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Summary: A "Wicked" Novel
Review: What an idea ... Maguire has done what I look at as a major revision of fictional history. The life of the suppoed "wicked" witch of the west (Elphaba)is explored dating from her birth, to her schooling days (where she rooms with "Galinda" - soon to be Glinda)... to her struggle as she is grown up in the world of Oz ... right up until Dorothy from Kansas arrives.
This novel gives us a reason - and an understanding, of why Elphaba would want those shoes (which were silver, not "ruby slippers" in the novels) In a land where a scarecrow wants a brain, a tinman a heart, and a cowardly lion some courage, what meaning could those shoes possibly have to an unsightly woman who couldn't care any less about fashion?
"Wicked" provides us with this new understanding of the green munchkinlandlander who spends her whole existence in Oz trying to be heard and understood. I have learned that human behavior is a social construct, and it is proven how it can happen in this story. As Elphaba grows weary of having her opinions shot down, of being rejected based upon her looks, she LEARNS to be wicked. And in some ways this is only true because of the seemingly polar opposite: Good. Glinda. But the book makes us question Glinda's goodness that all the munchkinlanders see in her when they are looking at her exterior.
"Wicked" is thought provoking ... Is evil somehting you can see through your eyes, or is it that you need a brain, a heart and courage to find good in something that only appears to be evil?
Rating: 
Summary: Grab your broom and take a ride.........
Review: A wonderfully delicious treat! This sharp witted and intelligent novel grabs the reader and pulls you, willingly, to the cheering squad for one of the most notorious literary villains, the Wicked Witch of the West. I'm delighted Mr. Maquire decided to 'pull back the curtain' and reveal such a entertaining adventure. The book does a great job of weaving storylines and characters from the original "Wizard of Oz" novel, that you almost feel the author holding your hand and guiding you effortlessly through the story. With his clever use of dialog, you are never quite sure which era you are visiting, which justs adds another magical layer to this yummy story. If you'ld like to find out what's up with those ruby slippers, what's so "good" about Glinda the Witch, and get the skinny on the Wicked Witch's water phobia, just open up "Wicked" and enjoy.
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Summary: Wicked= Worth It
Review: This book was given to me by my boyfriend's mom, so I felt pretty obliged to read it, given the fact that she discusses it with me every time I see her. But rather than being the chore I thought it would be, WICKED was delightful. It truly was an adventure and I enjoyed everything about the world of Oz. Maguire's characters are perfectly complex and truly will change your perspective. I definitely recommend this read.
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Summary: Couldn't even finish it
Review: I know from looking at all the reviews that many liked this book. My only question is "Why?" The author rambles on and on about scenery, religion, animal rights, and the fact that Elphaba is all kinds of weird-looking. Which is great, if you like books where people rant about theology and politics in a FICTIONAL work. Let us now discuss the story...This book seemed like it'd be good. I really wanted to like it. But I hated all the characters with the possible exception of Glinda. She was the only one who didn't seem like a cliche of herself. All the others were overly self-righteous cardboard cutouts. And it's supposed to be an account of what "Really" happened in the "Wizard of Oz," yet Dorothy doesn't even get introduced until the last part. Another point of contention: the weird incestuous overtones going on with Elphaba's lover's widow and her children. And the sex-scenes(and oh yes there are many)are pretty bad too. Anyway, save your money. Buy virtually anything else, or (if you like torture) borrow it from a friend. I'm glad I did.
Rating:
Summary: Read it!
Review: It is nice to read something that is a little different than your ordinary novel. All the good things that people said in previous reviews are true. I can't wait to read more of Maguire's books. I reccommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading.
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Summary: Compare & Contrast with the Musical
Review: I saw the musical first, and I enjoyed it more. I also think it dealt better with the issues of good and evil. The book could be confusing and I spent time trying to figure out what was going on, instead of pondering the nature of good and evil as I did with the musical. The musical turned the original book, movie, The Wizard of Oz, on its head, changing the story, while still keeping within the original plot. I thought this was more effective and made the audience think more. However, the book still has much merit. Intriguing characters and plots are simplified, changed, or entirely left out of the musical. In the musical, Galinda/Glinda was the most popular and rich girl, but in the book she was on the margins and trying to fit into that category. I actually enjoyed her turning point in both. In the musical, she incidentally made Nessarose happy, and she then convinced Elphaba to change her mind about it. Elphaba then insisted Madame Morrible let Galinda into the sorcery class, something she coveted, flooring Galinda and making her look at Elphaba in a new way. In the book, Doctor Dillamond is murdered, and this profoundly affects her, making her look at life differently, become more serious, and befriend Elphaba. I also enjoyed both versions of Fiyero, though the book version was more intriguing. In the musical, he was rich and superficial, but not in the same way as Galinda, it was a philosophy for enjoying life and avoiding quandaries. His attraction to Elphaba led him to reevaluate his priorities. In the book, Fiyero is a mysterious outsider, a prince from the Vinkus. He has a extramarital affair with Elphaba in the Emerald City and dies because of her political association. The book included more background for Elphaba's parents and Nessarose. The quadlings were interesting and we never find out whether Nessarose was the daughter of her father or a Quadlign friend. Other good characters left out of the musical were Elphaba and Nessarose's Nanny, Sarima (Fiyero's wife), and Liir (Elphaba & Fiyero's son). I wonder if Gregory Maguire might write a sequel to continue the story of Liir, Nor (Sarima & Fiyero's surviving daughter), Shell (Elphaba & Nessarose's barely mentioned baby brother), the mysterious Yackle, and the Grimmorie (a powerful book) as well as maybe Boq (a much more interesting character in the book and NOT the Tin Man), his friends Avaric and Crope, and Glinda (who didn't have a big a role in the book).
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Summary: A wild ride on the wicked side
Review: Even if you're not a fantasy or sci-fi fan, you'll love this book. Once you flip open the cover, you'll need to brace yourself for an unbelievably wild ride. What an amazing feeling to be taken back to a story - a world - you left as a child, thinking it was all neatly tied up in a pretty, rainbow-colored ribbon, never to be visited again. For the purists out there, Maguire's writing stays true to the original story, but takes you back to the Emerald City via a slightly different path along the yellow brick road. Maguire answers all those questions you always wanted to know, including why the Wicked Witch so desperately wanted "Dorothy's" red shoes. This book does an exceptional job of exploring and twisting our own definitions of good and evil. I just sent the book to my sister-in-law and she finished it in two days; she couldn't put it down. I only wish I could afford to buy a copy of Wicked for everyone I know. I can't wait to read his other books and am just now starting Mirror Mirror.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty darned good
Review: Three cheers to Greg for fearlessly rewriting fairy tales. That takes a huge amount of creativity to rewrite fictional history. Its a cool book and I found myself becoming infatuated with some of the characters, wishing they were real. I connected with Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) for her individualism and her logical, bold, punk-rock world view. Her real life equivalent might have been, in high school, that really weird, cool, smart goth chick sitting in the corner reading Shakespeare with the PETA sticker on the jacket. I enjoyed this very much. The writing style didn't particularly impress/offend me (eh, dont worry, nothing like the nighmarishly irritating Gravity's Rainbow), even so, this book and will go on my "to read again sometime" shelf.
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Summary: Where's the sequel?
Review: I absolutely loved this book, but readers should be warned that if you don't like getting lost in imagination, this is not for you. After reading Wicked, I immediately read Maguire's other books, but didn't find any of them nearly as wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm not quite sure what the hype is about
Review: I bought this book because of the excellent reviews the author received. I picked it over Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister because I found the premise more intriguing. However, I found the characterization and dialogue uninteresting. The plot was dull even in the places that it was unpredictable. I think it might appeal more to those who identify themselves primarily as readers of romance, rather than as readers of fantasy, as the romance aspects of the novel were its best conceived parts.
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