Wicked

I have been reading the book Wicked. I take it with me places, and total strangers stop me to say how much they loved the book. So many people have told me to go see the musical. I have been compared to characters in the musical.

I just don't get the book. I am almost through. I am on page 383. I don't see how this could possibly be a musical. I guess I am not high brow enough in my literature. I love Janet Evanovich and this book has yet to even make me smile. It is so sad. Maybe, I really don't understand. So far, there are not words that I don't technically know the definition, but it seems they are used in ways I don't understand. It's like reading science fiction, which I have a very hard time with, too!

I do identify with certain parts of the book. Elphalba, the Wicked Witch of the West, feels like an outcast because of her skin color. In school, I always felt on the outside looking in at the popular girls. They all knew me, just like her, but I was not one of them. I wasn't green, but I still felt like an outcast. I also understand the sibling rivalry. Although, I feel like my sister was more of a Glinda then a Nessarosa. I wonder what she would think?

I think so far, my favorite part of the book is her affair with a married man. She lets her guard down and for the only time in her life feels true love. He has a pet name for her (Fae). The first time she is tender in the book. His skin is covered in tattoos and she adores their differences. The book describes their passion, at first so hot then so beautiful. Even though Elphie, is hard and decisive and dedicated to her mission, she is changed by her affair. His love touches her. She allows him to cherish her and she is protective of him. I am not sure how she would have changed if he had not died. She closes herself off again. After his death, she spends years seeking forgiveness from his widow.

I don't really understand her ability to make a decision-to her the most moral decision and never waiver. She does not waiver even when she thinks she might have made mistakes. I don't seem to have that kind of self discipline. I always second guess myself and change my mind tons of times. Her choices lead her down a path and divided her from her family. I hope I don't make choices that lead me away from my family!

I think I will finish the book. I plan to read Son of a Witch, too. I want to go see the musical. I want to see how this can come to life. I don't know if I will ever give the rave reviews everyone else seems to give, but I have not finished the book to decide.