What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy

I read this book for a children's literature class I was taking and really liked how well the words transformed in my imagination. This led me to read wicked, which led me to read the series, and so on!

The tale of the tooth fairies was entertaining. I enjoyed how what was happening in the real world was reflected in sentiments that occurred in the fairy tale.

The "story within a story" motif became tiresome, however, and the resolution of both stories left me feeling a bit empty.

I really enjoyed the skibereen portion of the story. The tooth fairy society and characters were very interesting and fun to follow. I liked the characters of the family too, however i felt that their story wasn't pulled together enough. There were several instances where something would be mentioned about the family that would lead to a mystery I thought would be solved later on but wasnt. Their story seemed to end abruptly, leaving the loose strings hanging. I still really enjoyed reading this, but at the end I was frustrated by the feeling that not as much effort was put into the family as was into What-The-Dickens and his exploits.

I had high hopes for this book, looking so forward to reading it. It was hard to keep going when I picked it up. I just found it on the boring side, not much in the way of material that kept me thinking 'what will happen next'? I did push on through to the end and that was pretty much unsatisfying as well. What a shame...was a waste of my time and could be a waste of your time as well.

I absolutely love this book. It was a quick read, it was interesting, and it was fun! Maguire left it open-ended, and it enables you to imagine your own result, or to hope for a second book! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good twisted fairy tale!

I have very mixed feelings about this book. The story of the skibereen is delightful. I wish I had seen more about the various colonies and even leaned what happens to Pepper and What-The-Dickens after the book ends (I think that's where a good story would have really gotten going). But the whole framing story rubbed me the wrong way. First off, the ultra-religious homeschooling stereotype is annoying, and I think largely unnecessary. I also felt the frame alluding to larger twists than it provided. I really expected more of this book after reading Maguire's other novels.

There is a reason Maguire is famous for reinterpreting existing fairy tales, not writing his own. This just doesn't compare to his other work. The skibbereen story itself is charming at times, and would be nice for kids, but the framing story about the missing parents and abandoned children might be a bit distressing.

Another creative story nothing new for this author. The subject matter in this book, What-the-Dickens, is more suitable for young audiences as well as readers of Wicked, etc. While still scary in some concepts it skips the sexuality and violence making this a good read aloud for most ages and an enjoyable quick read for adults.

Maguire has written, in my opinion, some very original material. This book could be included in that. But, it lacks the oomph that made Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and Mirror Mirror excellent books. I have to say that I was overall disappointed in this book. It's worth the read, but I wouldn't expect greatness.

I'm embarrassed to have this book in my collection. I will never read it again, and its only use in the future will be if I have kids. Otherwise I'm dropping it of at the Flea Market.

The story is boring and hard to follow. Little to no character development. I only finished the book because I invested so much time in it trying to find out when it was going to pick up. It took me forever to read, because I didn't want to start another book, but didn't want to go back to this one. The story did pick up at the second to last chapter.

I have two of the authors other books, which were much better. This book was a let down.

This book is strange and interesting. Very cool. My friend "Tea Time With Tealer" recommended this book to me. He explained the gyst of the book. So, I read the book. If you are into fairy tale stories, this book is for you. Nice job Gregory Maguire! Hats off to you.