Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years, #1)

by Gregory Maguire

Say spirit.” Chistery picked a nit off his chest and ate it. “Spirit,” sang Auntie, “there is spirit, I know it. Spirit!” “Spit,” said Chistery, or something like it.

The most hilarious part of the book.

Irji shoved Manek aside and the children almost fell through the door trying to see Auntie laugh and dance and sing. She picked up Chistery and hugged him, and said, “Spirit, oh spirit, Chistery! There is spirit! Say spirit!” “Spit, spit, spit,” said Chistery, unimpressed with himself. “Spite.” But Killyjoy woke from a nap at the sound of a new voice. “Spirit,” said Auntie. “Speared,” said Chistery patiently. “Spared. Spored. Sput sput sput. Spat spate spit, speed spurt spot.” “Spirit,” said Auntie, “oh, my Chistery, we’ll find ourselves a link with Doctor Dillamond’s old work yet! There is a universal design among us all, could we get in deeply enough to see! Everything is not in vain! Spirit, my friend, spirit!” “Sport,” said Chistery.

This will forever live rent free in my head.