Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
By Gregory Maguire
November-December Fantasy Book Report By Lulabel Seitz
"So Much Happened Before Dorothy Dropped In." Section One
Introduction
For my fantasy book report, I read the book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It's about the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz. This story tells about the Wicked Witch of the West's past, when she was born as Elphaba, when she goes to college, and more. The question is; is she wicked? Does she really deserve the title 'The Wicked Witch of the West'? Maybe she was evil, maybe she deserved to be killed by Dorothy; the problem is that we never heard Elphaba's side of the story. So, is she evil? What about the Ruby Slippers? Why did she want them? This story will change your perspective of the Wizard of Oz. This will change the legacy of The Wicked Witch of the West- and everything.
"I'm Following The Yellow Brick Road" Section Two
How is this version of the story the same or different the the one I'm familiar with? Wicked contradicts the version of the Wizard of Oz I'm familiar with. The Wizard of Oz is not exactly a different version of Wicked, but it's the same story base, and sort of a sequel. The argument that Gregory Maguire and I am trying to make is; is the Witch of the West evil? Is it a misunderstanding or a lie? We think we know Oz, but do we? Are we the victims of a lie? At the end of the book, the two stories 'clash' and it's just from The Wicked Witch of the West's point of view.
The main reason why the two stories are so different, is because they're from different points of view. Wicked is from The Wicked Witch of the West's view, while the Wizard of Oz, is from the exact opposite- Dorothy's point of view. As said on the play poster 'so much happened before Dorothy dropped in.' For one thing, at the beginning of the book there is a little excerpt from The Wizard of Oz it has Dorothy, the Scare-Crow, the the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and of course, The Wicked Witch of the West watching over them. However, Dorothy is not in search for home, the Scarecrow is not in search for a brain, the Tin Man is not in search for a heart, and nor the Cowardly Lion in search for courage, instead they are sitting talking about the Wicked Witch of the West. They are saying very mean things about her, except for Dorothy. The Wicked Witch of the West appreciates Dorothy, until she sees the Ruby Slippers. The book then on tells about Elphaba, (the Wicked Witch of the West) and her lifetime.
Then the two stories 'clash'. The 'Wicked Witch of the East' a common nickname for a perfectly innocent leader, had a house crashed on top of her. The Ruby Slippers, are a symbol of power and of the love that Elphaba's dad had for Nessarose, not her; that's why she wants them. 'The Wicked Witch of the West' is another common nickname- but for Elphaba. She's not wicked at all. Dorothy is her enemy because she was the one who crashed the house on Nessarose. The Wizard of Oz is the wicked one. He is trying to do evil, and he uses Dorothy to kill the person who is trying to prevent it- Elphaba. Glinda gave Dorothy the Ruby Slippers and sent her to Oz to get her and the Ruby Slippers out of Munchkinland. However, Elphaba wanted the Ruby Slippers. The Wizard of Oz could do evil with them. Dorothy came on her mission to apologize to the Witch. The Witch set herself on fire and Dorothy attempted to put out the flames. The Witch melted. Dorothy was not a hero. The Wizard went to the planet where he came from, Dorothy went home, we all know the story, however we don't know about the Witch. Could she come back?
VS.
"Toto, I've A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore." Section Three
What is realistic, and what isn't? That's why I made this chart, to show not only what is realistic, and what isn't, but also to compare and contrast. In fairytales, most things are usually unrealistic, however things can also be realistic. From what they make their meals out of, to their government system. This book is very realistic and unrealistic at times, for example Elphaba attends Shiz University, a college in the land of Gillikin, however, there are many talking animals there.
Realistic
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Unrealistic
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Elphaba attends Shiz University, a college in the land of Gillikin.
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At Shiz University, many of the professors were talking animals.
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At Shiz University, they teach Life Sciences.
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Life sciences is mainly the study of Animals and animals. (The human-like ones and the not.)
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When Elphaba was born, nobody liked her, and they said that they should drown her.
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When Elphaba was born, she was green and allergic to water. (It would melt her.)
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Elphaba, Nessarose and Glinda are forced to be spies, by Madame Morrible.
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They are forced by a binding spell, which makes it so they can't tell anybody and they have to be spies.
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Elphaba joins a church group after she is an assassin, and a princess comes.
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The princess is an Elephant; the type that can talk and disguise as a human.
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Elphaba lives with Sarima, Fiyero's widowed wife.
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Sarima has a magic book where things pop out of the pages.
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Elphaba meets the ruler, the Wizard of Oz.
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The Wizard of Oz came from a different planet, he came in a air balloon.
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Dorothy is going to see Elphaba to apologize for killing her sister.
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Dorothy comes with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion.
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Dorothy attempts to save Elphaba from the fire by throwing fire on her.
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Elphaba melts from the water getting thrown onto her.
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The Wizard of Oz leaves Oz.
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He leaves Oz in a hot air balloon destined for his home planet.
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As the story goes on, the first thing you notice is that it takes place in Oz, a fantasy land. Then story goes on about Elphaba being born and the mother and father and a man named turtle heart. He makes something that is supposedly a looking glass, however it is realistic because it is not really a looking glass, so it's like what a normal fortune teller would use. However, something unrealistic is that Elphaba was born green and is allergic to water. (It would melt her.) Then, Elphaba grows up and goes to college with Glinda, (Later Glinda.) and the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that a lot of the professors at Shiz University are talking animals. (Unrealistic.) Then one of the heads of the college forces Nessarose, Elphaba and Glinda, (Now Glinda not Galinda.) to be spies and be sworn into secrecy by a binding spell. It's unrealistic becasue in the real worls there's no such thing as a binding spell.
A while later, Elphaba joins a church group and meets a princess. The princess turns out to be an elephant (Elephant) that talks and can disguise as a human. In actuality, elephants don't talk. (As far as we know.) Then Elphaba leaves the church group and goes to live with Fiyero's widowed wife Sarima. Sarima owns a magic book where things pop out of the pages. It's unrealistic because we have pop-up books, but not pop-up books that have magical creatures coming out of the pages.
Here's where Dorothy comes in. (Almost.) Elphaba goes to meet the shockingly evil Wizard of Oz. Turns out, he's not from Oz at all. He came from another planet in a hot air balloon, to Oz. It's unrealistic, because you can't go through space in a hot air balloon. Then Dorothy comes on her mission to kill the Witch. Actually, to apologize. she comes with her friends; the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, we know the story. Her friends are what make it so unrealistic. Lions can't talk, Tin Men can't move or talk, Scarecrows can't move or talk either! Unrealistic, is exactly what it is, that's why it's a fairytale.
Instead of defending herself, when the Witch caught herself on fire, Dorothy was doing nothing short of trying to save her life. However, the outcome was the exact opposite as Dorothy intended. No, she didn't save her, but killed her. Melted her, to be specific. It would be realistic except for the fact that the Witch melted. Melted, is something that humans don't do. Then, the story ends on one more unrealistic note; the Wizard of Oz goes back to his home just how he came from it; in that famous green hot air balloon. Now, since Wicked was a fairytale, there is many other small unrealistic parts, however, if I described every one of them, my book report would be more like a novel. I tried to describe the main parts of the book that were unrealistic; the parts that showed you what it was like. Now, Oz is not only unrealistic; Wicked is too.
"I'm Melting! What A World, What A World!"- Section Four
Interview with Elphaba
On the Lulabel Tonight Show
To anyone who is reading this, this is supposed to be very sarcastic, yet it also serves the purpose it is meant for; asking questions to the character. Also, I hope you enjoy the humor I put in to this section. (Most other sections are completely serious.)
The Good Witch of the North The Wicked Witch of the West
Galinda Elphaba
(Elphaba. on the right, Galinda on the left)
Host (Lulabel):Hello everybody! Tonight we have a very special guest; Elphaba from Wicked, or more commonly known, 'The Wicked Witch of the West'! We are going to have an interview with her! Ready everybody? Elphaba!
Crowd claps and Elphaba comes out.
Elphaba: Hello! And really, don't call me the 'Wicked Witch of the West'. You know why I wanted to get Dorothy, and if you don't you'll learn that later. Besides, you know I failed. How would you like it if I called you 'The Host Who Can't Memorize Her Lines and Obviously Has Que Cards?'
Host:I wouldn't. Stop. I'm sorry, Elphaba. So, Elphaba, tell us a little about yourself.
Elphaba: My name is Elphaba. I am the Third Thropp descending. My favorite colors are black and green. Most people call me Elphie or Fabala, well, or Auntie Witch. There isn't much more to say- and you, in the yellow T-Shirt, stop yelling 'You Wicked Witch of the West'! Come on, I'm sure you haven't even read Wicked. And call me Elphaba- Miss Elphaba to you, thanks.
Host: Here's the first question! This first question is from audience votes on your page on LulabelTonightShow.com! The question: How did you feel when you were a child? Were you rejected because of your green skin?
Elphaba: Well, I was rejected and I wasn't. I mean, I didn't have any friends because of my green skin. My mom Melina and Nanny used to take me to play with other kids until Melina died. We didn't really get along. It's all a blur but, Nanny said that on the first time, the kids threw rocks at me and I threw rocks at them. Maybe once or twice I played a civilized game with them, but they all stared at my green skin. I was rejected. My father used me. He was a priest and he showed me and my beautiful voice to people so they saw that the Unnamed God loved all, even me, a reject. They did think I was a great singer, though.
Host: Do you want to sing us a song?
Elphaba: Sure, I guess. (Sarcastically.) Wait, who said I should sing "Ding-Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead"? I heard whoever said that, and that's very cruel, because that was my sister and she wasn't wicked.Well, this is the song that I sang for Boq, and a few other people in Shiz. I mean, well, in case I forget the lyrics, I'll just state the fact that I haven't sang this in a few years.
(Elphaba sings very well.)
Audience cheers and claps.
Host: Bravo! Okay, next question. This one is actually from me. Que card please! Sorry! Anyways, the question:were you upset when you found out you had to be a roomate to Glinda?
Elphaba: Galinda, then. She changed her name after a murder-
Host: Sorry Elphaba, we don't have much time.
Elphaba:It's fine. Well, honestly, I was pretty upset. I mean, I was the lone wolf and I had to be a roomie with a popular.Really, after a while, Galinda and I were the best of friends. Come on though, she was standing next to a window to show off how good she looked in the light.
Audience laughs.
Host: (Laughs) Alright Elphaba, next, this was actually a question from Bob C.from your page on LulabelTonightShow.com! Yay Bob! Here it is: Elphaba, how did you feel when Doctor Dillamond got murdered, which caused Ama Clutch to die?
Elphaba:I knew you'd ask this question! Oh, well, I didn't feel sad when Doctor Dillamond got murdered, I felt angry! How could Madame Morrible's irritating little robot do that? Come on! And everybody really believed that Doctor Dillamond cut himself. Well, on Ama Clutch's deathbed we learned the truth. It makes me so angry that that little machine killed that goat! Sure he was an animal, but he was an Animal- you know the one that's like a human! He had discoveries that could change science today! Seriously! And that Ama Clutch died, poor Galinda. Well, Glinda now. She mistreated Doctor Dillamond who called her Glinda so she's now Glinda. Ama Clutch was almost like Glinda's mom! Like Nanny to my armless sister Nessarose. Poor Glinda, there was this whole other affair about it, but I could go on forever.
Host:Now Elphaba, ew have onother question rof you! The que-cards got messed up again! Seriously?
Elphaba: And that's why I called you-
Host:Elphaba! Okay we just had technical difficulties. Maybe the que-cards work now-
Que-Card Person:Uhhh- mam, read the script please, we should have it working now-
Host: Now we're going to have a commercial break! Please keep watching, because we have more questions after the break. Now! You need to do better on the que-cards, really- Turn the camera off!
SEE WICKED THE PLAY!
SEE IT 1/14/12 AT THE THEATER, IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
THE BOOK BECOMES A BROADWAY MUSICAL.
SO MUCH HAPPENED BEFORE DOROTHY DROPPED IN.
Host:Back to the show! So, Elphaba, here's another question: How did you feel when you were forced to be a spy and when you left Glinda?
Elphaba:Well, when Madame Morrible put that spell on Nessarose, Glinda, and I, which made it so we couldn't tell anybody and we had to be spies, I was mad. I mean, sure we only had to observe what was going on in our assigned areas, but it wasn't fun. The reason I left Glinda was because I was fed up with Shiz University. The Doctor Dillamond, his murder, and that Madame Morrible. I didn't want to work as a spy. That's when I became the assassin for the Wizard of Oz.
Audience gasps.
Elphaba:Well, the Madame Morrible thing led into the assassin-job. You see, it wasn't fun to live undercover, and always be in danger. It's not like I chose to.
Host: Ok, a question from me: Fiyero, bring up any thoughts?
Elphaba: Dear Fiyero, if only he could be alive right now. Although my cheeks are dry, his name makes me truly sad. He was like my husband, and to feel like I caused he his death! I told him not to follow me, for he would be slaughtered as I would have been, but no. Poor Fiyero. Poor Sarima. After I left the church group, I went to live with his widowed wife Sarima. Along came a child named Liir, my crows, my monkey Chistin, and the dog.
Host:Liir? Who's that?
Elphaba: Liir, oh. Well, I guess he's my son. The church group made me take him with me and I don't remember if- well, I was in a daze for a year, but, I guess he's mine. He said that he thought that Fiyero was his dad, and I guess he's my son. I just wish he had a hint of green in him, really. Sarima, Fiyero's wife's children almost killed him, especially that little devil Manek. He died though, and everyone thought that it was the expense of saving Liir's life. Gosh, it's good Manek is dead. He's a evil, evil, wicked child.
Host: You're the Wicked Witch of the West. Isn't that a little hypocritical?
Elphaba: Am I really wicked?
Host: Well, it's all perspective, but by my contract, I can't really argue with you, so next question.
Elphaba: (In a mumble) Serves you well. Besides-
Host: As I said. Next question: Ruby Slippers, Nessarose, Eminent Thropp, your father, anything?
Elphaba: Well, the Ruby Slippers were merely a sign that my father loved Nessarose. I want those Ruby Slippers. Besides, in the hands of the evil Wizard of Oz, well, we're doomed. He's gone now though. Eminent Thropp, didn't care for the title. If I wanted to be the Eminent Thropp, wouldn't I? Come on.
Host: Last question: Dorothy melted you, and killed your sister, do you care?
Elphaba: Well, I'm clearly not melted now, so I don't care about that. My sister, however, I'm angry about! although I was jealous of her, I admit, I loved her. What really angers me is the fact that Dorothy gets props for doing something she didn't do. Well, she's not heroic, I'll leave it that.
Host: That's it!
Elphaba: Bye!
Host: Well, thanks for watching! Bye! Remember to comment on LulabelTonightShow.com! See you next time! Thanks!
(Audience claps, curtain closes.)
"There's no place like home" Section Five
Why is the setting important? Not only because it's where the story takes place, but without the setting being Oz, the book would not be Wicked. Since Wicked has a lot to do with The Wizard of Oz, the setting of Oz is vital. The story would be missing something, because it wouldn't make that much sense or such a good prequel to The Wizard of Oz, if the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard of Oz, or Glinda lived anywhere but Oz. The whole story would be messed up; how can the Wizard of Oz not live in Oz? Also, if the story is in a fictional place, everything can be fictional. Animals can talk, there can be magic-anything, and it would make more sense than if it took place in an actual place. When I hear the name the Wicked Witch of the West, I immediately associate it with The Wizard of Oz.
Also, as obvious as it may be, I must add; what is a book without a setting? The setting of a book is vital, because not only does it make sense, but it also adds character to the book. Somehow, the setting just adds something to the book, rather it's more information, or plainly sense. Plus, it makes it easier for the author to write because they have a name they can always trace back to, and it makes it easier to say, "They moved to the City of Emeralds." Instead of, "The place in the exact center of the larger place that they were in, which was north of the previous location." Also, it adds details. For all these reasons; the setting is important.
"I'll Get You My Pretty, And Your Little Dog Too!"- Section Six
This section is five of the very memorable sentences from Wicked!
Maguire, 1: "A mile above Oz, the Witch balanced on the wind's forward edge, as if she were a green fleck of the land itself, flung up and sent wheeling away by the turbulent air."
This sentence is important because it's the very first sentence of the book. It also includes the setting, and sets the seen for the rest of the prologue. Also, it is a familiar scene in the movie; The Wizard of Oz. It is also very important to the book, for it gives background on the rest of it. Basically, it helps the book make sense. Without this sentence, the whole book would be effected. The book may not have made as much sense, and it possibly would have less character. The first sentence is typically very important, however, this does more than only that. It gives you the 'just' of the book, and interests the reader.
Maguire, 70: "The girl was in the back of the room, a pauper in a red dress with gaudy fretwork, and in clumpy, old people's boots."
This sentence is important because it is describing Elphaba in college. ,It shows what type of character she is, and shows that she is a loner. Elphaba is the main character, and as usual, when a book describes a character in such a way, it's important. With this information, you can understand the rest of the book better. It also adds character, which to me is very important in a book. It gives character and feelings to the book, which interests the reader.
Maguire, 181: "Elphaba, it's Fiyero, " he said, moving into the doorway, blocking her exit, and also the light---suddenly he couldn't see her face, and wondered if he heard correctly when she said, "I beg your pardon, sir?"
This sentence is important because this is when we see Elphaba after she moves away from college. Also, this is when she changes and when she meets Fiyero. Fiyero is a very significant character later on in the book. This is a turning point in the book. It is important because it shows how Elphaba changes and it introduces Fiyero, who loves Elphaba. (He was introduced earlier, but more vaguely.)
Maguire, 327: "Well you know---my dear---you saw I suppose, that everyone has disappeared?"
This sentence is important because later in the book, Elphaba lives and somewhat makes friends with Fiyero's widowed wife, Sarima. (Fiyero dies later, and he was forced to marry Sarima even though he didn't love her.) Then, Sarima and her sisters and children get captured and they all get killed except for one. This shows Elphaba's feelings when her Nanny tells her the news that her friends-or at least the people who were housing and feeding her got captured. It adds character and effects the emotions in the book. It also sets up a major event.
Maguire, 402: "I would say," said the girl, straightening up, gritting her teeth, "I would say to you: Would you ever forgive me for that accident, for the death of your sister; would you ever ever forgive me, for I could never forgive myself!"
This sentence is of Dorothy, when she is captured by Elphaba, stating her weak but true intentions. This shows us the real story, and that Dorothy was somewhat of a fraud; acting like she ment to kill the Witch when she was really trying to save the Witch from the fire. Dorothy was no savior, as we found out, and the Witch was not as wicked. Well, it's all perspective, for she was trying to kill Dorothy, but only for revenge. This helps conclude the story, and it helps tell the real story, and somewhat the thesus of the book.
"If I Only Had A Brain....(Sigh)"- Section Seven
http://dictionary.reference.com/ Thank you dictionary.com! For more information on these words, please use the previous link!
Page 19 Unconsecrated- (verb) not to make or declare sacred; set apart or delicate to the service of deity. The church was unconsecrated by one religion because it was that of another.
Page 23 Blasphemous- (adj.) uttering, containing, or exhibiting blasphemy; irreverent; profane. The good man was blasphemous when he did wrong.
Page 67 Quatrefoils- (plural noun) leaves composed of four leaflets. There were many quatrefoils in the garden shop.
Page 147 Agog- (adj.) highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, anticipation, etcetera.
Page 183 Vaudeville- (noun) theatrical entertainment consisting of a number of individual performances, acts, or mixed numbers, as by comedians, singers, dancers, acrobats, and magicians. I went to the vaudeville because two of my performers were performing there.
Page 220 Liturgical-(adj.) of or pertaining to formal public worship or liturgy. (Liturgy is a form of public worship; a ritual.) The high priest's funeral was set in the center of town, and it was very liturgical.
Page 235 Concentric- (adj.) having a common center as circles or spheres. The flower pots were arranged in a concentric circle, with a tree as the center.
Page 283 Askance- (adverb) with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval. The man was askance when he walked down the dark alley.
Page 335 Rheumily- (adj.) pertaining to, causing, full of, or affected with rheum. The man was sick with a cold, and he was full of rheum, which made him sound rheumily.
397 Progeny- (plural noun) a descendant or offspring, as a child, plant or animal. The puppies were progeny of the mother dog.
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow"- Section Eight
Poem; Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Is the Witch of the West wicked?
Or is she plainly misunderstood?
Is she really evil?
Or would she be nice if she could?
Is she really murderous?
Or is she forced to be?
Is she an assassin?
Or does she kill just for glee?
When she was a baby
She was green and she wasn't pretty
They treated her badly
But she got no pity
She had no friends
Her parents didn't love her
She was always hated
They preferred her sister or brother
Then she went to college
Where she found a friend
Her name was Galinda
Their friendship wouldn't end
Then they experienced the murder
Of their professor
Who was a dear talking goat
And things changed, forever
Then Galinda's nanny Ama Clutch,
Sadly she died of shock
Galinda was very sad
Which hurt the man who loved her, Boq
Galinda was Glinda
She and Elphaba became spies
Elphaba dropped out of college
And things were not alright
Elphaba became an assassin
Many years after
Then she met Fiyero
Who filled her with laughter
Fiyero was sad
When she went away
It wasn't her choice
That dismal day
Elphaba joined a church's group
There she had a name
There she was a witch
It was a familiar game
She wasn't particularly accepted
She was only known as green
The people weren't accepting
But they certainly weren't mean
With Liir and her familiars
She moved very faraway
It was easy with them
But they soon got in her way
There she lived with Sarima
Fiyero's widowed wife
There Sarima didn't listen when Elphaba
Tried to tell the truth of Fiyero's life
Sarima's kids were vicous
They almost killed Liir
Although it was sudden
Death wasn't closer than near
Then Elphaba found the dreadful truth
She realized she had a son
The father was Fiyero
But the mysteries had just begun
The Wizard of Oz
He wasn't doing any good
He's from another planet
Hiding under a hood
Dorothy was so frightened
When she came to the Witch
She wanted to apologize
For supposedly being mischevous
She said the death was
Something she didn't want to do
She said to the Witch
I'm very sorry for you
The Witch set herself on fire
Dorothy tried to save her
But instead she melted
Thanks to Dorthy's heroic behavior
That was the end
Or so we believe
But the Witch could come back
So there's no need to grieve
"I Am Oz! Who Are You?"-Section Nine: About the Authors and Book Review
Gregory Maguire
Gregory Maguire is a great author. He has written many great novels including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. He was born in Albany, New York on June 9th 1954. He is currently at the age of 57. His literature is fantastic, and some of his novels play a twist on classic fairytales. Gregory Maguire is not only a wonderful storyteller, but has the ability to change peoples' point of view. He vividly describes the details while maintaining a good length. Extraordinary.
Lulabel Seitz
Lulabel Seitz is a young writer. She has not yet written any novels, however, in her very younger years she had drawn many picture books that are not yet published including; My Goldfish Goldy, My Shopping Trip, and Lulabel's Special Story. Then, at age seven, she attempted to write a book, however, she finished at only page 60, before giving it to her mom. Although Lulabel never successfully wrote any selling or published books, she has written many advertisements, papers, writing samples and reports. She may write a book...within....a while? (Hopefully.) She wrote this book report; successfully. (Well, at least more successfully than other times.)
Book Reviews for Wicked
"Extraordinary twist." -The Lulabel Yorker
"I cried, I laughed, but overall, was amazed." -The Lulabel Times
"Tragic, but triumphant." - The Lulabelcisco Chronicle
"Wow, I was blown away! I was gone with the wind! Speaking of, it is the best book since Gone With the Wind!" -The Lulabel Post
"Well, we have a lot to say. Most of us related to Elphaba. We love it. We are not usually doing book reviews but we read this one and , WOW! This made us cry. This made us sympathetic. This was the best equation (Equation for success!) since E=MC2! This, WOW! - The Press Lulabel
Stop scrolling down! This should be at the very bottom of the screen.
THE END- but first, scroll down for the big finish!
-of my book report (It's really ironic though, considering I did this ending before I finished.)
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