Open Books--Open Minds is the Rhode Island College common book program. This initiative brings together first-year students early in their first semester at RIC, and links them with upper classmen, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and the greater Rhode Island community through book discussions and participation in a rich array of programs and activities.
Judith Stokes, Associate Professor Emerita (Adams Library) and continuing member of the RIC OBOM Committee, is graciously assisting in creating and updating the Open Books - Open Minds Common Book LibGuides.
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Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
2007 Open Books--Open Minds Common Book
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"When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?
Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil." -- The Publisher
Selected Reviews
After writing 10 books for children, Gregory Maguire published "Wicked" in 1995. It was the author's first adult novel, a darkly comic satire in which sex, politics and terrorism have significant roles. More recently, the smash hit Tony Award-winning Broadway musical based on that story has been attracting a much younger audience.
The Music
Wicked : a new musical : original Broadway cast recording by