BOOK: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908)

by benmweilertNo Comments
Dorothy and the Wizard in OzYear: 1908Author: L. Frank BaumLength: 148 pages I appreciate that by the fourth entry in the Wizard of Oz series that most of the story beats have become mostly formulaic but that the interesting parts are more about which characters are with Dorothy for the adventure. This way, there are elements of the familiar combined with the newness of different character interactions. In this iteration, we get to see more of the titular Wizard of Oz, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the end of the first book. You have to appreciate how Baum keeps having Dorothy transition to a new world through natural disasters in our own (almost Narnia-like). This time, she’s caught up in an earthquake that puts her in contact with strange creatures. Again, nothing new here. Once the Wizard shows up, it’s fun to see him interact with these fantastical beings since readers of the first book know he’s mostly just...
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BOOK: Ozma of Oz (1907)

by benmweilertNo Comments
Ozma of OzYear: 1907Author: L. Frank BaumLength: 188 pages The third book in a large series always feels like it doesn’t have the weight of expectations on it and can relax into its own story. It’s far enough from the first book that it doesn’t get as many direct comparisons, but it’s also taking advantage of any feedback from the second book that either worked or didn't. Ozma of Oz isn’t nearly up to the level of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but it pulled enough elements through to make it feel as successful as that first book. First, Ozma of Oz brought Dorothy back. Her missing presence in The Marvelous Land of Oz left me longing for the reaction of an average human to these fantastic settings and characters. Second, the plot felt much more simple compared to the second book. The singular focus helped bring the characters together for a common goal that didn’t get distracted by introducing too many...
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