Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wicked and The Wizard

A while back I read Wicked by Gregory Maguire. It is a novel about the life of The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. I really enjoyed the book, really enjoyed the supposed life of "Elphaba", before Dorothy came to Oz. But I also became really curious about the original book, as I had never read it before. So, I borrowed this copy from the library.


Do you remember, back in the day, when The Wizard of Oz would be aired on TV each summer? (Remember when they colorized it??) I remember laying on the carpet in front of the TV watching it while it was like 104 degrees outside (similar to what our current weather has been like lately). It was quite the event, no? Well, as wonderful as that movie is, it is not a direct adaptation of the book (many of you probably already know this). So, you really must get yourself a copy and read it, because there is so much more to the story. Plus the wonderful intricate illustrations by W. W. Denslow. But don't read it to your young children. Too violent, in my opinion.

So, that's my book post for this month. I've done one each month since last June, when I started this blog. Keeps me reading, right?! And I'm going to have to pick up something new to read soon, because I've just about come to the end of the list of books I've read in recent memory. You know, besides Curious George, and Dinosaur Train, and Goodnight Moon, and...

2 comments:

  1. I hate to say jump on this bandwagon but I just finished the Twillight series because EVERYONE was raving about them - and it's true - I loved them too!! Super easy read - and fun Vampire Romance. Or you could continue on the Gregory Maguire side and read the sequel to Wicked, Son of a witch...he also has one called Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister that is quite good.

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  2. There are also several more in the Wizard of Oz series written by L. Frank Baum. Incidentally, did you know that the name of the Wicked Witch in "Wicked" is derived from the name of her original author? Elphaba = LFaBa!

    Now, of course, you are ready to be exposed to the fastastic musical that is "Wicked". Off you go!

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