Originally read: March 2015 
 Re-read (well, listened to audio book) later 
 While this book is indeed well written on a technical level, it does nothing for keeping me interested. And for me, that is crucial in fiction. I have to feel SOMETHING. When I first read this the concept didn't leave me mind and I felt that ZI had been unfair. SO I tried the audiobook version. Big mistake. That was worse! But I toughed it out knowing I blanked on some fats in the second third of the book. But the narrator kept putting me to sleep. So lots of re-listening trying to figure out what I missed. 
 I kept hoping to get a better feel for the "Wicked Witch." To learn how she became a witch, etc. Instead I got more a book that focuses on the politics and religions on OZ. Through Elphaba's "college" years I can see many real life students going through similar things in today's world. This is OZ! There is suppose to have a feel on wonder and the fantastical!!! Where was it? Yes there are mention of talking Animals and such but outside of the debate (animal vs Animals) the book covers that is about it. 
 This is a crude world we see. Especially through the beginning. So if you are sensitive to what you read, stay away from this. Almost all the characters are immoral and self-centered. So what little I did feel was frustration at how similar the characters are and how non are truly likable. Boq, Elphaba and Nanny are probably the best and even they are far from likeable. 
 I also could not visualize much. Lots of telling and little showing. Again, another no-no in novels for me. I want to SEE the characters and the world they fill. And what imagination I could strum up for this world was less than pretty. In fact, if left me with a depressed feeling for the land. 
 Overall, not my thing. Honestly I almost didn't finish it either time. It just drags at way too slow a pace. I really struggled to get through it and why? Because those that recommended it said it gets better. Umm, not for me it didn't. For how long it was, it was closer to a waste of time. If it was not not so well written in it's grammar and verbage I would have. But that alone does not redeem a book enough to enjoy it. 
 If you do read this, READ it. Do not listen to it unless you are an insomniac needing some help falling asleep.