Questions About Finding Dorothy

by Elizabeth Letts (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (7)

I wonder how real this book is. Mrs. Baum was born 150 years ago. It was obviously not vetted by her. Anyone?

Lisa The book is real. The story does fit the timeline, we have two stories threads, her back story (born in 1861) and her time on the set of Wizard of Oz,…moreThe book is real. The story does fit the timeline, we have two stories threads, her back story (born in 1861) and her time on the set of Wizard of Oz, where she was 77. (1938) and died in 1953 at the age of 92. Letts is an amazing researcher, yes this is a work of fiction (because you are re-imagining the dialogue) but the story is based on a truth. (less)

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How did editing/copyediting miss the major mistake on page 72? At their first meeting, Frank Baum addresses Maud Gage as "Miss Baum", 5 lines from the bottom of the page.

Elizabeth Thank you so much for noticing this! I'm going to make sure that this is corrected for the paperback edition. You would not believe how many different…moreThank you so much for noticing this! I'm going to make sure that this is corrected for the paperback edition. You would not believe how many different people proofread a manuscript as it's going to press, and yet, these mistakes slip through. Thank goodness for eagle-eyed readers! (and don't ever hesitate to send an email to the author if you spot a typo. I can't speak for all authors, but I definitely appreciate it) and Random House is terrific about trying to fix all mistakes. --Elizabeth Letts(less)

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What happened to Magdalena and her mother?

Jean From the afterward: "Julia suffered from health problems throughout her life... her mental health also remained precarious... she died in a sanatorium…moreFrom the afterward: "Julia suffered from health problems throughout her life... her mental health also remained precarious... she died in a sanatorium. Magdalena graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1909. Her daughter Jocelyn Burdick, Matilda Joslyn Gage's great-granddaughter, was the first woman to serve as a United States senator from North Dakota."(less)

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I dislike the movie the Wizard of Oz. I did like the show Wicked. Do you think I would like this story?

Eileen If you like stories about strong women who were feminists at the beginning of the movement to fight for equality and the right to vote, give it a try.…moreIf you like stories about strong women who were feminists at the beginning of the movement to fight for equality and the right to vote, give it a try. Maud Gage Baum's life with Frank inspired the writing of the Oz fantasy during the Victorian Era. There's very little about the filming of the movie.(less)

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We are reading this for our Book Club. I am trying to put together a set of questions to ask for our discussion. I am at a loss to come up with any. Can anyone help me?

Sara Is there much romance in this book? What age would it be appropriate for?
What happened to Magdalena and her mother?
When did encouraging the freedom to…moreIs there much romance in this book? What age would it be appropriate for?
What happened to Magdalena and her mother?
When did encouraging the freedom to dream or fantasize become a cardinal sin?
Do you believe in magic?
Who knew that the wife of L. Frank Baum was so interesting?
Was Maud's influence felt in the final version?
Who was the inspiration for Dorothy?
Did you know that the tin man's costume in the Wizard of Oz was made of buckram (linen or cloth fabric) covered with leather and spray-painted?
Who understands Dorothy better than Baum’s own wife, inspiration behind the beloved characters?
Who are we, what are we, without the arts?
Have you ever wondered how L. Frank Baum created his "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" books?
How much of Frank and Maud Baum's life went into the imagery of The Wizard of Oz?(less)

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