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Join MJ as he talks about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1900) – Dorothy is swept to the Land of Oz and goes on a quest to see the Wizard.

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #mystery #FOTRESSFICTION

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The book can be borrowed FREE from Librivox, Project Guttenberg or purchased from many online retailers and in audiobook as well KOBO, audible.

My Candid Thoughts on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Rewritten from transcript by Claude AI

Here’s the blogified version of your transcript:

Title: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Cornerstone of Fortress Fiction

As an author, artist, and analyzer, I’m excited to dive into L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” for this episode of Fortress Fiction. Published around 1900, this classic children’s novel is the first in a series of 14 Oz books by Baum, with dozens more written by other authors.

Does “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” deserve a place of honor in Fortress Fiction? Absolutely. While Baum intentionally avoided heavy-handed moralism, the book is rich with positive values and life lessons.

The story centers on Dorothy Gale, a sweet and innocent girl whose age is left ambiguous, as was common in children’s literature of the time. Dorothy’s journey to Oz begins when a cyclone lifts her house, transporting her to a magical land. Baum’s writing style provides a gentle assurance of Dorothy’s safety, even as she faces various dangers.

The book promotes virtues such as innocence, kindness, trust, friendship, loyalty, humility, and meekness. These qualities are displayed through the actions of Dorothy and her companions – the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Their quest to help Dorothy return home while seeking what they believe they lack (brains, a heart, and courage) showcases themes of cooperation and self-improvement.

Structurally, the book is fascinating. It feels divided into quarters, building anticipation for what’s to come. Each chapter can stand alone as a mini-adventure, yet they all contribute to the larger narrative. This skillful writing allows readers to enjoy individual chapters or the entire story as a cohesive whole.

Baum’s imagination shines through in his creation of Oz’s strange creatures and landscapes. There’s also subtle social commentary, particularly in the contrast between the “civilized” world Dorothy comes from and the “uncivilized” but magical land of Oz.

Beyond “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Baum was a prolific writer. He authored 41 other novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and at least 42 scripts. His works include the “Mother Goose in Prose,” “Father Goose, His Book,” and the “Mary Louise” girl detective series.

In conclusion, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a charming, sweet, and virtuous story that combines danger and courage with wholesome fun. It exemplifies goodness without being preachy, making it a perfect addition to Fortress Fiction.

Next up in our Fortress Fiction series, we’ll be covering “Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter” by Astrid Lindgren, published in 1981. Stay tuned for that review!

What are your thoughts on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”? Do you agree with its place in Fortress Fiction? Let me know in the comments!