I tried very hard to read this book because I do like the Wizard of Oz etc etc. The start of the book is good, but after that..it really drops off and gets to be rather dull, boring, and hard to follow. Half way through I was disappointed by the book, as I was expecting so much more, and was also disappointed with the content that was put into the book. Why children are reading this book I don't know..but they shouldn't be. Older teens perhaps, but not 8 year olds!! I have heard the musical is very different and have even looked up the differences, and yep, it's really different. I think the musical would make more sense, and move at a faster pace and not be so wordy and full of filler words and content.

I say don't waste your time with this book. Think what you want to think, you'll probably come up with a better story anyways!

A wonderful read. The book focuses on the wicked witch's life and even minimally covers the events occuring AFTER the fallen house. It was not what I expected but I was very pleasantly suprised and sad when the book ended. I want more.

I've noticed this is a highly requested book on PBS. Maybe it's just me, but I never got into it. There are a few good parts but it's a lot about the political climate of Oz at the time leading up to and during Dorothy's visit. I found it incredibly tedious to read, but I know a lot of people who felt differently! It just wasn't my cup of tea, but I wanted to read it before I saw the musical!

At times,I found the book difficult to dicipher the author's choice of complicated vocabulary vs imiginary words. I'm glad I had the challenge of reading the book, but it was a struggle for me. Others in my book club LOVED IT! Must be my mommy brain?

Interesting perspective on Animal rights and the witch's political struggles. I enjoyed this book but wasn't overwhelmed as many have been.

i absolutely adored this. i was hoping that wicked would be more adult and not just a cutesy tie-in for the much loved movie. this was a great "insight" into some of the characters that everyone is familiar with. i found myself really rooting for the wicked witch and didn't want to put it down.

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in the classic tale, we only heard her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchinkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba who grew up to the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

Not the typical type of book that I read, but this was EXCELLENT. Anyone looking for a book to take you in this is it. I totally sympathized with the main character Elphaba! She definitely grows on you.

It was hard to get through this. If you know a lot about Oz before you read this it might be more interesting.

I loved it. I dont' know what rock I had been living under, but I had never heard of this book until I saw it on the shelf at Target. I found it difficult to do anything else until I finished it.

Read All Book Reviews of "Wicked The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West"

It took a while to get into the book. when i started reading it was a little confusing. but the more i read the more it made sense.

I liked this book a lot! I am a teen and would definitely recommend it to other teens and adults, but not children because of language . Reading this book really makes me want to see the musical, I hear it is really good!!!

Interesting look at the other side of the story.

Interesting take on the other side of the story. Loved it!

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. "Wicked" is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? An what is the true nature of evil?

Maguire creates a vivid, seamlessly believable world. This is a very unforgettable book.

Gives you a whole new perspective on the whole story of the Wizard of Oz.

Explores the life and times of Oz before Dorothy lands. Focuses on the Wicked Witch of the West and her family and friends.
I enjoyed this book very much. Oz will never look the same to me again.

Read All Book Reviews of "Wicked The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West"