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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Thankfully there's an introduction explaining why this book exists. From a 21st century perspective, this book is sexist nonsense that's boring at best. I'd be surprised if any kids still read this as entertaining given what stories are like today.
In a lot of ways, this is a far better book than the original. The story is no weirder than the first, really, although it probably seems stranger given that the basic details of the first are well-known. It is, however, so much better written, as this book has a very standard plot structure that the first lacked. This book doesn't have the same moral lessons as the first, if you are expecting that; it is more of a standard adventure. Generally harmless overall, though it is interesting to note that, given the way it ends, if this book were written today it would probably be banned as unsuitable for children. It's not bad, though, just unintentionally radical from a modern perspective. In a couple of decades, it will probably become more popular than the first for the same reason.
adventurous
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I don't feel that the second Oz book has the same whimsical charm as the first, partly because its plot is even more arbitrary and meandering, but also because some of the "humour" really does show every one of its hundred-plus years of age. Yes, as an adult I can pick up hints that Baum may have been lampooning sexist attitudes to some extent, but kids are very literal readers, so I doubt many of them got that.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more as a stand alone book instead of a sequel since it didn't resemble the first book at all. Once I quit comparing it to the first book, I enjoyed it a lot more. A few slow spots but also a lot of good one liners that had me laughing. The ending genuinely surprised me and I think it would be a really fun book to read with my children one day.
Even if I preferred Dorothy as a protagonist over Tip, I really enjoyed this book! It is more absurd and fun than the first book, following the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as they must save the Emerald city from an army who seizes it with the help of a boy raised by the devious witch Mombi, a talking pumpkin and stick figure, and a horse made of wood. Even as an adult, I find this series to be fun and unexpected.
This time I was completely unfamiliar with the story, with no memory of having read it 35-40 years ago. I found it to be only ok. The plot developments seemed to happen a little more slowly, which was good. The characters do seem to make a number of non-sequitur comments, where I can't imagine real characters responding in the same way. I found this quite disconcerting.
This adventure focuses on the roles of men & women and has a revolution of women taking over Oz. However, this seems to be motivated by jealousy and desire, rather than any need for equality. Baum makes sure that order is restored in the end, with women back in the kitchen and men able to do the "real work" of governing. This book is certainly a product of its time!
This adventure focuses on the roles of men & women and has a revolution of women taking over Oz. However, this seems to be motivated by jealousy and desire, rather than any need for equality. Baum makes sure that order is restored in the end, with women back in the kitchen and men able to do the "real work" of governing. This book is certainly a product of its time!
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is so cute! I am really enjoying reading this series (way more than I thought I would). The story in this one is fun and different but still has enough of the original characters to feel familiar. I LOVE the Woggle-Bug and his puns, by far my favorite character in this one. My favorite quote from this book is "...I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones." Yas! This book counts for my Bookland for July for "friend picks a classic".