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The Emerald Burrito of Oz
It's years past the Millennium and somehow the worlds of Earth and Oz have begun to commingle. It starts when Glinda the Good Witch becomes President and before long munchkins are working at fast food restaurants.
292 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 1, 2011
Oz is real, the gateway is located near Salina, Kansas, and it's something of a tourist destination. Gene leaves LA for a vacation in Oz and stumbles into an impending war between the forces of good and The Hollow Man. Will he get back to LA alive?
The Emerald Burrito of Oz, while a bizarro book, is actually pretty well thought out, more akin to Philip Jose Farmer's Oz book than any of the L. Frank Baum ones. Is Oz being a tourist attraction and exploited by the millitary that hard to imagine? The Emerald Burrito of the title refers to the first Mexican restaurant in Emerald City, as well as a plot device introduced later.
The characters are pretty interesting and the story alternates from the POV of the two leads. Gene's pretty Arthur Dent-ish, at least at first. Aurora Quixote Jones is a warrior woman from earth and the story's other POV character. There's a lot more blood and guts in this than I thought there would be. Then again, how can you not expect an ax-wielding Tin Man and a lion not to spill their share of blood?
Many of the classic denizens of Oz are present, although in different forms. Dorothy is a warrior woman, Toto's getting old, The Scarecrow is the mayor of Oz. Extra points awarded for mention of Faruza Balk and the Return to Oz flick of the 80's.
The Hollow Man and his minions were suitable opponents, though I never really felt like anyone was in jeopardy. The thing that intrigued me the most about The Emerald Burrito of Oz was the traveling between worlds and its impact; American music in Oz, immigrant munchkins, machines that go wonky when they get to Oz, the herd of sentient hummers, things of that nature.
Another thing I liked: No one ever said "We're not in Kansas anymore."
About the only thing I can think of to bitch about is that there wasn't more of it. Since when is one burrito enough? I could go for two or three more Emerald Burritos of Oz.
The Emerald Burrito of Oz, while a bizarro book, is actually pretty well thought out, more akin to Philip Jose Farmer's Oz book than any of the L. Frank Baum ones. Is Oz being a tourist attraction and exploited by the millitary that hard to imagine? The Emerald Burrito of the title refers to the first Mexican restaurant in Emerald City, as well as a plot device introduced later.
The characters are pretty interesting and the story alternates from the POV of the two leads. Gene's pretty Arthur Dent-ish, at least at first. Aurora Quixote Jones is a warrior woman from earth and the story's other POV character. There's a lot more blood and guts in this than I thought there would be. Then again, how can you not expect an ax-wielding Tin Man and a lion not to spill their share of blood?
Many of the classic denizens of Oz are present, although in different forms. Dorothy is a warrior woman, Toto's getting old, The Scarecrow is the mayor of Oz. Extra points awarded for mention of Faruza Balk and the Return to Oz flick of the 80's.
The Hollow Man and his minions were suitable opponents, though I never really felt like anyone was in jeopardy. The thing that intrigued me the most about The Emerald Burrito of Oz was the traveling between worlds and its impact; American music in Oz, immigrant munchkins, machines that go wonky when they get to Oz, the herd of sentient hummers, things of that nature.
Another thing I liked: No one ever said "We're not in Kansas anymore."
About the only thing I can think of to bitch about is that there wasn't more of it. Since when is one burrito enough? I could go for two or three more Emerald Burritos of Oz.
June 20, 2011
Oz gets a gritty reboot. Instead of a special, magical place, it's a real place you can actually visit, provided you can get a visa. Oh, and there's a civil war going on, which is, of course, funded by the CIA. That's how we fight a proxy war in the merry old land of Oz. Oz is a dangerous place to visit. Magic in Oz is another kind of science; the Tin Man, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Lion are war veterans; and as the enemy circles the Emerald city, the American expatriate owner of the most popular Mexican restaurant in town becomes a hero in the last war for Oz.
September 25, 2011
The Emerald Burrito of Oz tells the story of Gene from Los Angelos taking a trip to the land of Oz to visit his friend Aurora. You get the impression right away that Gene knows as much about as Oz as most of us probably do, and that would be the 1939 musical starring Judy Garland. This book is about as far away from that movie as you could get. And its absolutely brilliant. Once Gene crosses the gate into the strange world of Oz he is thrust into a situation that may very well spell the end of this happy go lucky world of weirdness. The story itself is told through journal entries between Gene, trying to survive while well over his head, and his friend Aurora who firmly plants herself into the forefront of the action. All the classic characters from the film are present, but you may have to look twice at a couple because you probably wont recognize them. Over all it has a uniqueness to it that will probably appeal to most fans of the bizarro genre.
July 21, 2011
Expanding on the familiar and established mythos of Oz, the authors present a new story worthy of succession suited for adult tastes. Clearly elaborating that what was once magical to a child is insane to an adult.
Intending to set on a vacation to the land of Oz for the first time to see an old friend, Gene passes customs and travels through the dimensional gate into Oz, only to find himself in the middle of a civil war. He barely stumbles into Oz before almost being killed, and getting drafted into a squad led by the Tin Man. When you are familiar with the source material, there is a sense of irony about having your neck saved by someone who couldn't handle his own neck. It is clear that the violence that was only implied in the original books is now brought to the fore-front from the beginning.
The story is told through an alternating perspective with his friend, Aurora, who works in the titular Emerald Burrito restaurant. This is a woman who has immigrated along with many humans, and has found a happy life cooking for the hyper-colourful citizens of the Emerald City. Portrayed as a strong and respected woman she has adapted to the crazy atmosphere, and has maintained a well rounded life there.
The world is lush and detailed, but not in a rose-coloured gloss that is only suited for children, more of a what the, that is crazy, you are crazy, please stop being so damn cheerful kind of way. This was an aspect that I really enjoyed, the excited tourist of Gene, who had heard the stories and is now overwhelmed by the clear insanity of Oz. Absolutely imaginative, light hearted and grim at the same time. There is such a good mix of explanation and mystery presented. It some how captures that sparkle of imagination without ever crushing it with too much complexity. Yet there is always the curve ball of absurdity thrown at you just for fun. Much of this comes from the great cast of characters and how they fit in this world.
The over-all narrative of this was surprisingly strong, bringing in new evils, while creating a strong mythos of it's own. The beloved characters of the past have grown and still have their basic character intact, for the most part they are treated as cameos, but always as heroes. A couple do still have full parts that play out however.
The dialog was fantastic, sharp and funny, and never seemed needless or overblown. Really great characterizations with the two main characters, even if there were parts that they were unsure of their roles, they were determined and true.
The story built steadily through the book, slowly providing the pieces to the overall picture as the grand finale approached. There wasn't a moment that I was disappointed, and found this trip to Oz to be much better than I remembered as a child.
Intending to set on a vacation to the land of Oz for the first time to see an old friend, Gene passes customs and travels through the dimensional gate into Oz, only to find himself in the middle of a civil war. He barely stumbles into Oz before almost being killed, and getting drafted into a squad led by the Tin Man. When you are familiar with the source material, there is a sense of irony about having your neck saved by someone who couldn't handle his own neck. It is clear that the violence that was only implied in the original books is now brought to the fore-front from the beginning.
The story is told through an alternating perspective with his friend, Aurora, who works in the titular Emerald Burrito restaurant. This is a woman who has immigrated along with many humans, and has found a happy life cooking for the hyper-colourful citizens of the Emerald City. Portrayed as a strong and respected woman she has adapted to the crazy atmosphere, and has maintained a well rounded life there.
The world is lush and detailed, but not in a rose-coloured gloss that is only suited for children, more of a what the, that is crazy, you are crazy, please stop being so damn cheerful kind of way. This was an aspect that I really enjoyed, the excited tourist of Gene, who had heard the stories and is now overwhelmed by the clear insanity of Oz. Absolutely imaginative, light hearted and grim at the same time. There is such a good mix of explanation and mystery presented. It some how captures that sparkle of imagination without ever crushing it with too much complexity. Yet there is always the curve ball of absurdity thrown at you just for fun. Much of this comes from the great cast of characters and how they fit in this world.
The over-all narrative of this was surprisingly strong, bringing in new evils, while creating a strong mythos of it's own. The beloved characters of the past have grown and still have their basic character intact, for the most part they are treated as cameos, but always as heroes. A couple do still have full parts that play out however.
The dialog was fantastic, sharp and funny, and never seemed needless or overblown. Really great characterizations with the two main characters, even if there were parts that they were unsure of their roles, they were determined and true.
The story built steadily through the book, slowly providing the pieces to the overall picture as the grand finale approached. There wasn't a moment that I was disappointed, and found this trip to Oz to be much better than I remembered as a child.
August 8, 2011
L. Frank Baum could be considered a proto-bizarro. His Oz series was a standard for fantasy literature during the first part of the last century, usurped only by J.R.R. Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings. The strange imagery and impossible setting is an inspiration for authors even today. In its incredible tradition, we are given The Emerald Burrito of Oz.
If the title is not enough to convince the reader that this is most definitely a Bizarro story, consider this summary. An average joe is approved by the State Department to travel to Oz to visit his old friend who has been there for several years. Once he arrives events unfold that conspire to sanitize the fantastic world of Oz and bring darkness to the shining gem that is the Emerald City. Throw in a sentient laptop, a herd of living humvees, a Mexican restaurant, and blend with equal parts government conspiracy and uber-geekery.
The novel is divided between the characters of Gene Spielman and his friend Aurora Jones in the form of their journals of the events that take place. They tell of the modern day tourism that comes with the public disclosure of the Gate to Oz, and their perceptions of the consequences. In their musings we are allowed to discover the wonder of Oz through fresh eyes, and the horror of our own human failings when those elements are introduced to the setting.
Those unfamiliar with the original Oz series need not shy away from this amazing novel. John Skipp and Mark Levinthal take great strides to ensure that readers understand the setting, its distance from the 1939 Judy Garland film classic, and also the logical progression they have taken in advancing the story of the strange fairy-land to the modern day. Together they effortlessly draw the audience in, and give an unbelievable narrative all their own.
The Emerald Burrito of Oz never ceases to engage and amaze. The incredible story draws from the familiar and twists it into an epic story of love, loss, and redemption. This book can not be recommended any more highly. Such respect for the source material and talented writing is rarely found in a shared setting.
July 29, 2011
If I had to pin it down, The Emerald Burrito of Oz would count as an urban fantasy. But it's so much more than that. It's magical, but it can also be dark. It's gross, but it can also be funny. It's a tribute to L Frank Baum's work, but Skipp and Leventhal have built a world that is fresh, fascinating, and weird. It takes the form of two journals, one written by Aurora (owner of the only Mexican restaurant in Oz), and Gene (a friend of Aurora visiting Oz for the first time). Through their eyes we see the sights, meet the weird characters walking the streets, and see the impact of interdimensional travel between Oz and Earth.
All the old characters are there, but only in supporting roles. This isn't a remake or sequel to the official Oz canon, even though it includes a lot of continuity from the original Oz series, which will make hardcore Baum fans happy. But much like the logic of Oz, this book simply exists. And that's a good thing, because it's awesome. The tone resembles that of the movie "Return to Oz," a weird classic.
This Oz has magic, but it plays by its own rules, lending a surreal and whimsical vibe to the story. In Oz, there are no gadgets, but childishly simplistic technology--the type of things you'd see in a Flintstones cartoon--are the only machines that work. Things that pass through the magic gate to Oz aren't guaranteed to arrive the same way they left, especially human technology. The humans' desperate need to understand and categorize Oz's physics is as dangerous as it is futile, and they threaten the delicate innocence of Oz with the worst possible thing: selling out to corporate interests. A lot of stories have riffed on Oz, and many are downright terrible. However, the Emerald Burrito might be the tastiest (per)version of Oz you've ever seen.
All the old characters are there, but only in supporting roles. This isn't a remake or sequel to the official Oz canon, even though it includes a lot of continuity from the original Oz series, which will make hardcore Baum fans happy. But much like the logic of Oz, this book simply exists. And that's a good thing, because it's awesome. The tone resembles that of the movie "Return to Oz," a weird classic.
This Oz has magic, but it plays by its own rules, lending a surreal and whimsical vibe to the story. In Oz, there are no gadgets, but childishly simplistic technology--the type of things you'd see in a Flintstones cartoon--are the only machines that work. Things that pass through the magic gate to Oz aren't guaranteed to arrive the same way they left, especially human technology. The humans' desperate need to understand and categorize Oz's physics is as dangerous as it is futile, and they threaten the delicate innocence of Oz with the worst possible thing: selling out to corporate interests. A lot of stories have riffed on Oz, and many are downright terrible. However, the Emerald Burrito might be the tastiest (per)version of Oz you've ever seen.
November 19, 2008
"Wicked" and the subsequent sub-standard ilk of imitators open new ground on well-founded mythologies based on the worlds of L. Frank Baum. This book does the same but not in any form of homage or kind re-telling.
Oz is real. You can travel to it from a fixed junction in Kansas, and many have, leaving behind their lives in our world. But our technology does not work so well there...I will not spoil the rest of it but suffice it to say that artificial intelligence takes on a whole new meaning in this book.
This was a book I found while discovering John Shirley and Carlton Mellick III, both excellent writer in their own respects but never mainstream enough to make a verbal recommendation of them still "cool" in much the same way people "in the know" had seen the movie "Boondock Saints" before the masses were aware of it.
It holds a valued place on my fiction shelves.
Oz is real. You can travel to it from a fixed junction in Kansas, and many have, leaving behind their lives in our world. But our technology does not work so well there...I will not spoil the rest of it but suffice it to say that artificial intelligence takes on a whole new meaning in this book.
This was a book I found while discovering John Shirley and Carlton Mellick III, both excellent writer in their own respects but never mainstream enough to make a verbal recommendation of them still "cool" in much the same way people "in the know" had seen the movie "Boondock Saints" before the masses were aware of it.
It holds a valued place on my fiction shelves.
November 3, 2011
Welcome to the Emerald Burrito
So the United States has finally found a portal to the magical Land of Oz. A place where inanimate objects come alive, where animals are intelligent and where childhood characters take on a darker, more realistic interpretation. A gruesome war is being waged by the mysterious Hollow Man interlaced with anterior motives that hit a little too close to home.
The underlying political themes make for a fascinating read. This, coupled with the insanity that ensues, keeps things interesting while the narrative flips back and forth between Gene Speilman and Aurora Jones. Chockfull of munchkins, flying monkeys, enigmatic black blobs, blood, ogres and a black market for animal meat; there is certainly something for everyone.
So the United States has finally found a portal to the magical Land of Oz. A place where inanimate objects come alive, where animals are intelligent and where childhood characters take on a darker, more realistic interpretation. A gruesome war is being waged by the mysterious Hollow Man interlaced with anterior motives that hit a little too close to home.
The underlying political themes make for a fascinating read. This, coupled with the insanity that ensues, keeps things interesting while the narrative flips back and forth between Gene Speilman and Aurora Jones. Chockfull of munchkins, flying monkeys, enigmatic black blobs, blood, ogres and a black market for animal meat; there is certainly something for everyone.
August 31, 2013
From the Files of Sheldon Nylander:
I came across a publication the other day called The Emerald Burrito of Oz, put together by John Skipp and Marc Levinthal. It was an account of Gene Spielman of Los Angeles' visit to his friend Aurora Jones, the proprietor of the Emerald Burrito which is the only Mexican restaurant in Oz, a magical world that seems to exist in parallel with our own and is the true world which L. Frank Baum based his books on. The gate exists in Salina, Kansas, but it requires special government permission to pass through. This would explain the recent influx of Munchkins working around Salina in recent years.
This world of Oz plays by its own rules, right down to the laws of science. Things don't work the same as they do over here, especially when it comes to technology. In Oz, only the simplest of technologies work. When any man-made technology passes through the gate, the results are...unpredictable, which leads to some odd situations, especially when reading through Gene's account written on the computer he took with him.
It becomes very easy to feel lost with this account, especially if you are only familiar with the Judy Garland movie (and to a lesser extent the much darker “Return to Oz” with Fairuza Balk; this book was originally published back in 2000, before “Oz, the Great and Powerful” was even a gleam in a studio executive's eye). There are references to individuals and creatures that, to my knowledge, are only accounted for in the L. Frank Baum books, which I haven't read.
The book has more violence than you might initially expect from something related to Baum's children's books, but then you remember that is the real life accounting of time in Oz during a civil war as they face off against someone known as the Hollow Man. When you get the real life counterparts of an axe-wielding Tin Man or the Lion, there's going to be violence and blood.
While the book seemed interesting for what it is, I had a hard time getting into it. Admittedly, this may be because, as I mentioned above, I haven't read Baum's original books, so there was some sense of feeling lost in a world that I should have reviewed the map for before traveling there. The players are interesting, with Aurora being the traditional tough hero while Gene is more of a wimp, but I would have liked to learn more details about the real life counterparts of the Scarecrow or the Lion. Still, you get quite a bit of story, character, and world-building, and The Emerald Burrito of Oz is one of the longer books to fall into the bizarro genre with very little padding, so you'll get more substance out of your reading.
The Emerald Burrito of Oz earns 3 flying monkeys out of 5.
Note: Just in case you can't tell (and there some are some out there who might not), this review was written in character. Yes, I know it's not real.
I came across a publication the other day called The Emerald Burrito of Oz, put together by John Skipp and Marc Levinthal. It was an account of Gene Spielman of Los Angeles' visit to his friend Aurora Jones, the proprietor of the Emerald Burrito which is the only Mexican restaurant in Oz, a magical world that seems to exist in parallel with our own and is the true world which L. Frank Baum based his books on. The gate exists in Salina, Kansas, but it requires special government permission to pass through. This would explain the recent influx of Munchkins working around Salina in recent years.
This world of Oz plays by its own rules, right down to the laws of science. Things don't work the same as they do over here, especially when it comes to technology. In Oz, only the simplest of technologies work. When any man-made technology passes through the gate, the results are...unpredictable, which leads to some odd situations, especially when reading through Gene's account written on the computer he took with him.
It becomes very easy to feel lost with this account, especially if you are only familiar with the Judy Garland movie (and to a lesser extent the much darker “Return to Oz” with Fairuza Balk; this book was originally published back in 2000, before “Oz, the Great and Powerful” was even a gleam in a studio executive's eye). There are references to individuals and creatures that, to my knowledge, are only accounted for in the L. Frank Baum books, which I haven't read.
The book has more violence than you might initially expect from something related to Baum's children's books, but then you remember that is the real life accounting of time in Oz during a civil war as they face off against someone known as the Hollow Man. When you get the real life counterparts of an axe-wielding Tin Man or the Lion, there's going to be violence and blood.
While the book seemed interesting for what it is, I had a hard time getting into it. Admittedly, this may be because, as I mentioned above, I haven't read Baum's original books, so there was some sense of feeling lost in a world that I should have reviewed the map for before traveling there. The players are interesting, with Aurora being the traditional tough hero while Gene is more of a wimp, but I would have liked to learn more details about the real life counterparts of the Scarecrow or the Lion. Still, you get quite a bit of story, character, and world-building, and The Emerald Burrito of Oz is one of the longer books to fall into the bizarro genre with very little padding, so you'll get more substance out of your reading.
The Emerald Burrito of Oz earns 3 flying monkeys out of 5.
Note: Just in case you can't tell (and there some are some out there who might not), this review was written in character. Yes, I know it's not real.
April 20, 2012
Too many people shrug off books under the tag of Bizarro and I think a fellow reviewer has alluded to the same but people like Baum and Carroll are Bizarros ancestors.
The Emerald Burrito of OZ is as much of an OZ continuance as you could hope for, all OZ fans should add this to their recommended reading. The second they identified Fairuza Balk as the better and more accurate Dorothy I was theirs. I love some of there additions to the OZ universe, especially the villains many of whom have become action figures I wish had existed when I was a kid.
People who like OZ should read this book, people who like Saturday morning cartoons should read this book, people who ever played a cassette videogame on a Commodore or a Spectrum should read this book and if you aren't covered by these brackets of society read it anyway and develop a love for the above criteria after the fact.
The Emerald Burrito of OZ is as much of an OZ continuance as you could hope for, all OZ fans should add this to their recommended reading. The second they identified Fairuza Balk as the better and more accurate Dorothy I was theirs. I love some of there additions to the OZ universe, especially the villains many of whom have become action figures I wish had existed when I was a kid.
People who like OZ should read this book, people who like Saturday morning cartoons should read this book, people who ever played a cassette videogame on a Commodore or a Spectrum should read this book and if you aren't covered by these brackets of society read it anyway and develop a love for the above criteria after the fact.
May 17, 2014
This book was on my "to be read" list for a while. I was really excited to read it. Maybe I had higher expectations than I should have. Although it wasn't bad, it wasn't that great either.
The books is written in journal entries by either Gene or Aurora. Sometimes when reading these entries I would get a bit confused on who was writing that I would have to go to the beginning of the chapter to see who it was. One of the things I enjoyed was it had a lot of odd creatures and neat settings. The downfall was not a lot happened for a long time. Little exciting things would happen here and there but not enough to make me want to read the book. Instead I felt the need to finish but didn't jump to pick it up. I really think it could have been more.
The books is written in journal entries by either Gene or Aurora. Sometimes when reading these entries I would get a bit confused on who was writing that I would have to go to the beginning of the chapter to see who it was. One of the things I enjoyed was it had a lot of odd creatures and neat settings. The downfall was not a lot happened for a long time. Little exciting things would happen here and there but not enough to make me want to read the book. Instead I felt the need to finish but didn't jump to pick it up. I really think it could have been more.
April 27, 2011
super fun and weird revisioning of the Oz stories. Probably one of the best books I have ever read.
August 2, 2013
Fun, complex, fast-paced, and lucidly written prose that pushes those buttons of mine in the best ways possible and makes me want to write.
September 12, 2018
I got queasy when the book got so enthusiastic about how brilliantly wonderful everything was and stopped reading.
April 29, 2019
Baum would have been proud. This was a respectable entry into Oz canon. Imaginative, narratively solid. Good food. Wish it were a series.
May 2, 2021
Great
If you love bizzaro and wizard of oz this is the book for you. Loved it. You won’t be disappointed.
If you love bizzaro and wizard of oz this is the book for you. Loved it. You won’t be disappointed.
May 1, 2012
Here's what I posted on Amazon last year for the re-release of this gonzo trip to Oz!
I devoured the Emerald Burrito way back in 2002 when originally released by Babbage Press. This is an awesome read that deserves a wider audience, one that it will hopefully find now that its published by cult favourites, Eraserhead Press - a match made in heaven in my humble opinion.
I convinced the SF book buyer at a well known high street bookshop to stock this book, which takes its cue from the original Oz series and certainly puts its own spin on things. A literary mash-up way ahead of the curve, it should be as popular as the Gothic / Olympic Games thrills of Jane Eyre Nike, the crazy voyage into the heart of biology's darkness that is Wide Sargasso Semen or the dub heavy culture clash of Sense and Sensimilla.
Simply put it's a book that should be read and cherished, respect to Eraserhead Press for this timely re-release.
I devoured the Emerald Burrito way back in 2002 when originally released by Babbage Press. This is an awesome read that deserves a wider audience, one that it will hopefully find now that its published by cult favourites, Eraserhead Press - a match made in heaven in my humble opinion.
I convinced the SF book buyer at a well known high street bookshop to stock this book, which takes its cue from the original Oz series and certainly puts its own spin on things. A literary mash-up way ahead of the curve, it should be as popular as the Gothic / Olympic Games thrills of Jane Eyre Nike, the crazy voyage into the heart of biology's darkness that is Wide Sargasso Semen or the dub heavy culture clash of Sense and Sensimilla.
Simply put it's a book that should be read and cherished, respect to Eraserhead Press for this timely re-release.
June 26, 2013
Reading this book was like playing a mash up of a Charlie Kaufman, Tim Burton and Dr. Seuss movie in my head and for me personally that is like bringing three geniuses together for an epic movie!
This book mentioned so many amazing musicians and also had reference to Salvador Dali whose art I love and that just made me have even more of a soft spot for this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderous adventure and I would actually give it a four and a half stars if I could. I am really looking forward to reading more of John Skipps work.
This book mentioned so many amazing musicians and also had reference to Salvador Dali whose art I love and that just made me have even more of a soft spot for this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderous adventure and I would actually give it a four and a half stars if I could. I am really looking forward to reading more of John Skipps work.
February 7, 2014
Sure it's as hilarious as the title suggests, keeping in the Baumian spirit with lines like "She made Enchantra look like Rhea Perlman playing a cheesy Cruella De Ville," and "So was No Jimmy, the only guy not named Jimmy in all of Jimvania. (Evidently, this had made him a really good fighter.)"
But it's also a good story--simple but well-executed. The pop culture references enhance and detract, making it feel dated and calling attention to the authors' likes and dislikes. But in all this little book is a gem, a masterpiece of absurdity.
But it's also a good story--simple but well-executed. The pop culture references enhance and detract, making it feel dated and calling attention to the authors' likes and dislikes. But in all this little book is a gem, a masterpiece of absurdity.
April 8, 2016
Hard to know how to really rate this one. I was blinded by the fact that I hated the main female character, Aurora. I hate that, when I dislike a main character (that is supposed to be likable) it throws everything off. That being said, the other characters were great and it was a fast paced ride with a great amount of humor.
August 6, 2011
what a vacation would be like in Oz I wouldn't mind but not if I had to fight in a war. John Skipp does a wonderful job taking us on a trip thru his version of OZ I enjoyed the plot as Well as the talking laptop. Dialouge a little choppy but overall a good read
June 30, 2011
Oz was to African Americans as The Emerald Burrito of Oz is to me.
May 2, 2012
So much fun to be had here. Such a twisted take on the Baum's Oz. It would make a great setting for a video game or role-playing game.
August 27, 2018
This was my second book, i got for the bizzaro fiction craze, and i had to say it was great take about Oz, who would think of something like this.
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