Wicked fever has swept the nation! With the new movie starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, new and existing fans of the musical are being swept away with its themes of magic and friendship.
If you’ve enjoyed both the musical and the movie, you may now be looking for books that have a similar vibe. From stories about witches and female friendship to tales that inspired iconic musicals, there are so many books to help keep the Wicked magic alive.
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Witchy Reads
If you love the enchanting world of witches, these books are brimming with magic, mystery, and powerful women.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the tale that originally inspired Wicked and the story that first introduced us to the Land of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked serves as a prequel to this book.
While the tone differs from Gregory Maguire’s retelling, it’s a fascinating look at the world that started it all.
Set in 1893, this historical fantasy follows three estranged sisters who come together to bring magic back to the world in the midst of the suffrage movement.
It’s a beautifully written story about sisterhood, resilience, and reclaiming power.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a warm and whimsical contemporary novel with a magical twist.
It follows a lonely witch who becomes part of an unconventional found family when she is tasked with teaching three young witches how to control their magic.
The first in Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches series, this dark tale centres on a family of witches haunted by a sinister spirit.
Perfect for readers who love gothic, atmospheric stories.
Books About Female Friendship
Elphaba and Glinda’s complex friendship is central to Wicked. If you’re drawn to stories about strong friendships between women, you may also enjoy the following books.
Firefly Lane follows the friendship of two women from their teenage years to adulthood. It is a moving story that celebrates the enduring power of female friendship and the importance of holding on to the bonds that shape our lives.
The first in Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, My Brilliant Friend explores the intense, sometimes competitive friendship between two women over decades, set against the backdrop of a changing Naples.
Books That Inspired Musicals
If you love Wicked because it brought a beloved book to life on stage, these books that inspired other famous musicals are worth a read.
The gothic tale behind Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, this story is full of intrigue, romance, and the mysterious allure of the Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House.
