Customer Reviews

Confessions Of An Ugly Stepsister

5 star:		(69)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I was severely disappointed by this book. It had none of the quirkiness of Wicked, nor did it have the intelligence and parallels to history that gave Wicked it's flavor. It's OK, don't get me wrong... But don't waste the 16 bucks. Get it from the library if you MUST read.

Now, when I read WICKED, I thought here is an author with a voice and an interesting take on story-telling. I told everyone I knew to read it. Many did and agreed with me that it was special. Like Marion Zimmer Bradley before him (Mists of Avalon), Maguire looks at a popular myth/story and turns the point of view on its head. Now in CONFESSIONS he puts a name and personality on a face long misunderstood, the ugly stepsister. There is something so much more on target in his telling of this story than WICKED that his story here rings even more true. Maybe it's trying to do a little bit less in the book and crafting a solid tight storyline, maybe it's a more personal touch and a true love of his character, maybe it's the lack of some overarching political statement he isn't chasing down (as in WICKED). But CONFESSIONS packs a huge surge of emotion that won't leave you when you finish it. I finished it a week ago, and I'm still mulling it over in my mind. Clara reminds us of all those beautiful people out there who either think the world revolves around them or that it should. Thank you, Mr. Maguire. What's next? I can hardly wait!

I was skeptical about this book because it seemed likely to be too lightweight. It is not. It is a completely compelling, beautifully written tale of considerable moral complexity. Despite the gravitas, it is just plain fun to read. A rare accomplishment. I have been recommending this book to friends with the greatest enthusiasm.

Gregory Maguire is my new hero! What imagination. What fire. A fabulously interesting tale. I more than eagerly await a new novel from this author. He is unspeakably dazzling!

Gregory Maquire has done it again! He entranced us with Wicked, forever changing the way we watched The Wizard of Oz. And now he has given us a gift with his second novel, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Stunning in every way, I read Confessions so very slowly, because I didn't want it to end. What more can you ask for in a novel? Do yourself a favor and make Maquire a part of your life. You won't regret it!

Until this pase weekenk, "Wicked" was my favorite book. But I confess, I am in love with "Ugly." I couldn't put it down -- I kept missing train transfers because I was so entranced in the reading. Maguire's style, attention to detail, and quick plot twists make this a must-read book. The characters are beautifully developed, and the pacing is superb.

There is no way to accurately describe the beauty of the thoughts that come from Gregory Maguire's mind. He is a truly talented author, and this book is a brilliant sequel to his equally wonderful "Wicked". The most important part of Maguire's talent is his ability to appeal universally, explained best by this critic of fantasy writing who counts his two novels as two of the five best ever!

It stinks! How did this crock EVER find a publisher? Affected, pretentious, pompous, silly, a complete and utter waste of time...and that was about the part I liked! Next time this author shows up at another writer's refuge (offering peace, quiet and completely free accommodation) with his latest grant in hand, someone tell him that the Emperor has no clothes. Force this poseur to find a job.

this is such a terrible book! no plot, it was incredibly boring, i struggled to get through it.

i really don't know what all the other reviewers were thinking! not to mention the "reader's group guide" inside, what's that about? it's like a text book!

and the illustrations were poor reproductions of authentic "ye olde world" prints. very bad. it was a pain to read, i am glad no one recommended it to me, i just picked it up, and am i sorry i did! don't waste your time!

This book is nowhere near the best I've ever read. Of course, I've read more than two books, the first one not being "Wicked" or "See Spot Run". An interesting premise that turned into ennui by the end of the first chapter. I like to give books a hundred pages, in the hope that it will get better, unfortunately, didn't happen this time. Don't be fooled by the number of pages either, the print is for a grade two level, frankly, so is the content. I wouldn't recommend it to my dog, and I hate my dog.