The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 24, 2013 Steve rated it liked it

Shelves: e-books, sci-fi-and-fantasy

I first read the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz back in 5th grade (or so). At the time, I remember how I was surprised that the story was different, darker and more violent than the great movie. Looking back, I’m not sure I still believe that. Perhaps it was all the head chopping, but looking at it now, the violence is bloodless, cartoon like. Baum, in his introduction to the book, says that he was trying to get away from the traditional fairy tale, and tell a newer “wonder tale.” Something, reading I first read the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz back in 5th grade (or so). At the time, I remember how I was surprised that the story was different, darker and more violent than the great movie. Looking back, I’m not sure I still believe that. Perhaps it was all the head chopping, but looking at it now, the violence is bloodless, cartoon like. Baum, in his introduction to the book, says that he was trying to get away from the traditional fairy tale, and tell a newer “wonder tale.” Something, reading in between the lines, that’s meant to be sunnier, without the shadows and dark corners of the European tales chronicled (and still watered down) by the brothers Grimm. I see no reason not to take him on his word.

Still, the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a hard book to rate. It’s virtually impossible for me to separate it from the great move (a movie I re-watch as least once a year). The basic story is still there, but with some significant differences. (The Wicked Witch of the East only takes up a chapter of the book.) One gets the sense, while reading this, that Baum cranked the book out in a few days. The prose is not that far removed from a “Dick, Jane and Sally” reader. That’s not to fault Baum’s writing ability. I think the flatness of the prose, the repetitions (umpteen times: a brain, a heart, courage, and Kansas), are the kinds of things I would expect in a book written for children. I even wonder if not for the movie, if the book would even be remembered today. In other words, I think the movie did that rare thing in elevating the source material. The 1939 movie IS darker, as it projects some things that were going in the world at that time: flying monkeys like Stuka dive bombers, a depression era farm, a hard woman who uses the law (read: State) to have a dog put to sleep (eugenics), are all images from the grim 1930s. Even the language in the movie is beyond Baum. (The Wizard to Dorothy on the melting of the witch: “Oh - you liquidated her, eh? Very resourceful!”) So why does the book get 3 stars? As I said above, I can’t separate the movie from the book. If this little pedestrian book for children was able to spawn such a great movie, then it has to share at least some of the greatness.
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Apr 23, 2010 Kim rated it it was amazing

If you haven't read this book ... take the time & read it. Our youngest daughter loves the Wizard of Oz (movie) & I bought her the book before our vacation. She read it & asked me to read it, too so we could talk about it ... I finished it earlier this evening & we're still talking about the differences between the book & the movie ... You never know when you'll be on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire & get asked about the original color of the ruby slippers ... Read the book & you'll know early on ...more

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Nov 15, 2013 Coqueline rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-girl-s-collection

I read this book along to my daughter as bedtime story. The review stars reflects her opinion.

She loves the story, and was fascinated by the land of Oz. She found it a bit too exciting in places, especially when the Tin Woodman got his axe out and chopped various living creatures, even if it was some beasts he killed out of self defense - my kid is 7.5 but she's got a gentle soul. ...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Erica rated it really liked it

Shelves: children, reading-with-rain

Read this out loud to 5 year old. It has been at least 25 years since I have seen the movie, so I don't recall much of what it was about, but I am pretty sure the book is entirely different. We both really enjoyed it. It is also the first book either of us have ever read digitally on the nexus...I have a lot to say about reading digital books. I really like paper much better...but I will save my rant for later. ...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Lisa of Hopewell rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2012

Finished this--it was fun, but doubt I'll real the others.

I found this whole series free for kindle and decided to try the first book. I never cared for the movie, but the book, so far is enjoyable, so I intend to finish it. I don't know if I'll read all the others or not though. I DO tend to enjoy series though! ...more

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