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alexbooksandmore 's review for:

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
5.0
adventurous funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Before discovering *Wicked*, I had never actually watched *The Wizard of Oz* movie. I was aware of the Broadway musical, but I never got around to seeing it. However, after *Wicked*, I completely fell in love with the story, which led me to watch the classic film and eventually read the original book.    

Reading The Wizard of Oz was an entirely different experience from watching the movie. While the film has a whimsical, almost dreamlike quality, the book contains darker moments and a more expansive world. The story is fast-paced, and the flow feels natural, making it an engaging read. Baum's writing is simple yet effective, making it easy to follow and enjoy.  

One of the things I found fascinating was how different certain details were from what I had known before. For example, Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers were actually silver in the book. Also, Glinda, the Good Witch, was described with red hair and blue eyes—quite different from her depiction in the Wicked series. 

I particularly enjoyed reading about the backstories of the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. Their journeys felt more fleshed out, and their desires—brains, a heart, and courage—were explored in a way that made their character arcs even more meaningful.  

Overall, I absolutely loved The Wizard of Oz. It’s a magical adventure with deeper themes of friendship, self-discovery, and perseverance. Now that I’ve read this classic, I’m excited to dive into Wicked and explore another perspective on this beloved world.