Reads: Wicked

5:30 PM

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We all know the story of The Wizard of Oz, how Dorothy and her misfit friends defeated the Wicked Witch, but what we don't know is why the witch was so wicked to begin with. Gregory Maguire creates a history, a recollection of who this "Wicked Witch" is, and how she came to be. Elphaba, as we come to know her, is the person who eventually becomes the witch we are all familiar with, but first she is what everyone else is: A baby. 

Elphaba was born green, with razer-sharp teeth. The very first indication that she was, different. Her tale is told primarily through the view-points of others in the novel, and we come to learn just how different she really is, not only from everyone who surrounds her, but from her portrayal in The Wizard of OZ. So who is Elphaba? She is many things; a radical, an atheist, a lover, and wait for it, a friend. Yes, she has family, and friends. She is capable of caring, even loving, others. However, it is not just the witch that we get a healthy dose of knowledge of, but also Oz itself. 

This book is quite different than I thought it would be. I figured it would be a fantasy, but it really is so much more. It is also a thriller, and very political. I loved that the book is mostly told from the supporting character's point of views, because it gives really insight on how others would react to Elphaba. From the initial shock of the shade of her green skin, to appreciating her boldness in standing up for her beliefs, and also seeing how much she really does care for those few who she lets into her life. 

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13 Musings

  1. A Very Sweet BlogApril 11, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    I've read that book and agree with you.

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  2. WoodsApril 12, 2013 at 1:22 AM

    i didnt know there was a book out for the wicked witch. but it nice that you get know who she was before you became evil.

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  3. ellieApril 12, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    I've heard so much about it. I have some friends who read it over and over and then some who couldn't get through the way the language was spoken..so I haven't tried it.

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  4. ivy's closetApril 12, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Great review! I dunno if I could tackle it or not.

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  5. lucy and sarahApril 12, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    Love that you read this. I had a friend who couldn't wait to go to the musical after she read this one.

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  6. mazzymayApril 12, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Its good to hear more about this book. Loved your review.

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  7. Caitlin and MeganApril 12, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    Cool about the supporting cast in this book.

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  8. ellie's deskApril 12, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    I wish I could get up the nerve to read this. Looks like a very interesting book.

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  9. Cafe FashionistaApril 12, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    I wanted to like this book, I did...but the first few chapters were so crude that I put it aside. :/

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  10. Leigh Ann FisherApril 12, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    I've read the book three times at least. I love it. The end gets boring and sometimes I stop reading it but I do love the novel. Still have not seen Wicked and I do not understand how they made it into a play. One day!

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  11. Leigh Ann FisherApril 12, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    Also, a dictionary is a must when reading the book.

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  12. ImogenApril 12, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    I think this would be really interesting. I am actually looking for some good books to read at the moment.

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  13. Ebony ArwenApril 12, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    I tried reading this once but I went in thinking it'd be a kids fantasy novel. It was way too deep compared to what I was looking for. Should I try again?

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Talk nerdy to me.