Has anyone read Wicked, by Gregory Maguire?

United States
February 2, 2007 12:39pm CST
I have not seen the play, but I hear it is very different from the novel. This was one of the best books I have read lately and I was wondering what people thought of it. Even if you have seen the musical, feel free to respond.
2 people like this
10 responses
• United States
6 Feb 07
I read this book not long after it first came out and I remember really, really not liking it. I love fairy tales and even the twisted or updated ones, but this did nothing for me.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Feb 07
Sorry to hear that. His novel "Lost" did nothing for me, but I just couldn't put Wicked down. Have you read any of his other books?
• United States
7 Feb 07
No, I haven't! I guess I was just so disappointed by Wicked that I never bothered to read any others.
• United States
2 Feb 07
I haven't read it - but I have seen the musical - which I really liked.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Feb 07
I love the song Glenda sings "Popular" the girl who played her did a really good job being Ditzy.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Feb 07
I have heard that the songs were really great! Ahh, someday!
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
2 Feb 07
I thought it was amazing and wonderful. I keep meaning to go to the bookstore and check out his other books. There is supposed to be a sequel to Wicked that is good too. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit with what I knew about the wizard of oz. It kept some of the characters and imagery. I would give it a 9.5/10. I keep hoping my husband will surprise me with tickets for Valentine's Day.
• United States
2 Feb 07
I have been trying to pick up a copy of Son of a Witch, the sequel, but there are more used book stores near me than actual book stores. I'm hoping I can find it at a used book store soon. I enjoyed the satirical twist it put on the Wizard of Oz books. Glad you liked it, and I've got my fingers crossed for you for your tickets!
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Thank you for your good wishes and for the best response vote. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.
• United States
3 Feb 07
I haven't read Wicked, but I've read some of Maguire's other stuff. I've liked everything I've read.
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Feb 07
I've only read Wicked and Lost. I didn't like Lost very much, but I adored Wicked. I really want to read the sequel to Wicked first, then either the Ugly Stepsister or Mirror Mirror. Have you read any of these?
• United States
3 Feb 07
I've not seen it. I've been begging my husband to take me. It has received great reviews. I generally like darker type Broadway Shows and thought this would also fall into that catagory. I never read the book..can you tell me about it?
• United States
4 Feb 07
The book was pretty dark and had just enough political intrigue and satire to make it funny, not boring. It has adventure, excitement, retellings of the Oz stories from the Witch Elphaba's POV. You will find yourself falling for the Wicked Witch especially because you know how it will end for her. It is an interesting case of history being written by the winners. One of the most thought provoking parts is the issue of the Animals, with a capital A that are capable of speech, free thought and even teaching others. But with the arrival of the Wizard, their freedoms are limited and eventually they are not allowed in society. Elphaba is a rich and complex character whose history is laid out from birth. She attends college where her roommate is Glinda (Galinda) and we learn more about her sister, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. I won't tell you any more about it, except that it is definitely worth the read and I couldn't put it down.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
4 Feb 07
I haven't seen the musical either, though I'd really, really like to when I quit being a poor college student. I got the book for Christmas last year, and I absolutely loved it. Even though it's fantasy fiction, it touches on some interesting social issues. I also really liked the exploration of "what is really good or evil?" It really makes you think, and even question some of our common conceptions about certain types of people in the world. I'd really like to get my hands on the sequel, "Son of a Witch."
• United States
4 Feb 07
Me, too, please post if you do read it. I have had my hands full with some writing, so I dare not even buy it lest I start to read it and don't put it down until it's done. I want to be able to take my time with it, but I don't know if I have that much self control.
@crystal8577 (1466)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I bought the book for my sister for Christmas one year. I think she read it. I borrowed it from here & have had it for ages. I don't think I have read a single page of it though. The play is running where I live but the tickets are expensive so I have not seen the play.
• United States
3 Feb 07
Both the play and the book are supposed to be very different, the play being much more light-hearted and less political commentary (though since I have not seen it I can't say for certain, but I know there are some plot changes). If you like to read, give the book a shot, but be aware it can be a little dark at times.
@SignMe (1031)
• India
2 Feb 07
No. I have not read it. But I do read novels once in a while. Would like to know hows it :)
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Feb 07
If you like to get into a story that will hold your attention and make you think about your perceptions and preconceived notions, then hopefully, you'll like this book. It is written from the POV of the Wicked Witch of the West so you will be surprised at how sympathetic you will feel toward her.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Feb 07
I haven't read the book, but the play was AMAZING. The set, the costumes, the music, the singing, the acting were all some of the most impressive I had seen in years, and I'm a big theatre-goer. I was also lucky enough to see it when Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were the witches and Joel Grey was the Wizard. I really enjoyed the message of the play. It really brought across the idea of "defying gravity," i.e. marching to the tune of your own drummer and being free to be different.
• United States
2 Feb 07
Though the book had a lot more emphasis on politics, I think the message of the book was close to the same. I'm sure this play will be put on video sometime soon, I really want to see it, but I doubt it will play at our local theater.
1 person likes this
@krebstar5 (1266)
• United States
7 Feb 07
I read the book, but I didn't love it. In fact, I was kinda happy when it ended. I guess I just felt that the first half of the book was a lot stronger than the second half. I have also read "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" and liked that one enough to give "Wicked" a try. I think I would like to read the Snow White one he wrote... I've never seen the play. I have to admit that I don't like the music.
• United States
7 Feb 07
The tone of the second half was a lot different than the first, I thought. The second half just got darker as it grew closer to it's obvious resolution. I haven't heard any of the music, but I guess I must be able to find some clips online or something. I haven't tried to search online to find out more on the play, you've inspired me to try to check it out, thanks.