This is the second installment of the "So Weird" novelization series. It’s based on the first season episode "Sacrifice" and for the most part follows the original script rather closely.
Our intrepid heroine, fourteen-year-old Fiona Phillips encounters an unusual creature while camping in Tennessee’s Shiloh National Park. Separated from her big brother Jack and their pal Clu Bell while gathering firewood Fiona is rescued from a nasty fall by a shy yet friendly Bigfoot-type creature. When Bigfoot (middle name "Fuzzy") leads Fi to a small cave she discovers the remains of a Civil War soldier. Bigfoot offers Fi a journal and silver locket and through them she learns the story of Union Army Captain Walter Rutledge.
Captain Rutledge’s tale is given considerably more attention in this novelization than it was in the television show and has more of a paranormal element to it. This story, interwoven through Fiona’s present-day narrative, introduces the reader to the bloody battle of Shiloh and the events surrounding Rutledge’s own encounter with the Bigfoot creature. Fiona recognizes the soldier’s photograph from her dreams and the journal contains a vision that Rutledge has about a girl with her description. When Fiona realizes that the creature’s habitat is endangered by the park’s plans for a new Visitors’ Center she leads Bigfoot to an area that is to remain undeveloped.
Fiona’s family is understandably concerned by her absence and it is interesting to learn their thoughts, not just hear what they say aloud. Molly is constantly haunted by the memory of her deceased husband Rick. Jack is torn between being aggravated by Fiona’s persistent belief in the supernatural and wanting to protect his baby sister. They are both immensely relieved when Fi reappears safe and sound.
Fi proves herself an honorable "true believer" by respectfully burying Rutledge’s journal. She mails the locket and a letter of vague explanation to his descendants.
The show’s dialogue is faithfully repeated in this book, but there are several additions and expansions to the original story. This book is easy to read but not overly simplistic. It seems to be geared toward middle-schoolers but can still be enjoyed as a light-hearted story by older readers. The photo cover of the book shows Fiona and Clu clearly but you have to look twice to realize that Jack is standing directly behind Fi.
Coming soon - #3: Escape