My First Official DNF in ... a REALLY Long Time

I'm not one to DNF books, so this was a big deal for me!

I will preface this all with the statement of “I know.”

I know that that book is WAY different from the movie and the play.

I know that the book is WAY darker than the movie and the play.

I even knew going into the book, which has been sitting on my physical bookshelf for probably 10 years, that there are a lot of mixed feelings about the book. What I didn’t know was just how disengaged I was going to be and just how much I was going to struggle.

The hope was that the plot would weigh more positively then any of the negative feelings that arose while I read. After making it to the 25% mark in the audiobook, I just couldn’t take it any more. Part of hopes that it was going to get better since they were finally at Shiz and away from Elphaba’s horrendous family. But, the rational and realistic side of my brain told me that it probably wouldn’t.

She wondered, faintly, if it was immoral to raise children in the habit of hope. Was it not, in the end, all the harder for them to adjust to the reality of how the world worked?

So in the end, what started as my first book of 2025, became my last book of 2024.

What I liked in what I read:

• Being a fan of The Wizard of Oz, I was really excited to see the creative retelling of the classic story focusing on the “witch” vs Dorothy.

• The more in-depth background on Elphaba’s family and upbringing.

• Concept of Shiz and the introduction of the new characters

• While the writing style was one of the things I struggled with, I do respect the vivid, detailed writing.

What I struggled with:

As tempted as I am to say that I struggled with everything, it really wasn’t everything. But, I think it ultimately came down to the fact that I couldn’t connect to the book or the characters. Every time I walked away from the reading, I was left with no motivation to go back to it. I wasn’t invested in the characters or what was happening to them. I simply didn’t care.

Many scenes seemed to be dragged out, there were moments where I was bored and found myself zoning out. I’m not a fan of classical literature, and that was the feeling I got from the style and structure of this novel. I agree that in many ways it was beautifully written, but just not a way that I connect with.

There were just so many aspects that were glossed over while other non-essential parts that were so focused on that it was tedious and mundane. More time on was needed on the world building and less time on characters. I actually never thought I would ever say that since I love character driven stories, but in this case the focus on characters was overwhelming with no clear development actually happening.

Where does this land on my bookshelf?

Well, since I couldn’t finish it, I have to put it on my bottom shelf. I am all for and supportive of everyone out there who has read this book and absolutely loved it. I’m so glad that you had that connection to it. But, like all books, they are not necessarily for everyone. This is just little ‘ole me and my reaction to it. Not judgement!

Don’t forget to check out my other fun sites!

Explore my website for book lovers: www.azdesertbookworm.com

Follow me on Instagram! Check it out - @azdesert_bookworm

Speaking LITerally podcast! Our monthly misadventures into all things literary. Separated the Atlantic, Liz and I come together in our love of reading!!! Find us wherever you listen to your other favorite podcasts! Click here to find us on Spotify! (Link also on my website.)