Book Review - A Lion Among Men

A Lion Among Men: Volume Three in the Wicked Years

Gregory Maguire

336 Pages

A Lion Among Men is the third installment in Maguire’s “Wicked” series which includes the very popular Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and Son of a Witch. The series started out by telling the story of the infamous “Wicked Witch of the West” made popular in Wizard of Oz but shows her as a misunderstood soul actually doing good. He introduces us to Elphaba & Glinda and the story of their friendship. He uses these characters to symbolize society’s inability to accept “different” and willingness to accept leaders on blind faith. The story continues to show Elphaba’s life exiled in the shadows. During this he begins to lay seed for the next book, Son of a Witch, which follows the story of the rumored son of Elphaba, Liir. And then for the third, the story of the Cowardly Lion, Brr, in A Lion Among Men.

From Maguire’s introduction:

“A Lion Among Men follows the peripatetic career of the Cowardly Lion. First seen in Wicked as a lion cub culled from his pride for the purpose of laboratory experimentation, the Lion (known as Brrr) makes his name in that little Matter of Dorothy about which all of Oz is still talking. But one doesn’t necessarily become lion-hearted by going after public approval, by racking up those medals and titles and golden statuettes at award ceremonies.

Tarnished with scandal of every stripe, Brrr is loathed by the Animals who believe he betrayed them in helping Dorothy do in the Witch. He fares no better trying to live as a lion among men. When civil war breaks out in Oz, Brrr is caught in the line of fire as he interviews the mysterious old oracle, Yackle, about the sources of Elphaba’s power. He must choose how much approval he can live without. A bit player all his life, he may yet be the linchpin on which the prosecution of the war rests.“

QotD - 4/08/10 - What's the funniest hairstyle you've tried?

I wouldn't call it "funny" but right before sophomore year some evil hair dresser gave me a Carol Brady "bob".  Complete with flipping up hair in the back/semi mullet shorter looking top.  **shudder** it was horrifying.  I think only one person has pictures from that time before it grew out a bit and didn't look so....ewww.

QotD - 4/07/10 - What are your favorite scents?

Lillies, peaches, Moonlight Path by Bath & Body Works, buttered popcorn, Cool Water or Farenheit on a man, fresh mountainy scents, freshly bathed puppy fur,

QotD - 4/06/10 - What song do you want played at your funeral?

What song do you want played at your funeral?

Easy - "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake complete with 80's chick dancing on my coffin.  Then, "The Chicken Dance" to get the party started.

QotD - 4/05/10 - What would you do with $1 million dollars?

What would you do with $1 million dollars?

In the long run a one time payment of $1mill is not that much, but I could still do some stuff.  First, I'd get myself set up with a nice house or condo.  Nothing too extravagent as I will still have to be there and pay for it when the mill runs out.  I'd make sure my mom & dad are settled in whatever they need.  Then, probably a cruise or some type of vacation fully paid for me and my close friends - live it up high style.  Most definitely finally go to Germany.  I would then probably take a week or two and see every broadway show there is out.  Donate some to local animal shelters and then.... I dunno.  I ultimately want to be some type of business owner, I just have no clue as to what that business will be, so maybe get that started up. 

I know, I am quite a boring person in my wants and needs.

QotD - 4/4/10 - What was the first book you read that you actually enjoyed?

What was the first book you read that you actually enjoyed?

As far as I can remember that would be Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.  This was just before my fear of spiders began so it made the cut!

QotD - 4/01/10 - What's your favorite song of all time?

What's your favorite song of all time?

Cemetery Gates by Pantera

I fell in love with this song back in the mid 90’s when I stole my brother’s “Tales From the Crypt presents Demon Knight” soundtrack. I can’t exactly explain why but it just always struck me. The lyrics have become ironically meaningful to me as of late but overall it is just a great song. I prefer the Demon Knight version as opposed to the original version on Cowboys From Hell (the extended Phil getting kicked in the balls screams aren’t necessary for me).

Sometimes when Im alone,

I wonder aloud,

If you're watching over me

Some place far abound.

I must reverse my life

I can't live in the past.

Then set my soul free,

Belong to me at last.

(Full lyrics - http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/pantera/cemetary+gates_20104360.html)

Runners up - "Sad But True" - Metallica, "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" - Poison, "Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden, "Hey Johnny Park" - Foo Fighters and many more