Rating: 
Summary: What an Escape
Review: I received the book Wicked for Christmas in 1998, and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I thought Maguire's use of tone, plot, and imagery was very well thought out. Reading this book allowed me to escape from reality for awhile and get lost in a wonderful fictional world. As an English major I thought this was a very well written book. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a good fiction book to consider purchasing this one.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: It is a funny, at times chilling to the bone and pure enjoyment. Any fan of OZ will enjoy the humanization of The Wicked Witch of The West.
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Summary: When can we expect a sequel?
Review: Although she is a loner, Elphaba draws you into her world. I loved the happy, skippy movie as a kid, but I'm delighted that there is a cynical side of Oz for the adult I have become. I knew I was going to love this book when I read that the yellow brick road was a misguided, state-sponsored public works project that destroyed wetlands and quadling habitat. I was wary about reading a fantasy novel, but quickly appreciated Maguire's use of this nonsense land to examine prejudice, religious zealotry, class distinctions, terrorism and even the interpersonal dynamics of college roommates. I wondered how Maguire would tie in some of the early characters and plot lines, and was pleased and impressed that nothing was wasted. There are some questions I would like to see resolved. Since there was no body, did Elphaba's lover really die? Who is Yackle? Is Lurlina real? What happens to Oz after the wizard leaves? What happens to Elphaba when she emerges from the waterfall? Hurry that sequel, please!
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Summary: At Last, Fairytales for Adults!
Review: Finally, a mature fairytale! Adults can return to fantasy and whimsy now coupled with politics, philosophy, and ethics. I've waited to experience the PURE JOY of "stories" again. Brilliant characters that put a new spin on Oz--Thank you Gregory! What a trip--one of my top three picks, I would reccomend it to EVERYONE!
Rating:
Summary: Very delightful!
Review: I read this book as a die hard Oz fan. This is the first time I have read a new Oz book and been so impressed as to read a non-Oz book by the same author. Surprisingly, it is extremely faithful to the book(except for her skin color and other things that would be to confusing to people familiar only with the film). I hope he held up his credits in 'Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister'.
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Summary: The Cleverest Fantasy in a Long While
Review: If this book had just been a sort of intertextual play with L. Frank Baum, it would have been a clever book. If it had just been a psychological character study and meditation on evil, it would have been a philosophical book. If it had just been a fleshing-out of the world of Oz, replete with political intrigue and mysterious magic, it would have been a fantasy book. But this book has all of those, and weaves them remarkably well. It is deep, thoughtful, wickedly clever fantasy. I loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This is my favorite book to date! I expected it to be rainbows and lollipops like the movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. Wicked ponders what constitutes evil. It demonstrates there are always two sides to a story. I LOVED it.
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Summary: Very Seldom Does Something This Wickedly Fun Come Our Way!
Review: Fantastic! I had expected this book to be of the 8th grade level, or perhaps maybe even younger. I was misgiven and for that I must apologize to the author. This book has wit, charm and full of agravating speed. Meaning that you fly faster through this book than the witch does on her broomstick and I found myself wishing I knew her on a personal level. It is by far very clever and definatley shows that there ARE two sides to every story. I found myself deeply sadend that it came to an end so I've come back to buy his latest book. I can only hope it's half as wonderful as Wicked was.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I devoured this book in two days. Elphaba is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. What I don't understand is why quite a few people who have reviewed the book here have problems with the sex. There is one scene in the book which could be considered a bit shocking, other than that , it is very tastefully done. This is an adult novel, and adults have sex. If that bothers or disgusts you, don't buy this book. If it doesn't, then buy it and enjoy, because it's amazing.
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been worse
Review: This book had a brilliant premise, but fell dramatically short of my expectations. From the previously posted reviews, I had expected an excellent read at best, and a controversial read at worst. This book was neither. The main character was wooden, and many of the other characters fell flat. The three best characters in the book were Dr. Dillamond, Glinda, and Boq, respectively, and these characters did not play an important enough part in the book to carry it through. The political drama was boring, and although I feel sure that some point was being made, I have no idea what it was or why it was important. The saving graces in this novel are the premise and the language, which is beautiful. The writing style,itself, was excellent, so I haven't given up hope. I still plan on reading "Confessions." I've heard that it is less convoluted. Overall, I would suggest checking this book out of the library if you must read it. Save your twenty bucks for something better.
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