"The Wonderful World of Oz"
I had never read the books but only saw the movie. Both myself and my six year old daughter. At first she didn't care for it because it didn't follow the movie, but then I explained how the book is the "real" story and the movie is the "Hollywood version" of it. She then listened with new ears and loved the true story and cannot wait for the next books and the new adventures!
"Eloquent Narrator"
I extremely enjoyed listening to Anne Hathaway read The Wizard of Oz. She has a wonderful interpretation of this story and is very animated. She gives each character a unique voice and so gives the story life. She paints a lovely picture and created empathy with all of the characters and their plights. It is a very charming children's story that even adults and teens will enjoy with smiles and laughter.
cantony258
"Anne Hathaway, Please narrate more books?!?!!!"
It's toward the top of the list. Maybe #2 or #3. The story is wonderful, of course. But Anne Hathaway's narration? AMAZING! Take this story to a completely different level.
I can't decide. Every time a new character comes onto the scene. The discussions with the Queen Field Mouse was enchanting. And every time something exciting happens.... (because I can't really narrow down just one.)
No, I have not. But I intend on doing so immediately!
Anne Hathaway as Dorothy.
I'll definitely be listening to this again! It kept me smiling, enchanted and happy through tremendously horrible traffic.
computer dude
"A classic in every sense"
Sometimes you need to return to the source to remember just how good it was in the beginning. L. Frank Baum's delightful tale is still wonderful and not too different from the musical movie of the Thirty's that is now the familiar version.
People are so accustomed to the Judy Garland version that we forget the original story. The biggest shock is a reminder that the ruby slippers were silver.
Anne Hathaway was absolutely superb in this reading. She acts all the characters with her flexible voice and they are clear and distinct. Additionally she does the characters in a way that will appeal to children and old children alike. I hope to hear a lot of reading from her in the future. She is a super talent.
The combination of story and performance gives this a "10" rating on almost any rating system.
"Anne Hath a way with reading"
I never read the Wizard of Oz when I was young and was afraid I wouldn't be able to relate to the story, but Anne Hathaway really brought it to life. She did a wonderful job with the different voices and it was a really good listen.
"A wonderful step back into a great story."
I recommend this book as a chance to get to know this story better.
The magic of the story is great enough without the glitz that hollywood added.
I forget that even the smallest change in voice adds to the experience. I enjoyed her rendering much more that I first thought I would.
"Wonderful so skillfully narrated"
A wonderful story narrated in a very vivid and sweet manner. You can picture the whole story and convey all the feelings listening to Miss Hathaway
"Wizard of Oz"
One of the best - Not disappointed at all in the reading of one of my childhood favorites.
You will see the imagery in your mind as you lose yourself in this wonderful tale.
The straw man, For a character seemingly missing a brain he kept coming up with ways of keeping the group on track.
She was able to believably put you inside Dorothy's thoughts, fears and hopes,
Better - brought back my childhood with good memories
Highly recommend it for children or adults.
"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." - Jojen Reed. #ADanceWithDragons
"Anne Hathaway... Saved this for me"
Now that we have that out of the way... I won't spend much time on the story BUT... This is a jacked up children's book if it was meant to be one... For one they keep lopping off heads off of people! The 'Wizard of Oz' is at best a con-artist! And the characters are... let’s face it... gullible... Maybe I am reading too much into this story.. >_<
Anne Hathaway though.... LOVE HER.... And thankfully she didn't massacre the book and did actually produce a performance worth 5 stars. To be honest, I changed my score from a 4 to a 5 stars because Anne actually got me through the book. I don't think anyone could make me be completely thrilled with the narration here but this is because I think the story was lacking so much (note also I am reviewing this right after listening to "Water for Elephants" and "Outlander" which are EXCELLENTLY written and even more EXCELLENTLY narrated). Even with the annoying squeaky voices (it does get annoying after the bazillion little person), Anne really kept me listening and I cut her slack for the squeaky voices because quite frankly, that would be how they sounded.
I say this... Audible need to invite Anne Hathaway back to do a real book... and by a real book I mean a Jane Austen book! I think anything Jane Austen or even Phillipa Gregory (if we want to go more modern) would fit her.