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Books we're reading at the station and recommend to you.When we're not on-the-air or at our desks, we like to pick up good books. Most of us here at the station are, in fact, avid readers. In the style of NPR's "What We're Reading" (an excellent weekly guide) we, too, decided to share what we've been reading. Here's a list of books recently read by WKMS staff members, student workers and volunteers.Interested in a book on our list? Follow the Amazon link beneath the picture. A small percentage of your purchase of anything on Amazon through this link goes right to WKMS at no additional cost to you!

Good Read: Wicked Years Series by Gregory Maguire

WKMS Youth Commentator Brynn Jones reviews the Wicked Years series, by Gregory Maguire. 

Hello, I’m Brynn Jones, here to give my review of the book Wicked, the inspiration for the Broadway musical of the same name. Book reviews are HARD to write because I can’t tell you all the reasons I loved the book because it would give too much away; but let me tell you, Wicked is probably one of the best books I have ever read in my life. 

The entire series, the Wicked Years, is basically the Wizard of Oz told backwards, telling the story of the Witch of the West, Elphaba and how she became green, why she lives in the castle, where the flying monkeys came from, everything. You discover stories behind all the iconic characters like the Cowardly Lion, Glinda the Good, and the Witch of the East, as well as new characters like Professor Dillamond, the talking goat, and Madam Morrible, the theatrical headmaster of Shiz University.

Gregory McGuire created a mystical and enchanting land, captivating and enthralling. Throughout the series, Oz is caught in a state of unrest. Will rebellion rip Oz apart; or will it pull through as one nation? Will the Wizard or the Witch end up in control, or will it be a whole new leader altogether? And what is wickedness, truly, and who is really the wicked one? This book had me so captivated from the very first moment. It’s artistic, powerful, and well-written. However, the book contains some content not really intended for a younger audience.

My opinion is that if you are 13 or up, and you haven’t read this book yet, get your hands on a copy. I look forward to your Thank You letter.

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