As part of the 2017 Reading Challenge that I am engaged in, I needed to find a book that was previously banned. So many books could fill this category. Banned around the world, banned only in USA, banned recently, banned a long time ago? So, I tried to think outside of the box; what book would interest me, that at one time someone else thought was too freaky?
Imagine my surprise, while searching online lists of previously banned books, to come across The Wizard Of Oz (or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)! I have never read the book, and have only seen the 1939 Hollywood film. Onward to the local library. The copy of the 1982 book that the librarian handed me was illustrated by Michael Hague, and what lovely illustrations they are! I especially liked The Cowardly Lion, since he had flowers in his mane.
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| The cover |
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| Sleeping off the poppies |
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| Following the yellow brick road |
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| In the Emerald City |
For a story written in 1900, it was surprisingly modern, in thought and presentation. I stayed up late reading to the end, because of course, the book is much better than the movie! For me, the illustrations were a big part of my reading enjoyment. There is no rainbow, The Tin Man's story is horrifying, and Dorothy and her pals would not have gotten anywhere without the help of the Mouse Queen. And The Cowardly Lion was very brave indeed!
Too bad there weren't any housecats in 'The Wizard Of Oz'!
I have read 16 books of the 26 in the Challenge to date.
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