The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie growing up… I knew all the lines by age 5.  Having said that, I don't think that I necessarily gave the book a fair shot.  Gregory Maguire presents the characters of Elphaba (the wicked witch of the east) and Galinda (the good witch of the north) in a whole different light.  I liked getting to know a different side of these characters, but I just couldn't get into the story. Maguire wrote a complex political and religious novel under the guise of a fairytale.

than just a fictional alternative perspective to a children's classic. There are parts and entire themes of this that go far beyond ordinary fiction. A very worthwhile, if occasionally puzzling read. I think it's good if you have a few fellow readers to discuss it with after you've read. My father and I had some wonderful talks about this one.

Whenever The Wizard of Oz comes on TV, usually the first weekend in December, I can't help but watch. It's just a fabulous movie and I am able to enjoy it, not only as someone in the film industry who marvels at the way they integrated both color and black and white, but just at the simple joy it has given me since age 3. This novel was a whole new take on the tale. I loved it whole heartedly. I've passed it through members of my family (mom, aunt, sister-in-law) and have addicted them all!

Elhpaba is one of my heroes…strong, detemined, fighting against all odds…a beacon of deceny in a world gone mad…there are so many layers to this book that one read is simply not enough.

and that’s why I liked. I’ve always been sympathetic to the Wicked Witch. The book is a bit dragging at times, but if you get into it, you will not mind so much. The best part was the stab at the human perspective of evil, and the nature of evil itself. Good stuff.