a priest named, "Steady," and our hero's name is "Sunday" (rest, get it?).
The second book, something about a river, was set in Charleston, SC, and the survival issue was giving his dying wife her dream of floating down a river where they encountered all sorts of terrible situations and he had to rely on unprecedented survival skills all while caring for a dying woman who was so sick she couldn't even sit up.
This book is set in the Everglades in South Florida. These stories all have the same framework, but have gotten more and more ridiculous in their plotwork. Presumably our hero (a survivalist, of course)has shucked all worldly goods and worldly aspirations and merely lives off odd jobs he does for a priest. He lives on 2 boats in the area of 1,000 Islands, but also has a very primitive cabin in the Everglades. The Damsel in Distress in this book is a well known movie actress who has been a world favorite since the age of 5. She is willing to "kill" herself and live, as he lives, to escape the world.
But ... wait ... just when we're wondering how she's going to manage without her 17 (yes, 17) cars and her yacht and her 30,000 sq foot condo, we find that she has wealth beyond belief ... stashed.
It just gets too, too improbable and too, too ridiculous.
Oh and the names! We have a priest named, "Steady," and our hero's name is "Sunday" (rest, get it?).
April 26, 2020
Никога не съм писала ревю с цитат, дори не обичам особено цитати от книги. Но! Толкова красиво и ясно описана цялата идея на книгата тук, че ако това не ви заинтригува да я прочетете, другото няма смисъл...
"Някога бях цял и завършен. Но после се случи нещо, което ме пречупи и разтърси така, че сякаш се разпаднах на много хора. А сега двамата с теб се запознаваме и аз разбирам, че и ти кървиш, защото й ти си бил счупен. И си толкова съсипан, че не съществува земна сила, която да събере парченцата от теб заедно. Аз разбирам, че ти умираш и имаш нужда от опора и помощ. Няма да изкараш и нощта. И ти давам единственото, което имам – давам ти тази торба и ти казвам: вземи си което пожелаеш от тези парченца, за да запушиш своята рана. Това, разбира се няма да ти струва нещо. Парченцата са безплатни, платих за тях, докато аз самият се чупех. Тъй като си отчаян и си пробвал почти всичко друго, ти изтърсваш сака на пода, парчетата се пръсват като тресчици, ти оглеждаш всяко от тях и в трескавото си търсене откриваш някое, което знаеш, че ти липсва. Едно парченце сред милиони. Може би дори сред милиарди. И щом поставиш това парченце на мястото му в пъзела, в който се бе превърнал, то спира кръвоизлива. За пръв път в целия ти живот раната започва да се лекува. А щом се излекуваш, ти ми даваш твоя сак, защото аз все още кървя… Книгата ще бъде в този дух."
Звездите всъщност са 4.5*, само защото това не е любимия ми стил на разказ, основно с мисли... но тук разказвача е такъв, всичко е вътре в главата му.
Поредната книга, която разказва защо необикновените хора обикновено са дълбоко нещастни. 😔 Тъжно...
" Всички сърца имат един копнеж - да бъдат познати. "
"Някога бях цял и завършен. Но после се случи нещо, което ме пречупи и разтърси така, че сякаш се разпаднах на много хора. А сега двамата с теб се запознаваме и аз разбирам, че и ти кървиш, защото й ти си бил счупен. И си толкова съсипан, че не съществува земна сила, която да събере парченцата от теб заедно. Аз разбирам, че ти умираш и имаш нужда от опора и помощ. Няма да изкараш и нощта. И ти давам единственото, което имам – давам ти тази торба и ти казвам: вземи си което пожелаеш от тези парченца, за да запушиш своята рана. Това, разбира се няма да ти струва нещо. Парченцата са безплатни, платих за тях, докато аз самият се чупех. Тъй като си отчаян и си пробвал почти всичко друго, ти изтърсваш сака на пода, парчетата се пръсват като тресчици, ти оглеждаш всяко от тях и в трескавото си търсене откриваш някое, което знаеш, че ти липсва. Едно парченце сред милиони. Може би дори сред милиарди. И щом поставиш това парченце на мястото му в пъзела, в който се бе превърнал, то спира кръвоизлива. За пръв път в целия ти живот раната започва да се лекува. А щом се излекуваш, ти ми даваш твоя сак, защото аз все още кървя… Книгата ще бъде в този дух."
Звездите всъщност са 4.5*, само защото това не е любимия ми стил на разказ, основно с мисли... но тук разказвача е такъв, всичко е вътре в главата му.
Поредната книга, която разказва защо необикновените хора обикновено са дълбоко нещастни. 😔 Тъжно...
" Всички сърца имат един копнеж - да бъдат познати. "
August 6, 2018
The good: Charles Martin has a way with words. He's a top notch author and this book has some very poignant moments in it. The ending, for me, redeemed the book and some problems I had with the characterization. Very well done overall.
The bad: Sigh--this is a frequent complaint for me, so don't let it deter you from reading Unwritten. My biggest problem? I didn't like the characters. I didn't like the female at all and I honestly had trouble envisioning any person on the earth that _______ (you'll know as soon as you start reading). As for the male lead, he was a little more relatable, but still...I wanted to shake him. Which eventually someone does, but it takes a long long long time to get there.
Note: Maybe very minor language. Overall a good clean read.
The bad: Sigh--this is a frequent complaint for me, so don't let it deter you from reading Unwritten. My biggest problem? I didn't like the characters. I didn't like the female at all and I honestly had trouble envisioning any person on the earth that _______ (you'll know as soon as you start reading). As for the male lead, he was a little more relatable, but still...I wanted to shake him. Which eventually someone does, but it takes a long long long time to get there.
Note: Maybe very minor language. Overall a good clean read.
April 4, 2017
Egy újabb gyönyörűen megírt történet Martin úrtól. Két megtört ember hogyan tud egymásból erőt meríteni. A Martinnál megszokott vallásosság most kimerül abban, hogy az egyik szereplőnk (akinek fontos szerep jut) egy idős katolikus pap. A történetben a romantikus szál szinte elhanyagolható, viszont most is tartalmaz tanulságot.
Az ember nem arra születik, hogy bálványozzák.
Az ember nem arra születik, hogy bálványozzák.
September 3, 2022
"Văzusem ce făcuse asta. Ce putea face. Și apoi am văzut ce n-a putut. Și undeva, pe acest drum, m-am frânt. "
June 8, 2021
If I had read what this book was about before starting, I may not have read it. Luckily for me I did and really enjoyed it.
Unusual (but good for me), there was no swearing, no sex scenes, and no despicable characters yet the novel was so good. There are actually 3 protagonists in this story. 1. a very popular three time academy award winning actress 2. a prolific author and hermit named Sunday and 3. an elderly Catholic priest named Steady who loves the other two in a friendship that equals no other.
The actress, Katie Quinn, is overwhelmed by her extreme popularity and her mistakes from earlier in her life so decides she wants to to end it all. The author was also overwhelmed by his own popularity and his tragic childhood and also wants to end it all. The priest is involved in both of their lives to a point where his love for them stops that happening for both. I do, however, wish there was more of a background story on the priest named Steady.
Throughout the 310 pages I was engaged. Besides the stories of their lives, you also get a glimpse of Paris... the way the wealthy can live, and of Florida... if and when you don't want to be found.
Unusual (but good for me), there was no swearing, no sex scenes, and no despicable characters yet the novel was so good. There are actually 3 protagonists in this story. 1. a very popular three time academy award winning actress 2. a prolific author and hermit named Sunday and 3. an elderly Catholic priest named Steady who loves the other two in a friendship that equals no other.
The actress, Katie Quinn, is overwhelmed by her extreme popularity and her mistakes from earlier in her life so decides she wants to to end it all. The author was also overwhelmed by his own popularity and his tragic childhood and also wants to end it all. The priest is involved in both of their lives to a point where his love for them stops that happening for both. I do, however, wish there was more of a background story on the priest named Steady.
Throughout the 310 pages I was engaged. Besides the stories of their lives, you also get a glimpse of Paris... the way the wealthy can live, and of Florida... if and when you don't want to be found.
June 10, 2013
Couldn't put this book down. Great story line and such realistic, relatable characters. I truly was transported. Loved Steady, Katie and Sunday.
I didn't love the ending though. The two main characters basically ended up back where they started after hitting and staying at rock bottom the entire book. Would have thought they'd have moved on and stayed out of the limelight that destroyed them both to begin with. Also didn't find it believable that Steady, the 84 year old priest, would smack Sunday around to get his attention. Just didn't buy into it.
Couple of quirky things drove me nuts too. The author used the words spittle, genuflected, and pregnant pause a little too much. Once would have been plenty.
But I love Charles Martin. I've read every one of his books and will read the next one as soon as it comes out too. Great guy, great writer!
I didn't love the ending though. The two main characters basically ended up back where they started after hitting and staying at rock bottom the entire book. Would have thought they'd have moved on and stayed out of the limelight that destroyed them both to begin with. Also didn't find it believable that Steady, the 84 year old priest, would smack Sunday around to get his attention. Just didn't buy into it.
Couple of quirky things drove me nuts too. The author used the words spittle, genuflected, and pregnant pause a little too much. Once would have been plenty.
But I love Charles Martin. I've read every one of his books and will read the next one as soon as it comes out too. Great guy, great writer!
November 15, 2017
Loaned to me by a friend.
* * * * *
I really like Charles Martin's writing. However, this story did not resonate with me. I found it to be too contrived to tug at heartstrings, filled with dead and dying kids, talented people who attempt suicide because their lives are so broken; in short, I was surprised there weren't abused puppies and kittens to further jerk the tears. Like Max Lucado, another talented writer who seems to be a true man of God, Martin has filled this tale with too much hyperbole, too much saccharined emotions to be realistic.
A couple of good book-lover quotations from _Unwritten_: "I never met a used bookstore I could live without." "Some people can't turn away stray cats. I couldn't turn away stray books."
* * * * *
I really like Charles Martin's writing. However, this story did not resonate with me. I found it to be too contrived to tug at heartstrings, filled with dead and dying kids, talented people who attempt suicide because their lives are so broken; in short, I was surprised there weren't abused puppies and kittens to further jerk the tears. Like Max Lucado, another talented writer who seems to be a true man of God, Martin has filled this tale with too much hyperbole, too much saccharined emotions to be realistic.
A couple of good book-lover quotations from _Unwritten_: "I never met a used bookstore I could live without." "Some people can't turn away stray cats. I couldn't turn away stray books."
November 2, 2013
Why did I keep reading this book? I had so many negative opinions as compared to all the positive reviews I started to suspect maybe the fault lay with me and not the book. And so I kept on reading. My irritation only grew. I was thinking a cross between melodrama and pathos. Then I coined a new word, "Meglo-drama." Even the "spittle at the corner of his [Steady's] lips" suggested to me he was really a maniac rather than a saint with "no failures to his name." When I reached the end of the book to "Afterword: Doc Snakeoil" I thought, the doc is reading my mind. How can that be when the author of those words is still Charles Martin?
July 17, 2017
Such a great read! Emotions ran high. Heart entirely engaged.
Recommended.
#ParisinJuly challenge 2017 .. anticipaaation...;)
Recommended.
#ParisinJuly challenge 2017 .. anticipaaation...;)
June 9, 2013
Beautiful prose and intense drama combine to make "Unwritten" one of the most moving stories I have read this year. More than once I found myself brushing away tears as Martin brought to life the wonderful characters of Katie, Steady, and Sunday, characters who have left a permanent imprint upon my mind. Their transformation from places of deep pain and even self-loathing, to ones of hope and healing, is simply mesmerizing to watch. When I first read the back of this book describing the story, I was a bit concerned that the characters would spend so much time in internal introspection that the pace of the story would be slow and plodding. I have never been more wrong! Though there are scenes of heartache and pain, the story unfolds at a perfect pace and kept my attention from start to finish.
"Unwritten" is one of those stories that finds you stopping numerous times to simply sit and soak in the feelings the story is drawing out of you. The writing is so real that you will feel the character's pain, and find yourself questioning along with them why things happen the way they do, why pain and suffering are in the world. You will cry when they cry, smile when they smile, and ultimately walk away from the story a different person.
I thought "Thunder and Rain" would always be my favourite book from Charles Martin, but I'm afraid that now I simply can't make up my mind whether that book or "Unwritten" tops the list for me. In any case, this is a book worth reading, more than once. I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.
"Unwritten" is one of those stories that finds you stopping numerous times to simply sit and soak in the feelings the story is drawing out of you. The writing is so real that you will feel the character's pain, and find yourself questioning along with them why things happen the way they do, why pain and suffering are in the world. You will cry when they cry, smile when they smile, and ultimately walk away from the story a different person.
I thought "Thunder and Rain" would always be my favourite book from Charles Martin, but I'm afraid that now I simply can't make up my mind whether that book or "Unwritten" tops the list for me. In any case, this is a book worth reading, more than once. I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.
May 8, 2013
Unwritten was the most beautiful story with a mixture of solitude to the exotic flair. From culture, history, travel, to fishing and rustic life - from pain to happiness and joy. I have read all Charles Martin’s books and this one ranks a 10! From the characters you will grow to love and connect with as their past hidden secrets unfold along with their pain – keeping you engrossed from the first page to the last. Savor each moment – this would make an awesome movie (can already envision the cast of stars). Since I live in South Florida, loved the setting and have made the trip over the bridge many times on Card Sound Road when I lived in Key Largo.
To one of my favorite authors – you have a God given talent and thanks for sharing a part of your life and soul with your readers. The dedication to John, your connection, and inspiration – loved hearing these personal thoughts. A must read for men as well as women!
To one of my favorite authors – you have a God given talent and thanks for sharing a part of your life and soul with your readers. The dedication to John, your connection, and inspiration – loved hearing these personal thoughts. A must read for men as well as women!
May 26, 2013
Not a good read in my opinion. Started out good but then became almost ridiculous and ended with a thud. Read like a soap opera.
January 22, 2019
This made me cry, and that's a pretty good trick. The audiobook narration by Kevin Stillwell was amazing.
April 19, 2020
Sooo good! I ate this up. And now I want to travel to France. Order of my FAV Charles Martin books:
#1 Long Way Gone. #2 When Crickets Cry #3 Unwritten #4 Send Down the Rain
#1 Long Way Gone. #2 When Crickets Cry #3 Unwritten #4 Send Down the Rain
March 27, 2017
I originally wanted to read "The Mountain Between Us" by Charles Martin. However, the search for it in the 5 bookstores near our home was not fruitful, but because I just absolutely hate it when I have no spoils from book heaven, I thought I'd give this other Charles Martin piece a shot. I was glad I did.
"Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words. What’s more — in evidence of the Divine — we string symbols together and then write them down, where they take on a life of their own and breathe outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Sutures of the shattered. The tapestry upon which we write our lives. Upon which we lay the bodies of the dying and the about-to-come-to-life. And if it’s honest, true, hiding nothing, revealing all, then it is a raging river and those who ride it find they have something to give—that they are not yet empty.”
As a book lover, I always say that any book that talks about books tells me it is a book worth reading. My apologies for the diacope.
Unwritten, is a story about brokenness, and the power of books to heal, when mixed with will. I do not know if brokenness is a typical plot for the author, but as soon as I read the prologue, it was very clear that it was going to be about fighting personal demons. I usually stay away from stories like it because they tend to dredge up memories from some of the darkest days in my life. But something told me that it might be worth it to suck it up and see where the story takes me.
More often than not, when I review a book, I start by talking about the lead characters of the story, which in this case are Katie, an award-winning actress, and Sunday, a reclusive author. Two people reeling from the downward spiral that was their life. But this time, I'd like to talk about Fr. Steady. A former soldier who served during WW2, helping those who have been injured. After vowing to serve the Lord if he makes it out of the war alive, he becomes a priest. His specialty, as he puts it, is "cutting the gangrene" which at a later stage of his life, becomes synonymous to fixing people. This is exactly what he does, when he persuades (or forces) Katie and Sunday to come together for reasons unclear to both of them. A staged death and a trip from Florida to France and back, plus an unpublished book later, they realize the wisdom in Fr. Steady's actions.
"...somewhere in that intersection of broken hearts and shattered souls... broken is not the end of things, but the beginning. Maybe broken is what happens before you become unbroken. What's more, maybe our broken pieces don't fit us... maybe my pieces are the very pieces needed to mend you and your pieces are the very pieces needed to mend me, but until we've been broken we don't have the pieces to mend each other."
This was a beautiful story of two people who were so broken, that the only way they can fix themselves was to fill each other with their broken pieces, until they finally emerge victorious--- and whole again. Not all who go through challenges in life are able to overcome them. Many lose the fight. But those who regain balance and wholeness are able to do so because of will, and the love of those around them. I can only hope that someone in this kind of fight comes across this beautiful story, because it speaks of one truth--- you can always make yourself whole again. You merely need to make the choice to put yourself back together.
Perhaps because of a dark time in my life more than a decade ago, I found this story to be so relatable. Many of the thoughts that went through the minds of Katie and Sunday, echoed mine. Just like them, I had my own Fr. Steady--- many of them actually. And just like Katie, I had my own Sunday--- I have always fondly referred to him as my savior, even if we went our separate ways after a few years. He came at the right time, and stayed long enough. To this day, he remains to be one of my very good friends. But sans the personal experience, there was something about how Charles Martin wrote it, that got to me. The raw emotion that comes in waves during a depressive state, but somehow you are unable to express or define, but you just know to be a heavy feeling in your chest. The lethargy that besets you when you are tired from trying to climb out of the dark. The tears that sometimes come and never stop falling, and those that do not come at all. The highs and the lows. The self-deprecation. The self-pity. The fear of yet another day of emptiness, after the one you just had. The lingering desire to end your pain. And finally, the joy that comes from having chosen to overcome it, and actually being able to do so. Everything flowed through his words. No verbosity, but somehow still beautifully woven together. Very close to the truth behind the struggle with the chemical imbalance impaling your brain and the unfortunate life events that either trigger or aggravate it. Impeccable writing from start to finish. Rich in culture and history. A 330-page journey from loneliness and isolation to jubilation. Perdition to redemption. Brokenness to wholeness. And for all these, I thought the Afterword dedicated to John Dyson was very fitting. As Charles said, his mentor and friend took him from good to great. After reading this book, I can truly say that John did exactly that.
“White pages are not bad news. They’re just part of the process. What’s a sea voyage without long weary days spent crossing the blank bits of the map? It’s how you get to the other side.”
- John Dyson
"Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words. What’s more — in evidence of the Divine — we string symbols together and then write them down, where they take on a life of their own and breathe outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Sutures of the shattered. The tapestry upon which we write our lives. Upon which we lay the bodies of the dying and the about-to-come-to-life. And if it’s honest, true, hiding nothing, revealing all, then it is a raging river and those who ride it find they have something to give—that they are not yet empty.”
As a book lover, I always say that any book that talks about books tells me it is a book worth reading. My apologies for the diacope.
Unwritten, is a story about brokenness, and the power of books to heal, when mixed with will. I do not know if brokenness is a typical plot for the author, but as soon as I read the prologue, it was very clear that it was going to be about fighting personal demons. I usually stay away from stories like it because they tend to dredge up memories from some of the darkest days in my life. But something told me that it might be worth it to suck it up and see where the story takes me.
More often than not, when I review a book, I start by talking about the lead characters of the story, which in this case are Katie, an award-winning actress, and Sunday, a reclusive author. Two people reeling from the downward spiral that was their life. But this time, I'd like to talk about Fr. Steady. A former soldier who served during WW2, helping those who have been injured. After vowing to serve the Lord if he makes it out of the war alive, he becomes a priest. His specialty, as he puts it, is "cutting the gangrene" which at a later stage of his life, becomes synonymous to fixing people. This is exactly what he does, when he persuades (or forces) Katie and Sunday to come together for reasons unclear to both of them. A staged death and a trip from Florida to France and back, plus an unpublished book later, they realize the wisdom in Fr. Steady's actions.
"...somewhere in that intersection of broken hearts and shattered souls... broken is not the end of things, but the beginning. Maybe broken is what happens before you become unbroken. What's more, maybe our broken pieces don't fit us... maybe my pieces are the very pieces needed to mend you and your pieces are the very pieces needed to mend me, but until we've been broken we don't have the pieces to mend each other."
This was a beautiful story of two people who were so broken, that the only way they can fix themselves was to fill each other with their broken pieces, until they finally emerge victorious--- and whole again. Not all who go through challenges in life are able to overcome them. Many lose the fight. But those who regain balance and wholeness are able to do so because of will, and the love of those around them. I can only hope that someone in this kind of fight comes across this beautiful story, because it speaks of one truth--- you can always make yourself whole again. You merely need to make the choice to put yourself back together.
Perhaps because of a dark time in my life more than a decade ago, I found this story to be so relatable. Many of the thoughts that went through the minds of Katie and Sunday, echoed mine. Just like them, I had my own Fr. Steady--- many of them actually. And just like Katie, I had my own Sunday--- I have always fondly referred to him as my savior, even if we went our separate ways after a few years. He came at the right time, and stayed long enough. To this day, he remains to be one of my very good friends. But sans the personal experience, there was something about how Charles Martin wrote it, that got to me. The raw emotion that comes in waves during a depressive state, but somehow you are unable to express or define, but you just know to be a heavy feeling in your chest. The lethargy that besets you when you are tired from trying to climb out of the dark. The tears that sometimes come and never stop falling, and those that do not come at all. The highs and the lows. The self-deprecation. The self-pity. The fear of yet another day of emptiness, after the one you just had. The lingering desire to end your pain. And finally, the joy that comes from having chosen to overcome it, and actually being able to do so. Everything flowed through his words. No verbosity, but somehow still beautifully woven together. Very close to the truth behind the struggle with the chemical imbalance impaling your brain and the unfortunate life events that either trigger or aggravate it. Impeccable writing from start to finish. Rich in culture and history. A 330-page journey from loneliness and isolation to jubilation. Perdition to redemption. Brokenness to wholeness. And for all these, I thought the Afterword dedicated to John Dyson was very fitting. As Charles said, his mentor and friend took him from good to great. After reading this book, I can truly say that John did exactly that.
“White pages are not bad news. They’re just part of the process. What’s a sea voyage without long weary days spent crossing the blank bits of the map? It’s how you get to the other side.”
- John Dyson
May 28, 2024
This was beautiful. Such a unique plot - wow. I did not see so much of this coming. I do wish there had been some kind of trigger warning for orphans & adoption, but that’s a personal tender spot for me. This was a truly fantastic story though, and Charles Martin continues to be a favorite author.
May 6, 2013
A priest, a recluse, and an actress with the priest being the person who is connected to and the link to both of them. Father Steady helped Sunday with a problem at one time in his life, and now Father Steady needed Sunday to help Katie with her problem.
Can he and does he help her especially since Katie is not a likable person and is keeping a secret from the world? Sunday unwillingly agrees to help because Father Steady asked him, but Sunday isn't very keen on the idea of helping a stranger. A stranger who eventually becomes a friend.
The first few pages of the book were very evasive, and the intrigue pulled me in immediately. Actually, the entire book was filled with evasiveness, secrets, and characters with secrets and inner struggles. The author's writing style is insightful, brilliant, and a style that draws you in.
Mr. Martin's descriptions of characters and landscapes were incredible and beautiful. You will experience amazing detail about the Everglades and bask in the lush descriptions that make you feel as though you are sitting with the characters. You will also get a detailed, guided tour of Paris and the town of Langeais, France. You will be drawn to Katie, the movie star, who was used to nothing but luxury, Father Steady, who can be called her saving grace, and Sunday who gets pulled into it all and doesn't know how or why he did.
The book has an uncommon, but exceptional theme. To me the book was addressing the fragility of humans and their choices no matter what their stations in life are and finding oneself using memories as the basis. Memories that in this case were painful. It also addresses the issue of making the best of what life sends your way.
The beginning pages were a bit confusing, but indistinct enough to keep you wondering what actually was happening and going to happen. UNWRITTEN is definitely worth what I think was an "on purpose" ambiguity of the first chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and the reflection. This book was profound and powerful.
UNWRITTEN is a book that will have you analyzing, reflecting, and examining life. Have some tissues handy for the ending.
My final comment is this: The one word you will use and the one I used as I turned the last page is: WOW!! 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Can he and does he help her especially since Katie is not a likable person and is keeping a secret from the world? Sunday unwillingly agrees to help because Father Steady asked him, but Sunday isn't very keen on the idea of helping a stranger. A stranger who eventually becomes a friend.
The first few pages of the book were very evasive, and the intrigue pulled me in immediately. Actually, the entire book was filled with evasiveness, secrets, and characters with secrets and inner struggles. The author's writing style is insightful, brilliant, and a style that draws you in.
Mr. Martin's descriptions of characters and landscapes were incredible and beautiful. You will experience amazing detail about the Everglades and bask in the lush descriptions that make you feel as though you are sitting with the characters. You will also get a detailed, guided tour of Paris and the town of Langeais, France. You will be drawn to Katie, the movie star, who was used to nothing but luxury, Father Steady, who can be called her saving grace, and Sunday who gets pulled into it all and doesn't know how or why he did.
The book has an uncommon, but exceptional theme. To me the book was addressing the fragility of humans and their choices no matter what their stations in life are and finding oneself using memories as the basis. Memories that in this case were painful. It also addresses the issue of making the best of what life sends your way.
The beginning pages were a bit confusing, but indistinct enough to keep you wondering what actually was happening and going to happen. UNWRITTEN is definitely worth what I think was an "on purpose" ambiguity of the first chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and the reflection. This book was profound and powerful.
UNWRITTEN is a book that will have you analyzing, reflecting, and examining life. Have some tissues handy for the ending.
My final comment is this: The one word you will use and the one I used as I turned the last page is: WOW!! 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 24, 2015
When you start to wonder what characters in a novel would think of your review of them, that's when you know you've got yourself a winner. It's all so unbelievable, but the author makes you believe it all anyway.
Charles Martin's novel, Unwritten, is so jam-packed with action, adventure, and absolute deliciousness, that I literally couldn't put it down. I read it in just two sittings.
Although it is filled with boat crashes, flames, suicidal attempts, and other explosive events, it is also a tender and extraordinary love story. The heroine is extremely gifted, rich, and famous, yet she is still a lost soul, until the hero and his friend, an unusual fisherman priest, step in to try to rescue her. The hero, himself, has withdrawn from the world and is also a fisherman. He only reveals the secret of his successful literary career to save the suicidal actress.
He is a hero, not only in the sense of protagonist, but is also a savior to disabled children, some dying from cancer and other illnesses in a hospital ward. These children--most of them unwanted or abandoned, just as the hero was as a child--find their only hope in the hospital library.
The hero is a writer, and he reads his inspiring books aloud to the children to heal them--literally. His writing also heals the actress, the strange woman who transforms his life, just as his ultimate decision to share his Dickensian life story transforms her own life.
Charles Martin's novel, Unwritten, is so jam-packed with action, adventure, and absolute deliciousness, that I literally couldn't put it down. I read it in just two sittings.
Although it is filled with boat crashes, flames, suicidal attempts, and other explosive events, it is also a tender and extraordinary love story. The heroine is extremely gifted, rich, and famous, yet she is still a lost soul, until the hero and his friend, an unusual fisherman priest, step in to try to rescue her. The hero, himself, has withdrawn from the world and is also a fisherman. He only reveals the secret of his successful literary career to save the suicidal actress.
He is a hero, not only in the sense of protagonist, but is also a savior to disabled children, some dying from cancer and other illnesses in a hospital ward. These children--most of them unwanted or abandoned, just as the hero was as a child--find their only hope in the hospital library.
The hero is a writer, and he reads his inspiring books aloud to the children to heal them--literally. His writing also heals the actress, the strange woman who transforms his life, just as his ultimate decision to share his Dickensian life story transforms her own life.
November 18, 2013
This is the best novel I have read this year and maybe the best in years. Charles Martin is a great writer. Even the "Reading Group Guide" which I usually do not enjoy was top notch. The book examines the subject of forgiveness like I have never seen. The "question and answer" section with the author at the end of the book is very interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys novels. Below find one quote from the book that I trust will encourage you to read the book:
Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words. What's more - in evidence of the Divine - we string these symbols together and then write them down, where they take on a life of their own and breathe outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Students of the shattered. The tapestry upon which we write our lives. Upon which we lay the bodies of the dying and the about-to-come-to-life. And if it's honest, true, hiding nothing, revealing all, then it is a raging river and those who ride it find they have something to give - that they are not yet empty.
Of the six million species on the planet, only man makes language. Words. What's more - in evidence of the Divine - we string these symbols together and then write them down, where they take on a life of their own and breathe outside of us. Story is the bandage of the broken. Students of the shattered. The tapestry upon which we write our lives. Upon which we lay the bodies of the dying and the about-to-come-to-life. And if it's honest, true, hiding nothing, revealing all, then it is a raging river and those who ride it find they have something to give - that they are not yet empty.
March 27, 2018
Крайни са мислите , които произведе в мен книгата.
Едната е , че стила на автора не е от тези , които са ми любими. Прилича ми на бюлетин.
Не можа да задържи вниманието ми докрай.
Освен това отново е самоотвержен като октомвриец.
Има обаче една част в края на книгата, която е по-добрата и въздействаща. Която те кара да се замислиш за смисъла на живота.
И няколко неща , които ще запазя.
" Всички сърца имат един копнеж - да бъдат познати. "
" Можем да прескочим храната и водата , но не и надеждата. "
"Думите дават надежда."
Едната е , че стила на автора не е от тези , които са ми любими. Прилича ми на бюлетин.
Не можа да задържи вниманието ми докрай.
Освен това отново е самоотвержен като октомвриец.
Има обаче една част в края на книгата, която е по-добрата и въздействаща. Която те кара да се замислиш за смисъла на живота.
И няколко неща , които ще запазя.
" Всички сърца имат един копнеж - да бъдат познати. "
" Можем да прескочим храната и водата , но не и надеждата. "
"Думите дават надежда."
June 16, 2018
3.5/5 stars
I'm puzzled by my reaction to this book. As a piece of writing, it had rather boring bits in it. As a story arc, it was profound. I think someone who could relate to either of these characters would totally love this book. I have not gone through any of the heartache that the characters had, so it just felt like a sad story. Of course there was resolution in the end that was more than satisfying.
Charles Martin certainly writes deep, soulful stories about the harsh realities of life in a beautiful way.
I'm puzzled by my reaction to this book. As a piece of writing, it had rather boring bits in it. As a story arc, it was profound. I think someone who could relate to either of these characters would totally love this book. I have not gone through any of the heartache that the characters had, so it just felt like a sad story. Of course there was resolution in the end that was more than satisfying.
Charles Martin certainly writes deep, soulful stories about the harsh realities of life in a beautiful way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,162 reviews