This year’s book selection is Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a New York Times bestseller and the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Wicked. The book is also the first in a four-volume series called The Wicked Years that includes Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz.
“Wicked is a favorite among our patrons. We’re already hearing how excited they are to meet Mr. Maguire and have their well-loved and dog-eared copies of their books signed,” says Tracy Walker, Program and Outreach Manager.
Copies of Wicked may be borrowed from the library. Barnes & Noble will also be on-site during the event to offer copies of Mr. Maguire’s books for sale. Mr. Maguire will sign books following his author talk.
Wicked Discussions
Inspired by the untold backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this fantasy novel for adults profiles the green-skinned Elphaba as an animal rights activist striving to avenge her sister's death, not simply an evil villain.
In a reimagined Oz 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, readers will find much to discuss on themes of religion, politics, societal norms, and economics.
Readers will gather to discuss the book at the Cumming Library on Thursday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. After Mr. Maguire’s visit, readers can discuss the book and share their thoughts on his author talk at the Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Families Celebrate Forsyth Reads Together
Younger readers are invited to participate in this year’s program by attending the Forsyth Reads Together Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 in the Forsyth Central High School cafeteria.
“Forsyth County Schools are excited to be working with the Forsyth County Public Library to present a family night filled with music, makerspace activities, storytelling and so much more,” says Kristen Deuschle, District Media Specialist.
Forsyth Reads Together Celebration will include presentations of student work, a Toto and Friends Reading Lounge where children can read aloud with furry friends from HSFC Humane Hearts Pet Therapy program, and a Wizard of Oz-themed LED shadow box activity. Other craft activities and a puppet show for younger children will also be part of the event.
At the celebration, families can enter to win an Admit Four All-Inclusive Ticket package to the Center for Puppetry Arts to enjoy one Family Series Performance, the Create-a-Puppet Workshop, and Museum Exhibits.
Admission to the Forsyth Reads Together Celebration is free and advance registration is not required.
Additional Oz-themed programs for children, tweens, and teens are scheduled throughout March, including Saving Oz, a breakout box adventure at the Hampton Park Library and Storybook STEM, a study of rainbows, tornadoes, and hot air balloons at the Post Road Library.
For more information on Forsyth Reads Together, or to register for An Evening with Gregory Maguire, please visit www.forsythpl.org.
