Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Every Bit as Good as _Wicked_!
Review: I have to disagree with those reviewers who claim that this book is not as good as Maguire's previous novel, _Wicked_. This novel is just as good as its predecessor, but it's not as philosophical; it's more of a pleasure-read. That's not to say that _Confessions_ doesn't give you anything to think about, but I think the difference here is that the nature of beauty is something that we all think about, and discuss openly and often, whereas wickedness and evil are something we try not to think about, let alone discuss. I think this is the reason that _Wicked_ seems to be so much more powerful than _Confessions_. I found this novel to be tremendously satisfying, and it will be difficult for me to wait until Maguire writes another one.

Rating:
Summary: A behind the scenes looks at Cinderella!
Review: Wow! This was a wonderful read. The idea that extreme beauty can also be a disability...WONDERFUL! I couldn't put it down. Interesting to wonder whether men and women will respond differently to a book about the issue of beauty. I have not read "Wicked" yet and am planning to as quickly as I can get my hands on it!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing Sequel
Review: Wicked remains one of a handful of my favorite books of all time. It made one question all ones preconceived notions not only about The Wizard of Oz, but also about the nature of good and evil. In Confessions, however, Maguire seems to have fallen prey to all the pitfalls he avoided so successfully in Wicked. Where that book seemed profound, subversively clever, beautifully written, and skillfully avoided the whiff of ridiculousness, this book unfortunately fails in all those categories. Indeed, it seems so slight beside the other volume that one begins to wonder if the first book was truly as amazing as it seems; and yet I think it was. Maguire's style is off here, though: much of the book seems merely sketched in and not very deeply felt. In Wicked, Elphaba was alive; here, the characters seem to exist only to serve Maguire's whims, and whatever long-cherished notion he's trying to deconstruct seems to get lost in the translation

Rating:
Summary: MUST READ
Review: Confession of an ugly stepsister is nothing less than masterful, captivating and entertaining. The author has capture the essence of "Cinderella" and bottled it into a very believable life story. If you ever wonder why the stepsisters where considered evil or why the young soon to be royal bride was called Cinderella, this book will answer your questions and much more! I enjoyed every chapter of this truly exceptional book. I am sure that this book will continual to expand the already huge cult following of Gregory Maguire. The bottom-line; is it worth the money? You bet! Maguires use of symbolism is magnificent and equally matched by his prose. So slide into your high heel glass slipper and dive into an imaginary wonderland.

Rating:
Summary: A fatal dose of beauty!
Review: Confessions was a revelation. I simply adored Wicked and could not imagine enjoying another novel (excluding all Victoria Holt paperbacks, of course! ) so thoroughly. Maguire is a master of storytelling, symbolism, and macacbre foreshadowings! I recommend this novel brightly and vigorously...

Rating:
Summary: that's it?
Review: About a year ago I read Wicked and since then have told all my friends about it. So when I saw that Confessions was available, I rushed to buy it. This weekend I sat down and read it cover to cover and I have to say, it didn't live up to the standards of Wicked. I don't think that it had the same depth in the story. Had I read this story first I would have probably loved it, but alas, my expectations were high.

Rating:
Summary: A Letdown After "Wicked"
Review: Gee, what a disappointment. As soon as I discovered that Maguire, who had written "Wicked", a brilliant revisionist telling of "The Wizard of Oz", had spun another tale, I couldn't wait to read "Confessions." Well...not bad. Just not up to "Wicked."

Rating:
Summary: Twist on What we Observe once Again!
Review: Once again we have what we knew growing up twisted into a delightful expose of the truth. Where "Wicked" made us care and fall in love with one of Fantasy's most hated figures. Confessions furthers our love and pity for poor Cinders while opening our hearts for her poor "mean & ugly" step-sisters. Where we felt betrayed when we learned there might not be a santa, (I'm holding out on my decision about the Easter bunny,) Maguire leads us into a bright light of revelation. Only the worst cynic could feel unmoved by the injustice carried out in Fairy Tales. Thank heavens there is Mr.Maguire to right the wrongs.

Rating:
Summary: A great twist on a favorite tale
Review: McGuire did a fabulous job in "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister". His portrayal of the characters was nothing less than enchanting. I felt like I was getting reaquainted with an old friend. I was just as captivated as I had been when I first heard the story of Cinderella. I can't wait to see which tale he spins next!

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining but not memorable
Review: Wicked remains to date one of my most purchased gifts, and recommended books. I thought it was captivating and a true joy to read over and over again - I put it up there along with The Hobbit. Unfortunately, Confessions just didn't do it for me. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, but I won't be recommending it either...