My father wrote this story for me when I was 12. He didn't publish it
until recently, and I never actually read it until recently. I might
be somewhat biased in reviewing it, but I feel it's an important book
because of the moral/ethical lessons woven into the story. It is not
your average Oz story. It certainly captures the whimsical style of
L. Frank Baum and faithfully retains his main characters, however,
while many new characters are introduced, the story contains a most
interesting but perhaps controversial philosophy. We feel that Baum
might have said some of these things in his time had he dared. (After
all,he was a theosophist), but because of the times he lived in he had
to bring his beliefs through in a very subtle way. Having said that, I
do think that the spiritual lessons given, although much more obvious
in their intent, could be very helpful to a young person just
beginning to formulate his or her values. In fact, I venture to say
that if children everywhere were to adopt just a few these principles,
they would find themselves, as adults, in a vastly improved world, one
that would be relatively free of violence (both in the media, and in
reality), and perhaps more importantly, free of intolerance. A world
where a new sense of honesty would exist -- not only in individual
citizens, but in corporate America, and in politics.(An Oz-like
reality on earth?) The story itself takes place prior to Dorothy's
moving to Oz permanently. Still back in Kansas our heroine is
reminiscing on Oz when she begins to feel faint. She is caught up in a
terrible vortex not unlike the original twister that first transported
her to Oz when she suddenly finds back once more in that magical
kingdom. Upon being reunited with her charming old friends the
Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman, Dorothy soon learns
of yet another Wicked Witch, the Wicked Witch of the Deep South, who
spends a good deal of her time in a fascinating place called
Negativethoughtland where cruel or evil thoughts take on tangible
physical form. The Fabulous Four embark on a quest to stop the evil
Witch from filling Oz with these repugnant forms and to bring back the
beauty and happiness that we all associate with Baum's delightful
fairyland. Along the way, we are treated to encounters with various
new residents of Oz such as the Fuzzy Yellow Woggle Bugs, not to
mention several strange creatures with names like Ticklemonsters,
Girrephalumps, and Octapong.... During the journey there is a
beautiful sojourn with a community of American Indians, as well as a
meeting of the minds with members of a unique club consisting entirely
of United States presidents. (Topics covered range from George
Washington's economic system to the importance of education, and of
treating one another with respect and dignity.) During the good
natured bantering between themselves some of the presidents provide
interesting historical information on their lives. Another chapter is
devoted to an important meeting with UFO people who represent an
extremely advanced civilization. They make some remarkable revelations
and speak with great wisdom, but since the dialogue is extensive,
younger children could safely skip most of this without losing any of
the story.) Following is a brief quotation from this segment to give
you some idea of its content: "...You see, beloved friends, it is
much easier for you to doubt your abilities, your powers, than it is
to try to realize the potentials that lie within you. Accept your
challenges of today. Cope with them and be not concerned for the
future ... Each of you has tasks before you that you will perform and,
if you will allow yourself to flow with the tide, you shall find that
these things will come to you in proper sequence. There is a constant
flow of energy around your planet. The entire cosmos is energy. We,
too, are energy. Swim in it! Feel yourself as a pulsating, living part
of the universal energy; feel yourself to be in tune with this energy
- to be flowing along with it, in harmony with it. If you become
disturbed or distressed, you have stepped out of the flow. If you go
against your conscience, you will go against the flow and be pushed
out of it. Keep your thought harmonious. Do not allow little things to
upset you. Check yourself several times a day to insure that you are
still within the flow - you will know by the feeling of inner peace
and tranquillity. Eventually you will not need to check; being in the
flow will be the most natural thing in the world for you. As each one
on earth learns these things, the forces of darkness will perish; they
must be banished from your planet for all time. And out of this must
come a new age of love, harmony, and understanding, an age where each
shall live to benefit his brother and not himself - wherein all
problems, the answer sought shall not be 'What is best for me?' but
rather 'What is best for all concerned?" There is a host of other
fascinating characters, including Gayelette, who was first introduced
in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This time, however, the emphasis on
very open-minded conversations (as mentioned above) that make for
fascinating reading. There are even a couple of delightful songs that
would put the Patchwork Girl to shame. A warning to adults who might
accidentally read this book: Towards the end of the story a mysterious
stranger is introduced to Dorothy: He doesn't give his name but his
identity is clear. He tells us that we didn't quite get the story of
his life and mission quite right. This could be a shock to some, but a
for others a revelation....
As I said before, this is not your
average Oz book.