Wicked by Gregory Maguire

[saltyj]

Has anyone read this book? I find it to be absolutely amazing.

It's basically the background story of the Wicked Witch of the West (her real name was Elphaba). Glinda (her name was Galinda at first) went to the same college as Elphaba, and they were even roomates. Elphaba's sister (The Wicked Witch of the East) didn't have arms, the wizard was actually kinda mean...

This book is AWESOME. I recommend it to anyone.

Any other thoughts, reviews, comments?

[Dinahann]

I bought it for my daughter several years ago. She collects Wizard of Oz memorabilia, and I loved the cover. It was an unsettling read, especially for anyone who delves into it assuming it's a sort-of prequel or companion to the original series. It was fascinating and very worthwhile reading. I never did decipher all the symbolism, but basically it seems to be a treatise on situational ethics and the basic nature of evil.

If you like Maguire's style of writing I suggest you also read Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. I enjoyed that tale more, to tell the truth. I wasn't quite so enamored of Mirror, Mirror. It did not end well.

[JLuvs]

I read the book about a year ago. I found it to be a very interesting read.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is also very good.

[CCL]

I read Wicked a while back. I liked it but I found it lost steam a bit.

[Lotuslander]

One of my all time favorites! Made me want to change my name to Galinda, and I'm a guy.

[saltyj]

Well, I'm sure if you changed your name to Galinda, most people wouldn't find it weird...maybe SOME people...maybe a couple?....

[Yardgnome]

I just read this book about a month ago. This was a weird book for me, I did not love it but I could not stop reading it. My main problem I had with the book was I felt like why did this guy get to write the prequel to the Wizard of Oz. It was an interesting book and made you look at the Wizard of Oz in an all new way!

[ChgoBurbs]

I'm reading this now, not very far. Can't figure out how this became a musical.

[guillermoluvsme]

I read this book recently loved it, however the broadway play was even better than the book. This same author has several other books from different "bad" characters perspectives. He is a great author.

[saltyj]

I never saw the musical, but I do own the Original Cast Recording, and I absolutely adore it.

I don't know which one I like better.

I also do not understand how someone could look at this book and think, "It's perfect! We'll make it into a MUSICAL!"