The story is more complicated than I recall the movie version being. Better, scarier (lots more baddies than in the movie), but with some "how come?" moments due to internal logic inconsistencies. I can just hear a bright child asking, for instance, why the Wizard didn't make himself a balloon and fly off back home long ago, if that's all there was to it. But I quibble. It's a classic for a reason, and I'm glad to have read it now. The copy I had on hand was illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt, and he captures the characters very well I think. Most reviewers capsulize this story with some version of "There's no place like home." For me, the real theme here is "You have it within you to make your dreams and wishes reality." ( )

"Brains are the only things worth having in this world, no matter whether one is a crow or a man.”

― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz ( )

This Audible.Com edition of the immortal (too over-the-top?) story of Dorothy, the witches of the west, east, south, and north, the cowardly lion, and heartless tin woodsman, is simply a must hear! It begins with Baum's original introduction, and then continues on with the REAL, ACTUAL story. Although, I must admit, the movie clung firmly to the original. Hathaway did a marvelous job of narration. ( )

coming soon - sent from my droid ... ( )

Anne Hathaway made this such an incredibly fun read. Her voices were fantastic. I highly recommend this audio version for anyone who has always wanted to read the book but has been putting it off. ( )