- Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
- Author: Carrie Ryan
- Publishing Date: March 10, 2009
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0385736819
- Reader's Annotation: In an apocalyptic world Mary lives in a village surrounded by a fence that keeps The Unconsecrated out. Constantly surrounded by death, she is driven by the need to know more. But can Mary survive when she is forced to go down the paths she always dreamed of, and is there really anything other then death waiting for her?
- Synopsis: As a child Mary's mother tells her of an immense ocean. This place is beyond the Forest of Hands and Teeth and has water as far as the eye can see. But, in Mary's village the sisterhood preaches there is nothing outside the Forest of the Hands and Teeth. The only safe place is that of of the village and it is the people's duty to keep the human race from being expelled forever. It is Mary's duty to watch her mother who longs for her lost love (Mary's Father) who has been taken by The Unconsecrated. Mary knows that her mother longs to be with him and she fears she will give herself to The Forest and The Sickness. Meanwhile, the spring vows and binding ceremonies are coming and men in the village are speaking for the women. Mary has only ever longed for one boy, but it is another that seeks her hand. Mary's duty is fast upon her it may not be anything she ever expected.
- The beauty of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan's first book, lies within it's stark voice that never wavers from it's bleak tone that alludes to that small voice of hope at something more that lives in the back of all our minds. The book doesn't pander to the sugar coated, everything will turn out ok devices that are so inherent in YA lit today. It is refreshing despite it's topic of zombies (a genre being penned at a rate to rival the vampire literary epidemic). The zombie or vampire fan will devour this easy read but not be left without provoking thoughts and conversation. I have the slightest feeling the popularity of this book will spread like the disease of the Unconsecrated.
- Extras: Seven Star Pictures have already bought the rights to the book for a film. It is slated for release in 2010.
- Medium levels of blood and violence may leave the timid reader uncomfortable, but for the most part warnings for parents and readers are mild.
- Author's Website: http://www.carrieryan.com/news.php
- The book trailer was a Teen Book Video Award 2008 Finalist. It is one of the best I've seen! If you are thinking of reading this book you must watch the trailer!
- The UnLibrarian is currently working on a fan "casting" book trailer! Stay Tuned!
