Lessons from Oz – A Book (and Giveaway of a Signed Copy)

When I think of The Wizard of Oz, I usually only think of it as a political and economic allegory about the status industrial society at the end of the 19th century. This is where Oz and the Yellow Brick Road represent gold, the Tin Man represents the industrial worker, the Scarecrow is the Farmer, the Lion the politician, the Munchkins are the ordinary citizens, etc..

But, thank goodness that there are people like Julienne LaFleur who still see all the magic of the movie. Julienne, in her first book, Lessons From Oz, has created a philosophical allegory. It’s a fun “positive thinking” primer for children who are fans of the movie or a great reminder for the rest of us, of inspiring thoughts that we already know but consistently forget. Indeed, Lessons from Oz was selected as one of the best inspirational books of the year and was an Independent Publisher Award Winner.

“When I watch The Wizard of Oz, I’m still filled with a sense of wonder. It’s not just a nice story; it speaks to my spirit. It inspires, it warms, it touches my heart and makes me want to go skipping.” It certainly seems that Julienne has found the magic in every segment of the movie, which she interprets over 35 lessons in her book. Her favorite chapter “I’d Kill for Those Shoes” refers to the fact that, as adults, we easily become jaded and completely lose our sense of magic and wonder (of which the ruby shoes are so representative). Here is an invitation to play dress up and find out magical, playful selves again. As she says: “Never underestimate the power of a new pair of shoes”.

As for the book’s lessons relating to Julienne’s publishing experiences, “I think almost every single lesson applied at one point or another. The publishing world is really unkind to writers just starting out, and I got a tornado of “no way”.  I think the hardest part about it, was to keep plugging forward no matter what. In the end, “the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true” but you have to make them happen!”

The book is out just in time to celebrate the Wizard of Oz’ 70th anniversary. The movie will be re-released in Hi-Def with a newly remastered digital presentation across the nation this coming September 23.

THE GIVEAWAY: In the meanwhile, you can order Lessons from Oz here or hope to be the lucky winner to our giveaway for a personalized signed copy. To register your entry for this giveaway, please post a comment to let us know what The Wizard of Oz means to you. This giveaway is open until August 26 @ 11:59am PST (Usual giveaway rules are: One entry per person. The winner will be chosen at random using a random integer generator. Your information is confidential and used for this giveaway only. Multiple entries will be deleted. Valid in US and Canada only).