Welcome to our 33rd episode in the monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and myself, Phil Svitek. If books are your passion, you've come to the right place!

In this episode, we delve into Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West which is a novel by Gregory Maguire that inspired the successful musical and now movie adaptation.

Wicked is a darker and more adult-themed revisionist exploration of the characters and setting of the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, its sequels, and the 1939 film adaptation. It is presented as a biography of the Wicked Witch of the West, here given the name "Elphaba". The book follows Elphaba from her birth through her social ostracism, school years, radicalization, and final days. Maguire shows the traditionally villainous character in a sympathetic light, using her journey to explore the problem of evil and the nature versus nurture debate, as well as themes of terrorism, propaganda, and existential purpose.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, queries, and viewpoints in the comments or connect with Marisa (@serafinitv) and me on social media.

In our upcoming discussion, we'll explore Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton.

And be sure to catch Marisa's new podcast, "Friends & Favorites w/Marisa Serafini," available at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-and-favorites-w-marisa-serafini/id1693327509.

For more insightful resources from your 360 creative coach, visit my website at http://philsvitek.com.

Thank you for tuning in, and we're eager to hear your thoughts on this captivating book!

#bookclub #bookreview #wicked #wickedmusical #wickedmovie #wizardofoz

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Yours truly,
Phil Svitek
Filmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach
⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠