Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Beautiful
Review: After a long (but good) semester of reading only classical greek literature, I looked to this book for a break. I got it because it seemed light and an easy read. It was a quick read, but at the same time immensely compelling. Maguire has an elegant sense of phrase and a skill for his craft. It definatly left me wanting more.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent use of the language, great story
Review: I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Mr. Maguire's writing in both books, "Wicked" and "Confessions". What a creative and thought-provoking spin on familiar legends. Absolutely splendid! And it makes you wonder what myth will be the next target of his brilliant skewering - Mary?

Rating:
Summary: Inventive and compassionate retelling of Cinderella
Review: Just when you think there have been too many re-imagined versions of well-known fairy tales along comes one that brilliantly reinvents perhaps the archetype of all fairy tales. Maguire, who previously wrote a subversively political tale about the wicked witch of the west, surpasses his debut novel with this compassionate tale of beauty and familial duty. Once again his richly detailed prose captures that feeling of a once upon a time that true fairy tales require and does so without ever appearing artificial. This story of Iris and Ruth, their complex mother Margarethe, and their stepsister Clara of the 'afflicted eternal beauty' is filled with wonderfully shaded characterizations that never fall into that good/evil dichotomy that Grimm and Perault use in telling the original versions. Can kindness reside within ugliness? Is beauty and attractiveness really something to be envious of? Is a mother's apparent tyrannical household an environment that will produce wickedness? Is a nearly mute sibling nothing more than a drudge to babysit? Find the answers to these not so simple questions within Maguire's excellent story and be prepared to be reassess your own prejudices about the 'ugly' and the 'beuatiful.'

Rating:
Summary: Cindersmella
Review: This book is nowhere near the best I've ever read. Of course, I've read more than two books, the first one not being "Wicked" or "See Spot Run". An interesting premise that turned into ennui by the end of the first chapter. I like to give books a hundred pages, in the hope that it will get better, unfortunately, didn't happen this time. Don't be fooled by the number of pages either, the print is for a grade two level, frankly, so is the content. I wouldn't recommend it to my dog, and I hate my dog.

Rating:
Summary: We-ell......
Review: I was severely disappointed by this book. It had none of the quirkiness of Wicked, nor did it have the intelligence and parallels to history that gave Wicked it's flavor. It's OK, don't get me wrong... But don't waste the 16 bucks. Get it from the library if you MUST read.

Rating:
Summary: Even Better Than Wicked If You Can Believe That
Review: Now, when I read WICKED, I thought here is an author with a voice and an interesting take on story-telling. I told everyone I knew to read it. Many did and agreed with me that it was special. Like Marion Zimmer Bradley before him (Mists of Avalon), Maguire looks at a popular myth/story and turns the point of view on its head. Now in CONFESSIONS he puts a name and personality on a face long misunderstood, the ugly stepsister. There is something so much more on target in his telling of this story than WICKED that his story here rings even more true. Maybe it's trying to do a little bit less in the book and crafting a solid tight storyline, maybe it's a more personal touch and a true love of his character, maybe it's the lack of some overarching political statement he isn't chasing down (as in WICKED). But CONFESSIONS packs a huge surge of emotion that won't leave you when you finish it. I finished it a week ago, and I'm still mulling it over in my mind. Clara reminds us of all those beautiful people out there who either think the world revolves around them or that it should. Thank you, Mr. Maguire. What's next? I can hardly wait!

Rating:
Summary: A Complete Delight
Review: I was skeptical about this book because it seemed likely to be too lightweight. It is not. It is a completely compelling, beautifully written tale of considerable moral complexity. Despite the gravitas, it is just plain fun to read. A rare accomplishment. I have been recommending this book to friends with the greatest enthusiasm.

Rating:
Summary: A book like this is the reason I keep reading!
Review: Gregory Maguire is my new hero! What imagination. What fire. A fabulously interesting tale. I more than eagerly await a new novel from this author. He is unspeakably dazzling!

Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking from cover to cover!
Review: Gregory Maquire has done it again! He entranced us with Wicked, forever changing the way we watched The Wizard of Oz. And now he has given us a gift with his second novel, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Stunning in every way, I read Confessions so very slowly, because I didn't want it to end. What more can you ask for in a novel? Do yourself a favor and make Maquire a part of your life. You won't regret it!

Rating:
Summary: If you liked "Wicked", You'll Love "Ugly"!
Review: Until this pase weekenk, "Wicked" was my favorite book. But I confess, I am in love with "Ugly." I couldn't put it down -- I kept missing train transfers because I was so entranced in the reading. Maguire's style, attention to detail, and quick plot twists make this a must-read book. The characters are beautifully developed, and the pacing is superb.