Wondrous reading of great classic!

Anna Fields does a masterly job of narrating this timeless classic. She has a wonderful voice and handles characterizations well, from the wicked witches to Dorothy, the cowardly lion, the wizard and others notable characters including the mouse queen. I look forward to hearing more titles narrated by Ms. Fields, including the sequel to Wizard of Oz.

15 persone l'hanno trovata utile

A Charming and Fun Wizard of Oz

Anna Fields does a fine job reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Her narrator's voice is friendly and savory, and her voices for Baum's characters are suitably matched to his characterizations and sufficiently differentiated from each other, Dorothy being sweet and pure, the Scarecrow husky and kind, the Tin Woodman emotional and spunky, the Cowardly Lion deep and slow, Oz aged and apologetic and clever, the Wicked Witch of the West childish and wicked, the Queen of the Mice high-pitched and helpful, and so on. As a result, it's rather easy and fun to follow her reading even in scenes with multiple characters talking.

The story itself is light-hearted, with plenty of fantastic and appealing characters (like Dorothy's companions), exciting flare-ups of violence (like the Wicked Witch sending her wolves, crows, bees, and monkeys after the party) ironic insights into human nature (like the pure Tin Woodman's mistaken belief that if he had a heart he would not need to be so careful to avoid hurting living beings because people with hearts naturally avoid hurting others), humorous lines (like when the Scarecrow asks the Lion if he has brains and he answers "I suppose so. I've never looked to see"), and good themes for children (like the idea that we all have the potential to develop the qualities we think we lack and just need to find the confidence and opportunities to use them). If you've only seen the movie, and if you like it, then you should really read or listen to the original book, because it's interesting to compare the similar and different points between them.

I listened to several other versions of The Wizard of Oz, and I'm glad I chose this one, because I think it's just right.

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Not the Movie--Better!

I found this book to be quite delightful. Unlike the movie, this book is appropriate for the youngest of listeners. If you have not read this book but have seen the movie, you will be amazed at all the things Hollywoodchanged.

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Happy Clappy

I guess years of listening to more mature material made the childlike story a little to happy clappy. I found myself liking the story and then when something bad or upsetting happened to Dorothy and friends, she ends up getting out of her dire situation in less than two minutes... this drove me nuts. I'm use to there being horrible consequences and lingering effects. Instead, it's like - Bear-Tigers show up and have you against a cliff? - cut a tree, Poison flowers knock you out? - mice to the rescue, Need to pass impossible lands? - call flying monkeys, Bad witch - use water. The writer is creative for children, but it's as if every single thing Dorothy encounters, she is spoon fed an immediate solution. This all being said, I was glad it was not like the classic 1939 movie.

2 persone l'hanno trovata utile

I just read 1984 and i needed this

the wizard of oz demonstrates a charm and soothing tone that you don't see a lot in modern media anymore.

but if i have to nitpick the narrators character voices are not super diverse.

but over all it good.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

That’s why it’s a favorite!

I can understand now why this story is a favorite; this book is so much better than the movie!!!! This is a heartwarming children’s story with all the repetitions and adventures you’d hope to find. I easily lost interest in the movie version but this book got me hooked. And the narrator is wonderful!

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

My kids have played this book over and over. I took a chance, purchasing a classic, and I am so glad I did!

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

A great book for discussion

This was great, my 6 year old and I loved it! We had some great conversation about the themes

Follow the yellow brick road

Way different than the movie and well worth the read. A Wonderful piece of literature.

The Golden Era of Literature 🙌🏻

People say, "The books are always better" and I'd have to agree with them! Both the author and the narrator were sensational! Three hours flew by with such joy and fun that it hardly felt like I was listening to a book than viewing a movie! (The 1930's film was never my favorite, sorry) However, this story will always have a special place in my heart!