The Wild Book

Written by Juan Villoro

Narrated by Mark Sanderlin

“We walked toward the part of the library where the air smelled as if it had been interred for years….. Finally, we got to the hallway where the wooden floor was the creakiest, and we sensed a strange whiff of excitement and fear. It smelled like a creature from a bygone time. It smelled like a dragon.”


Thirteen-year-old Juan’s summer is off to a terrible start. First, his parents separate. Then, almost as bad, Juan is sent away to his strange Uncle Tito’s house for the entire break! Who wants to live with an oddball recluse who has zigzag eyebrows, drinks fifteen cups of smoky tea a day, and lives inside a huge, mysterious library?

As Juan adjusts to his new life among teetering, dusty shelves, he notices something odd: the books move on their own! He rushes to tell Uncle Tito, who lets his nephew in on a secret: Juan is a Princeps Reader, which means books respond magically to him, and he’s the only one who can find the elusive, never-before-read Wild Book. But will Juan and his new friend Catalina get to The Wild Book before the wicked, story-stealing Pirate Book does?

An unforgettable adventure story about books, libraries, and the power of reading, The Wild Book is the young readers’ debut by beloved, prize-winning Mexican author Juan Villoro. It has sold over one million copies in Spanish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
• Release date: Feb 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662257483

Juan Villoro

Juan Villoro nació en México DF en 1956. Ha sido agregado cultural en la Embajada de México en la entonces República Democrática Alemana, colaborador en revistas y numerosos periódicos. Fue también jefe de redacción de Pauta y director de La Jornada Semanal, suplemento cultural del diario La Jornada, de 1995 a 1998. Actualmente es profesor de literatura en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) e invitado en las de Princeton, Yale, Boston y Pompeu i Fabra de Barcelona. Colabora regularmente en los periódicos La Jornada (México), El País (España) y El Periódico (España), y en publicaciones como Letras Libres, Proceso, Nexos, Reforma y la italiana Internazionale. Premiado en sus múltiples facetas de narrador, ensayista, autor de libros infantiles y traductor de importantes obras en alemán y en inglés, Juan Villoro es cada vez más reconocido como uno de los principales escritores latinoamericanos contemporáneos.

Reviews for The Wild Book

[Milagros02 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book about books. ♡

I find it fascinating to read about what reading means and the wonderful worlds that exist within the pages of a book, how captivating it can be, the comfort and empathy you can find in them.

Books tell great stories and make you think about your own story... It was like that for me. In it, I found a reflection of who I am.

Uncle Tito was one of the most beloved characters in this reading; I liked his reflections, the way he expressed himself about books. I wish I had an uncle like him!

Though like Uncle Tito and Juan, I have also thought that books are my closest companions, and that each book read is a friend I have made, I realized that reading, although often a solitary act, is also enjoyable in company.

I hold on to this quote:
"Sometimes, the greatest readers are those who have a handicap." (Translated from Spanish)

[PaolaEstefana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a book narrated in a very affectionate format and filled with the beauty typical of a preadolescent with a very intense childhood love. In a story full of lessons when it comes to facing our greatest limitations and self-discovery as one navigates through them.

A book full of adventures that highlights the value of those "imperfect" details of a human being, and precisely because of them, the story gains greater meaning when it comes to loving our singularities, allowing us to be free to follow our passions, creations, and most whimsical imaginations, creating an atmosphere of love and mystery in the search for the Wild Book.

With Juan as the protagonist, his uncle Tito, Eufrosina, the story of his parents, his amazing little sister Cármen, his childhood first love (Catalina), and the magical world that books have to envelop us; you find meanings of courage, respect, humility, and the importance of sharing in family while respecting and valuing what you can honor from the other, as they themselves are the most important part of the puzzle. (Translated from Spanish)

[BeatrizRendn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adored this book; I felt very identified with its way of talking about books, about reading, and all the metaphors I found. It's simply a book with so much to offer. I finished reading it with a big smile. (Translated from Spanish)

[NirelMrquez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a magical book that immerses you in an exciting adventure inside the great house-library of the lonely Uncle Tito (my favorite character) where Juan discovers the power of books, their mischievous nature, and how each story reaches the right person. To be honest, I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to reading this book. It captivated me from the very first moment, and I finished it very quickly; I connected with each character, and it felt like a light and lovely read that greatly nourishes the imagination.

In fact, something really funny happened to me. I bought this book around 2016; I remember starting to read it in the car during a family outing. From that moment on, I never found it again. I searched and searched until I was exhausted; even my relatives helped me, but it never showed up—until a few months ago (almost a year), my grandfather came and told me that he found it right there in the car, five years later when I had given it up for lost. I decided to read it just now, and omg what a great surprise of a story; I really identified with it AAJAJAJAJ <3 (Translated from Spanish)

[Pochoclito18 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every reader should have this book in their library; I know it will get along well with the other books and will provide you with a calm and exciting time. Living the adventure that Uncle Tito and Juanito recount, in a house that many of us would wish to have, will not only bring you memories of when you read a book for the first time, but it will also give you the inspiration needed to write or keep reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[Jalver · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book from when I was little. It is a coming-of-age novel, but it is still incredibly good; I say this because when I started reading it, I didn't expect anything from it. And what I got was a very nice escape. Villoro is a great storyteller who makes you feel the magic of discovering something completely unusual, making you remember the excitement of first love. I like to read it once a year, a book that understands what the reader's scene is and what it means to grow with a book. (Translated from Spanish)

[Americabooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! You can read it at any age, it's a very nice book that takes you on an adventure to find the wild book? the ending felt right to me, and it left me wanting to have a house like Uncle Tito's, full of books? (Translated from Spanish)

[El Caldero Literario · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this book that I had since 2016. As you know, in September I read authors from Mexico because of the initiative I do for Independence Month, and I've always been curious about the controversy between Juan Villoro and Benito Taibo—who copied whom? Is it a copy or not? You know how it is. I’ll tell you that this book is very good and I liked it. I think it is more fantastic and childlike, and it tells the story of a boy named Juan and his little sister who are going through their parents' divorce. During the vacations, they go to live at their uncle Tito's house, and the uncle has a living library. This book was written first and for that reason has more credibility, although it is clear that Benito Taibo copied Villoro. We can't say he copied him exactly; he takes the basic idea but changes it to his own style and makes it his own, adding his touch, with a lot of fanservice, but it’s good. Despite that, this book reads quickly and is very enjoyable. Many things that happened I liked, even though it was very obvious what was going to happen; that plot twist was very obvious, but keep in mind that it's a children's book, and I think it is definitely worth it. A book that talks about readers and what books mean to them, and we learn a lot about what books are. From what many Booktuber friends told me, I imagined a super iconic story that would fill the book with post-its due to its phrases, and that wasn’t the case, but it is still a very good story that speaks about the book-reader relationship. I highly recommend it since, despite being a children's book, it is an icon of children's literature because it touches on an important theme for readers. A book that is quick to read and will definitely make you laugh a lot and have a pleasant time. (Translated from Spanish)

[VaniaJmz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Without a doubt, this book started my love for books since I was a child. It's a very lovely story. (Translated from Spanish)

[Lianji · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I got this book when I was in elementary school, and I must say I left it sitting around for a long time until I finally decided to read it. At first, I didn't know what to expect or if I would like it, but as I progressed through the story, I was simply captivated. The mental imagery and the illustrations that came with the book enhanced my experience; it's a very interesting book with many thought-provoking elements. Today, I regret not having read it earlier, but anyway, I have read it now, and it is simply wonderful. (Translated from Spanish)

[JoshFabian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you are looking for a book to start reading, this is the one! It is truly an excellent book; I wish I could tell you more about it in this review, but the adventure begins when you read it. So go ahead. (Translated from Spanish)

[RitmoDeLaLluvia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4⭐
It's nice. It has a structure very similar to "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende, as it has the ability to make you feel part of the reading, even as if you are having the same experiences as the protagonists, that you are reading them in real time, that you are present in the story and that the book "needs" you to continue.

It is ideal for those children (between 9 to 13 years old) who do not yet have a reading habit, but also for experienced readers.

There were parts and ways in which it was narrated that I did not totally like, however, I think the last chapter is very, very good, and although it seems childish, the phrases and things it narrates can be very deep and make you think for a long time.

Have you ever felt that a book "follows you"? As if it was looking for you as a reader?

Well, then you are ready to read "The Wild Book"

Note: if you are someone who underlines books, it would be best to have your highlighter close by, because if there is one thing this book has, it’s memorable phrases. (Translated from Spanish)

[evcaballero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The wild book... starts with the story of Juan, a 13-year-old boy who learns that his parents are getting divorced. His mother is so caught up in her own thoughts that she sends his sister to a friend and him to a great-uncle, who is a bit strange. Juan doesn’t understand why they would send him to Uncle Tito, someone they don’t visit often and who isn’t very sociable; he lives surrounded by countless books. Being in that house is somewhat complicated for him since it is very different from what he has experienced, and he is very worried about his mom. But as the days go by, with his bell in tow and the cats for company, life becomes easier and more pleasant, especially alongside the girl from the pharmacy. He even forgets about his parents’ problems and focuses on having fun as a teenager.
I loved this book; it is fun and very interesting. I had not had the opportunity to read it before. I know it is a children’s book, but I think it has something in common with The Little Prince. A children’s book that, when read, offers more than you expected and includes many parts that make you mature and see life from a different perspective. (Translated from Spanish)

[JohanaLiz0306 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this book in my childhood, and after years I have read it again, and I am simply in love with this read. As the book mentions, books have flavors, and this one tastes like sweetness, childhood, innocence, and youth. I highly recommend it; it is a very beautiful book with various lessons. (Translated from Spanish)

[Alexa O. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

? PLOT DETAILS ?
What a beautiful and perfect book...
How I wish these had been my mandatory readings in school, these books are truly worth it, but undoubtedly as the book says... each book arrives at the right moment for each reader, and so it was.
The way the author describes books is undoubtedly beautiful, BEAUTIFUL... many of his phrases touched my reading soul and even made me cry with how beautifully he describes and speaks about something we are so passionate about... you definitely feel identified on each of its pages.
I really liked Juanito, how he delves deeper into the world of pages, just like many of us did; I adored Uncle Tito, I don't know why but he reminded me a lot of the Mad Hatter ? his way of speaking, acting, and expressing himself was undoubtedly my favorite part, his home-library I loved, I want to live there for sure, and I really liked Catalina.
I liked the way they describe the Princeps Readers ? and how they view the books, as specialists readers with special powers.
The part when they have to find the wild book is a whole mystery and in the end, the message it leaves you is very beautiful... because as they said, it's a mirror, exactly what speaks of your own story.
I liked the theme it deals with, that we must not live in the past or the future of the pages to the point of losing ourselves in our present, we must always live in those imaginary worlds that we love so much as well as in our reality ?.
The way the book is told in fables is fascinating since you can find your own meaning in the story.
Books are a refuge and have a spirit, and I totally agree that they choose us ?

Lastly, I will leave one of the quotes I liked.
"...When you read, you never see the letters; you see the things the letters are about: a forest, a house turned into a library, a pharmacy. Books work as mirrors and windows: they are full of images."

I gave it 5? straight to my favorite books of life. (Translated from Spanish)

[FJSA · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Wild Book
Juan Villoro.

This is the first time I've read a book by this Mexican author. Overall, it was good; I liked how the characters interacted with the books. The author conveys his experiences as a reader and as someone knowledgeable about general culture in the text, which adds an original value that is appreciated. The ending is a bit weak, a good closing idea but not spectacular. The idea of books with emotions and actions, although not original (already in Harry Potter there are moving books and blank books to write changing stories), the author manages to capture the reader's interest; however, from the halfway point, it could become tiring due to its repetitiveness. In short, I enjoyed reading it. Recommended reading for children and teenagers who are starting to have their first readings. I give it 4 stars. FS/08042021. (Translated from Spanish)

[Yessi1817 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite readings from my childhood, it is simply straightforward and has a beautiful story. (Translated from Spanish)

[remac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was the one that instilled in me the habit of reading; it is my favorite, as the way it combines fiction with reality is majestic. I read it in print, illustrated by Gabriel Martínez Meave. (Translated from Spanish)

[KarolVenegas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is really cool, very exciting and interesting. I highly recommend it! (Translated from Spanish)

[MariaOlga - Lectoraapasionada · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

February 02, 2021

Wonderful, a book to soar among books, filled with fascinating thoughts... Overflowing imagination, I left the book full of underlinings and moreover the book is full of very original and beautiful illustrations.

Extracts from the book:

Books function as mirrors and windows: they are full of images.

The story a book tells is not always the same.

What matters is not having everything in your head but knowing where to find it. (Translated from Spanish)

[y.o.s.s. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful story, full of adventure and a touch of fantasy. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ana Pau✨ · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read it as a school reading and I really liked it.
I quite like the way they express one of their ideas.
The passion with which they talked about books made me want to read absolutely everything they had read.
I will definitely remember it. (Translated from Spanish)

[Karencita Medinilla · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very tender and fun book, a unique story full of books and a lot of imagination. Despite being a very short book, it carries a great and beautiful story where Uncle Tito takes his nephew Juan to discover the magical world of books at a very important stage for the young boy's life. (Translated from Spanish)

[Jaret Bustamante · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I started reading it without knowing exactly what it was about, and I loved it. (Translated from Spanish)

[ye gomez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Shared reading with my son (Optional book for literature. Thanks for the recommendation to @ailed rguez)
He liked it a lot. We read it in 2 days. At first, he wasn't really drawn to it, but when the search began, he didn’t even want to stop to eat. (Translated from Spanish)

[YazmnK · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book was very beautiful because it is descriptive, and Juan's dreams seemed quite interesting to me along with the context in which the story is set. Moreover, the ending is very uplifting.? (Translated from Spanish)

[Ailed Rguez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very funny story with a touch of magic. It reminded me a bit of "Normal Person" but I liked it much more. Here we get to know Juan and his uncle Tito (a rather eccentric but charming man who, although not perfect, is definitely not boring), who embark on an interesting mission with books that want to be found and others that know very well how to hide. Uncle Tito's house is a dream for any reader, with rooms full of books, delicious food, and plenty of space to read for hours. I got some great quotes from this book, and I think it's perfect for a nice afternoon, although if I had to criticize something, it would be that it's a bit repetitive with several of its ideas. (Translated from Spanish)

[mary0273 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, a beautiful message. It entertains you without the need to use bad words. Ideal for a children's audience. (Translated from Spanish)

[Erika Chuck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An ideal book for children and young people who want to start reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[paula1970 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this book and immediately connected it with "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende and "Persona Normal" by Benito Taibo. They are stories with a similar premise, but developed from different perspectives. In this exercise, I realized how stories are developed and it made me reconsider the ratings I had given each one. Of the three, my favorite is Michael Ende's, which manages to create a new world with extraordinary characters and a child's adventure living a sort of Homer's Odyssey. Juan Villorio tells an entertaining story with books, based on the premise that books are living entities, which serves to craft a fantasy story that children who love books will adore. (Translated from Spanish)