Are You a Good Witch, or a Bad Witch?

In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz.

Larry Mitchell's "The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions" is a complex and multifaceted work that explores the lives and experiences of gay men in the United States during a period of significant social and political upheaval. The book delves into themes of love, loss, community, and activism, offering a nuanced and often challenging perspective on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Mitchell's writing is characterized by its raw emotionality, its unflinching portrayal of both joy and suffering, and its commitment to social justice. The book's exploration of the intersection of personal experience and political context makes it a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ literature and history. It continues to resonate with readers today due to its enduring relevance to contemporary issues of identity and social change.