Several years ago, I saw a pen made from an old paperback book. I don't have a copy of the article or a link to it. From what I remember, the turner glued pages of an old book together to make the blank, the traditional 3/4 x 3/4 x 5". He pressed the pages together to make sure the glue covered and dried evenly. When it was all dry, he drilled and tubed the blank then turned it like you would any other pen. From what I remember, I don't think you could actually see words but you did see some stray letters. The glue has to be clear and even. Pressing it is essential for a consistent product. I'll look around and see what I can find in my paper files.
Steve