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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Reading the book you learn that the movie was quite faithful but left a few things out. It has much more fairy-tale vibe, and it’s definitely worth the read.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not quite what I expected but such a wonderful story! The writing was not the greatest, but I was mesmerized by the beautiful picture it created! Can’t wait to keep going with this series
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
No, before this point in my life, I had never read any of the Oz books. I always wanted to. I just didn’t. So it was a pleasant surprise when an audiobook copy was offered to me for free from iBooks.
The book? It’s amazing to realize just how much different it is from the movie we all know and love. Sure, the essence of it is still there, but a lot of details are changed. No Mrs. Gulch, no ruby slippers (they’re silver), Dorothy is about seven years old instead of 15ish, that sort of thing. But the strangest thing for me was hearing how quickly seemingly major plot points were glossed over. In fact, the story that we all know is basically done by chapter 15 (of 25). So while what we know passes quickly, there is a lot of additional stuff that was left out of the movie. Give and take, I suppose. Still a lot of fun.
This audiobook was narrated by Tituss Burgess of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt fame. And Tituss is amazing. I don’t watch UKS so my familiarity with him is limited to commercials for the show, really. But with what little I knew of him, I had high hopes for his performance and he didn’t let me down. A great, whimsical voice that lends loads of childlike amazement to a story rich with it already. And he does distinguish character voices (unlike other narrators recruited by Apple). Five stars just for the vocal performance.
The book? It’s amazing to realize just how much different it is from the movie we all know and love. Sure, the essence of it is still there, but a lot of details are changed. No Mrs. Gulch, no ruby slippers (they’re silver), Dorothy is about seven years old instead of 15ish, that sort of thing. But the strangest thing for me was hearing how quickly seemingly major plot points were glossed over. In fact, the story that we all know is basically done by chapter 15 (of 25). So while what we know passes quickly, there is a lot of additional stuff that was left out of the movie. Give and take, I suppose. Still a lot of fun.
This audiobook was narrated by Tituss Burgess of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt fame. And Tituss is amazing. I don’t watch UKS so my familiarity with him is limited to commercials for the show, really. But with what little I knew of him, I had high hopes for his performance and he didn’t let me down. A great, whimsical voice that lends loads of childlike amazement to a story rich with it already. And he does distinguish character voices (unlike other narrators recruited by Apple). Five stars just for the vocal performance.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
very different from the movie I've loved all the years. glad I finally read it though.
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
Somehow I think I have avoided the Oz books for my whole life, and the movie too for that matter. However, it's such a part of our culture, most of the plot events didn't come as any surprise. It's a quick read, although Baum doesn't build a lot of suspense with any events. There's some monster, challenge, or obstacle, and then it's quickly resolved, without much tension or build-up.
The most interesting aspect of the book are the creatures which inhabit the worlds, whether the Munchkins, Quadlings, or my favorite, the Hammerheads with no arms. It was solid enough I want to continue with the series and figure out if there is any truth of it being a political allegory about the Gold Standard and whatnot.
The most interesting aspect of the book are the creatures which inhabit the worlds, whether the Munchkins, Quadlings, or my favorite, the Hammerheads with no arms. It was solid enough I want to continue with the series and figure out if there is any truth of it being a political allegory about the Gold Standard and whatnot.