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)

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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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BOOK: The Marvelous Land of Oz (1904)

by benmweilertNo Comments
The Marvelous Land of OzYear: 1904Author: L. Frank BaumLength: 192 pages It's difficult to follow up a successful and iconic work like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. There are always questions about how much from the first book to keep in a sequel and how much new material should be explored. Make it too much like the original and it might not ignite that same spark. Veer too far away from what made the first book successful and it might be too hard to ride that success into the second one. Ultimately, The Marvelous Land of Oz had a tough spot to fill, but it did an OK job of it. With a world as rich and varied as Oz, there are a lot of interesting places to go and concepts to explore. The Marvelous Land of Oz decided to continue world-building without Dorothy, which is probably what made it feel less relatable than its predecessor. There wasn’t that human element that...
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BOOK: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

by benmweilert1 Comment
The Wonderful Wizard of OzYear: 1900Author: L. Frank BaumLength: 154 pages There’s a reason The Wonderful Wizard of Oz continues to have cultural influence over 100 years after L. Frank Baum wrote it. Aside from its popular adaptation as a movie in 1939, which earned the story most of its visual representation, the original itself is a solid piece of children’s entertainment. Something about the isekai into a fantasy world coupled with these unique characters has kept a spot in pop culture that’s hard to deny. The world-building itself is likely why others continue to adapt Baum’s work today. As an adventure, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has great character motivations which accentuate their individual flaws. From Dorothy wanting to return home to the Scarecrow wanting brains, the Tin Man wanting a heart, and the Lion wanting courage, each character has a part to play so that the entire team can achieve their goals. That anyone can find at least one character...
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