UW-RF Home > Public Affairs Home > This Month's News Releases

Public Affairs

Book Club Features "Wicked"

FEB. 18, 2005--The book, "Wicked," by Gregory Maguire, will be discussed at the Lion’s Paw Book Club on March 9 at 3 p.m. in the Chalmer Davee Library Breezeway at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

UW-RF staff Gail Armbrust and Julia Persico from the outreach and graduate studies office will lead the discussion about the book that inspired a Broadway musical.

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, only Dorothy's side of the story was told. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that the Land of Oz will have new meaning for readers. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence.

A little green-skinned girl named Elphaba will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

The Lion's Paw Book Club encourages community members, faculty, staff and students to participate in its gatherings during the academic year of 2005. It meets on the second Wednesday, February through May. The public is welcome to attend and need not have read the books to sit in on a session.

The next discussion is April 13 and will feature "Reading Lolita in Tehran" by Azar Nafisi.

Featured books are available in the University Bookstore in the Hagestad Student Center, and several copies of each book are also available in the Library’s collection. For more information call 715/425-3222.

-30-

Last updated: Monday, 21-Feb-2005 12:47:06 CST