Wicked

Gregory Macguire is truly a fun author to read.  This book is the first in what is so far a pretty good trilogy.  The book is about the life of The Wicked Witch Of The West.  How did she become this way?  Was she always so wicked?  So many questions, and Macguire delivers! 
The Wicked Witch, Elphaba, is born green, sparking a life full of being feared, ridiculed, and loneliness.  The story starts with how she may have became green, and how her early years play out, then follows her and her younger sister, Nessa Rose, into school at Shiz.  While at school, Elphaba learns she has some sorcery powers and is encouraged to go forward with them, but she grows ever aware that Animals (animals who can talk) are being punished and resort to being merely animals (lacking the power of speech).  She works hard to fight for Animal rights, but is cast out, much to the dismay of her best friend, lady Galinda, Glinda for short. 
For anyone who enjoyed the Broadway show, you will enjoy this adventure a million times more.  Anyone who has ever watched, read, heard of, or even thought about the Wizard of Oz must read this!  I have heard from some that the language used in this series is a bit difficult to follow.  If that is the case, I would also recommend checking out the audiobook. I have had both experiences and will no doubt be going back to read it again!