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Mr. Wizardo
Baxter Springs, Kansas) – A twist of fate! Ten years after graduating from Franklin High, four troubled individuals indebted to their guidance counselor, Oscar Wizardo, wend their way back home to attend his funeral. Grappling with their demons, dilemmas, and despair—Doreen Gale, Scott Crowe, Lyle Forrest, and Tim Woodman follow that figurative yellow brick road, walking a fine line between realism and magic. Discover what destiny holds in store for each of them.
Worlds apart from L. Frank Baum’s original, MR. WIZARDO takes flight over the rainbow through turbulent darkness and plot twists spewing fate’s debris.
Worlds apart from L. Frank Baum’s original, MR. WIZARDO takes flight over the rainbow through turbulent darkness and plot twists spewing fate’s debris.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Eva Pasco
7 books381 followersSeptember 5
My latest weekly BLOG posted on 09/03 - Eva’s Byte #540– The Printed Word
WIP: Drafting Ch. 22, progressing from 258 words.
READING:
'Campfire Tales and Other Stories,' a GBBPub compilation, resuming from p. 21 @ 13 per cent: "Stay by the Fire" by Erika M. Szabo
Resuming from p. 13 @ 8 per cent: "Henry Walks the Night" by David W. Thompson
LATEST PUBLICATION:
'Aileen's Guesthouse':
Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Awards" General Fiction Finalist (2025)
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - A portal for stepping into the 1970s in close proximity to those who survive the ravages of a guilt-wracked conscience and struggle to find meaning in the suffering they’ve caused.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB6FHRY7
AWARDS:
MR. WIZARDO:
2021 Top Shelf Award Runner Up (Fiction)
2020 Best Book Award Finalist: American Book Fest
100 WILD MUSHROOMS: MEMOIRS OF THE '60s:
2018 New Apple Summer eBook Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing: Solo Medalist Winner
2018 TopShelf Award Finalist in the Category of Memoirs (Other)
The collection sprouted from submissions to "The 60s Official Site" where Eva is a featured contributor.
A former elementary school teacher and Sixties Chick, you can access Eva’s memoirs, essays, previous blogs, and find out what she’s up to on a daily basis by checking out her bio at Authors Den.
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
My latest weekly BLOG posted on 09/03 - Eva’s Byte #540– The Printed Word
WIP: Drafting Ch. 22, progressing from 258 words.
READING:
'Campfire Tales and Other Stories,' a GBBPub compilation, resuming from p. 21 @ 13 per cent: "Stay by the Fire" by Erika M. Szabo
Resuming from p. 13 @ 8 per cent: "Henry Walks the Night" by David W. Thompson
LATEST PUBLICATION:
'Aileen's Guesthouse':
Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Awards" General Fiction Finalist (2025)
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - A portal for stepping into the 1970s in close proximity to those who survive the ravages of a guilt-wracked conscience and struggle to find meaning in the suffering they’ve caused.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB6FHRY7
AWARDS:
MR. WIZARDO:
2021 Top Shelf Award Runner Up (Fiction)
2020 Best Book Award Finalist: American Book Fest
100 WILD MUSHROOMS: MEMOIRS OF THE '60s:
2018 New Apple Summer eBook Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing: Solo Medalist Winner
2018 TopShelf Award Finalist in the Category of Memoirs (Other)
The collection sprouted from submissions to "The 60s Official Site" where Eva is a featured contributor.
A former elementary school teacher and Sixties Chick, you can access Eva’s memoirs, essays, previous blogs, and find out what she’s up to on a daily basis by checking out her bio at Authors Den.
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 24, 2019
I have to say, Eva Pasco is one of my favorite authors first I was intrigued by the book cover and the unique title. This story is very captivating; she has a way with words that will keep you turning the page for more. It’s a charming tale of a Wizard a Wicked Witch and ruby slippers. It was a dark and magical story. I recommend this “Spectacular and Epic Masterpiece.” Beautifully written story.
June 18, 2019
Eva Pasco never fails to entertain, and her contemporary novella Mr. Wizardo is no exception. Ten years after their high school graduation, four former students return home to attend the funeral of their beloved guidance counselor, aptly named Mr. Wizardo. The characters and their individual/intertwined storylines are unique, absorbing, and well-defined. Ms. Pasco is a rare talent who is able to say more, and say it more eloquently, in 84 pages than many authors are able to convey in hefty novels. An easy 5-stars.
June 1, 2019
A wondrous little tale that owes as much to Frank L.Baum as it does to Ray Bradbury. This novella (novelette?) follows the tale of four individuals--Doreen Gale, Scott Crowe, Lyle Forrest, and Tim Woodman, all high school grads from Franklin High--who are--and aren't--like their mythical counterparts in the Wizard of Oz. Unlike their counterparts, though, there is no wicked witch, per se. There are personal demons aplenty, though, and they struggle with real world problems and have to find it within themselves to step up and take control of their lives.
The centerpiece of this kaleidascopic tale is Mr. Wizardo, their late guidance counselor, who through guile and homespun wisdom, sets them on a path not to the Emerald City, but to one of betterment. At his funeral, they experience love and loss and rememberance, and not only come to terms with how their lives panned out, but also how they managed to make the changes necessary to continue their lives. They're far from caricatures, and as far from perfection as possible, but they come across as real people.
These sharp characterizations succeed due to the excellent skills of the author. Ms. Pasco knows how to get into the minds and hearts of those characters she creates. In lesser hands, this wouldn't have worked. Under her nimble fingers, it works, and it works very well.
Highly recommended for the expertise word craftsmanship that transcends the ordinary.
The centerpiece of this kaleidascopic tale is Mr. Wizardo, their late guidance counselor, who through guile and homespun wisdom, sets them on a path not to the Emerald City, but to one of betterment. At his funeral, they experience love and loss and rememberance, and not only come to terms with how their lives panned out, but also how they managed to make the changes necessary to continue their lives. They're far from caricatures, and as far from perfection as possible, but they come across as real people.
These sharp characterizations succeed due to the excellent skills of the author. Ms. Pasco knows how to get into the minds and hearts of those characters she creates. In lesser hands, this wouldn't have worked. Under her nimble fingers, it works, and it works very well.
Highly recommended for the expertise word craftsmanship that transcends the ordinary.
April 24, 2020
You must read this book carefully and connect info about characters. It will be important later. Mr Wizardo is an example of a book that teaches you about life. Everyone has a potential, but not everyone knows a good counselor to reveal it. Doreen is a writer, Big Lyle is a fighter. Scott needs love but doesn't know how to. Eva Pasco uses many metaphors and leads a reader to the conclusion. It is not an easygoing book to read on the beach. It is a book with an obligation for understanding.
June 19, 2019
Clever at a remarkable level
We are in Kansas, Toto. Mr. Wizardo follows the lives of four classmates as they gather for the funeral of a beloved teacher and mentor. Strategically placed references to the L. Frank Baum classic illuminates the relevance of the original in a delightful read for today. Pages are painted with a landscape of language that we’ve come to appreciate in Ms. Pasco’s prose in past servings of quiche and mushrooms.
Personalities are similar to, but not limited to, familiar characters. Flashbacks take each of the main characters to a turning point, directed on the right path by Mr. Wizardo. As in the Oz story, everyone has, within themselves, the qualities of intelligence, compassion, and courage – “our magical power.” Along the way challenges are overcome, lost loves found, and gratitude expressed. It all comes together to reprise the universal truth - lives can change with a kind word. Is that kind word from you?
It’s time for another journey down the Yellow Brick Road.
We are in Kansas, Toto. Mr. Wizardo follows the lives of four classmates as they gather for the funeral of a beloved teacher and mentor. Strategically placed references to the L. Frank Baum classic illuminates the relevance of the original in a delightful read for today. Pages are painted with a landscape of language that we’ve come to appreciate in Ms. Pasco’s prose in past servings of quiche and mushrooms.
Personalities are similar to, but not limited to, familiar characters. Flashbacks take each of the main characters to a turning point, directed on the right path by Mr. Wizardo. As in the Oz story, everyone has, within themselves, the qualities of intelligence, compassion, and courage – “our magical power.” Along the way challenges are overcome, lost loves found, and gratitude expressed. It all comes together to reprise the universal truth - lives can change with a kind word. Is that kind word from you?
It’s time for another journey down the Yellow Brick Road.
November 6, 2019
OZ and Kansas Revisited in Slick, Modern Writing
L Frank Baum didn’t live in vain. His inspired fiction lives and influences us to this day. So, in Eve Pasco’s Mr Wizardo. Her casual allusions to the rainbow bridge, the yellow brick road, and the other paraphernalia of OZ bring home a valid point. We need fantasy, courage, wisdom, and love to become human. To be compassionate and generous.
Doreen is Dorothy. She wears the red slippers. Of course, that’s an allusion to the film rather than the silver shoes of Baum’s invention.
Scott is the Scarecrow without a heart, Lyle the Lion without courage, and Tim the tinman without a brain. This is where the biggest difference shows. Mr Wizardo isn’t a fake. He’s the real thing and shows it through his compassion and understanding of the four misfits that assemble for his funeral.
This is a fun and appealing tale with a deep significance.
L Frank Baum didn’t live in vain. His inspired fiction lives and influences us to this day. So, in Eve Pasco’s Mr Wizardo. Her casual allusions to the rainbow bridge, the yellow brick road, and the other paraphernalia of OZ bring home a valid point. We need fantasy, courage, wisdom, and love to become human. To be compassionate and generous.
Doreen is Dorothy. She wears the red slippers. Of course, that’s an allusion to the film rather than the silver shoes of Baum’s invention.
Scott is the Scarecrow without a heart, Lyle the Lion without courage, and Tim the tinman without a brain. This is where the biggest difference shows. Mr Wizardo isn’t a fake. He’s the real thing and shows it through his compassion and understanding of the four misfits that assemble for his funeral.
This is a fun and appealing tale with a deep significance.
June 1, 2019
I am ashamed to say that I have had this book for quite a while without reading it. I purchased the Anthology where it originally appeared on the day it was released. However, despite the fact that I love Eva Pasco's style, I never even looked at it. Now that she has published it separately, I finally bought it and opened the cover. I see now, I am the one who lost out.
This story is fantastic! Miss Pasco has included all the characters from The Wizard of Oz in her enchanting tale. From the wizard himself to the Wicked Witch of the East in ruby slippers, everyone has their role to play in this small Kansas town. Her eye for detail reigns supreme as she bends the winds of fate to her will.
I highly recommend this story!
This story is fantastic! Miss Pasco has included all the characters from The Wizard of Oz in her enchanting tale. From the wizard himself to the Wicked Witch of the East in ruby slippers, everyone has their role to play in this small Kansas town. Her eye for detail reigns supreme as she bends the winds of fate to her will.
I highly recommend this story!
June 12, 2019
I’ve just finished reading Eva Paco’s thought-provoking novella, “Mr. Wizardo.” I am a fan of Ms. Pasco’s work, and her latest effort heightened my appreciation. At the beginning, we meet a disparate group of people as they individually make their way to attend the funeral of a well-loved teacher and guidance counselor (Mr. Wizardo).
Each has a particular moment of time when the good teacher managed to turn their lives around or revealed a significant truth... and maybe even saved a life or two. The story could be seen as a parable of the Peeta Mellark quote “Our lives are not measured in years, but are measured in the lives of people we touch around us.” If such is the case, Oscar Wizardo’s life was a major triumph.
The author deftly weaves the characters and their stories into the fabric of her tale, gradually uncovering the major breakthrough this intuitive teacher was able to achieve with each of the main characters during their formative years.
The cast of characters are believable and fully rounded. A difficult but essential feat in a novella. I wished often as I read that I’d met this man…only to recall this was a work of fiction.The author turns this tale of the end of one man’s life, and his devotee’s resultant grief, into a cause for celebration—of a life well lived. Although described as “women’s fiction,” the appeal is far reaching and universal.
A fast-paced and quick read, pick this one up as a favor to yourself. Great job, Ms. Pasco!
Each has a particular moment of time when the good teacher managed to turn their lives around or revealed a significant truth... and maybe even saved a life or two. The story could be seen as a parable of the Peeta Mellark quote “Our lives are not measured in years, but are measured in the lives of people we touch around us.” If such is the case, Oscar Wizardo’s life was a major triumph.
The author deftly weaves the characters and their stories into the fabric of her tale, gradually uncovering the major breakthrough this intuitive teacher was able to achieve with each of the main characters during their formative years.
The cast of characters are believable and fully rounded. A difficult but essential feat in a novella. I wished often as I read that I’d met this man…only to recall this was a work of fiction.The author turns this tale of the end of one man’s life, and his devotee’s resultant grief, into a cause for celebration—of a life well lived. Although described as “women’s fiction,” the appeal is far reaching and universal.
A fast-paced and quick read, pick this one up as a favor to yourself. Great job, Ms. Pasco!
January 3, 2021
This book is magic and fun for anyone who's read or seen or heard of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with Dorothy and friends following the yellow brick road to Oz and the mysterious wizard. That means almost all of us!
Very cleverly written with puns and allusions to the Judy Garland film and the classic novel by L. Frank Baum, even Dorothy's dog Toto gets a nod as a recalcitrant boxer united with the Tinman who has found his heart. The cowardly Lion finds his courage, The Scarecrow finds his brains, the wonderful Glinda the good witch is there as well as the wicked antagonists, the red slippers are obvious, and Aunt Em comes alive as Doreen Gale's guardian.
It's hard not to post a spoiler when this book is so well written and obviously from the heart as the friends whom Mr. Wizardo helped in life travel together to attend his funeral. The fun that the author had writing this clever story is obvious, and you'll have fun, too, as you read it - and the sweet ending back in Kansas after all!
Very cleverly written with puns and allusions to the Judy Garland film and the classic novel by L. Frank Baum, even Dorothy's dog Toto gets a nod as a recalcitrant boxer united with the Tinman who has found his heart. The cowardly Lion finds his courage, The Scarecrow finds his brains, the wonderful Glinda the good witch is there as well as the wicked antagonists, the red slippers are obvious, and Aunt Em comes alive as Doreen Gale's guardian.
It's hard not to post a spoiler when this book is so well written and obviously from the heart as the friends whom Mr. Wizardo helped in life travel together to attend his funeral. The fun that the author had writing this clever story is obvious, and you'll have fun, too, as you read it - and the sweet ending back in Kansas after all!
June 23, 2019
Blowing the original out of the water.
There is no doubt, the author Pasco is nothing short of genius as a wordsmith. Taking the basic concept of the characters shortcomings in the Wizard of Oz, she transforms them into an ingenious adaption. Here we have a wizened sage coaxing the potential from his students in a way that benefits them all. Tremendous in the rich and very astute dialect. A must read for true book lovers and connoisseur 's of imagination.
There is no doubt, the author Pasco is nothing short of genius as a wordsmith. Taking the basic concept of the characters shortcomings in the Wizard of Oz, she transforms them into an ingenious adaption. Here we have a wizened sage coaxing the potential from his students in a way that benefits them all. Tremendous in the rich and very astute dialect. A must read for true book lovers and connoisseur 's of imagination.
July 27, 2019
This was a fun book to read and fans of The Wizard of Oz are going to love the way the author references the original story as she updates a classic in a fun, if a bit twisted way. Friends are headed back to go to Mr. Wizardo's funeral, a man they held in high esteem. Nothing is quite as it seems and their journey will take readers on an amazing ride over that rainbow.
November 27, 2019
Last night, around midnight I finished Mr. Wizardo by Eva Pasco and I don't know what I expected, but this book was a wonderful trip through the present and the memories of high school for several characters. It was personal, sad and joyous. I suggest it to everyone.
August 31, 2019
It is always a joy to read an author with true talent who not only possesses an absolute grasp of the writer’s craft, but wields the tools of her trade with skill and deceptive ease.
Pasco laces her Oz-derived novella with more allusions, references, and Baum-based puns than a barrel of flying monkeys.
Just on the opening pages:
“Literally arriving on the heels of a successful book tour…”
“Fretting she’d miss her flight to Kansas…”
“…merging with gridlock in the time it takes for a wicked witch to melt.”
“…on account of the munchkin of a cigar-wielding cabbie…”
Her snide, literate style grabs readers by their ruby slippers, and hurls them headlong down a yellow brick road of literary allusion and clever epigrams, straight into the heart, brain, and courage of the human condition.
Leaping back and forth in time, the story revolves around a former high school guidance counselor and how he changed the lives of the students gathered for his funeral. Aptly named, Mr. Wizardo, like Baum’s wonderful wizard, his gifts consist only of what the students already possessed inside.
Witty, wise, deep, and light-hearted, Mr. Wizardo is thoroughly enjoyable required reading.
Pasco laces her Oz-derived novella with more allusions, references, and Baum-based puns than a barrel of flying monkeys.
Just on the opening pages:
“Literally arriving on the heels of a successful book tour…”
“Fretting she’d miss her flight to Kansas…”
“…merging with gridlock in the time it takes for a wicked witch to melt.”
“…on account of the munchkin of a cigar-wielding cabbie…”
Her snide, literate style grabs readers by their ruby slippers, and hurls them headlong down a yellow brick road of literary allusion and clever epigrams, straight into the heart, brain, and courage of the human condition.
Leaping back and forth in time, the story revolves around a former high school guidance counselor and how he changed the lives of the students gathered for his funeral. Aptly named, Mr. Wizardo, like Baum’s wonderful wizard, his gifts consist only of what the students already possessed inside.
Witty, wise, deep, and light-hearted, Mr. Wizardo is thoroughly enjoyable required reading.
July 5, 2021
For anyone who grew up with either the movie or the book Wizard of Oz, this is an absolute treat.
This retelling is set in the present day and parallells many of our own high school experience. We all had that one teacher who changed our lives. Mine was a college professor.
In Eva Pasco's "Mr. Wizardo", he was a guidance counselor and teacher.
Four former students have returned "home" To Baxter Springs, Kansas for his funeral. They share stories of the ways in which he turned them around and helped them save themselves and each other. The novella becomes a celebration of a life full of meaning to those he influenced.
Eva Pasco artfully weaves characters very loosely based on Baum Originals. We share the stories of Doreen Gale, Scott Crowe, Lyle Forrest, and Tim Woodman follow that figurative yellow brick road to the future. Worth every word.
This retelling is set in the present day and parallells many of our own high school experience. We all had that one teacher who changed our lives. Mine was a college professor.
In Eva Pasco's "Mr. Wizardo", he was a guidance counselor and teacher.
Four former students have returned "home" To Baxter Springs, Kansas for his funeral. They share stories of the ways in which he turned them around and helped them save themselves and each other. The novella becomes a celebration of a life full of meaning to those he influenced.
Eva Pasco artfully weaves characters very loosely based on Baum Originals. We share the stories of Doreen Gale, Scott Crowe, Lyle Forrest, and Tim Woodman follow that figurative yellow brick road to the future. Worth every word.
October 27, 2021
Meet the Wizard of Kansas. There are enough references to L. Frank Baum’s wonder tale to make the reader smile, but the tale itself is a different time with a different set of problems for each individual. The author has clearly shown the four young people that need help and direction and the seemingly innocent, yet effective involvement of their one high school guidance counselor, Mr. Wizardo. Is it magic he yields or an uncommon possession of understanding humanity’s needs? Somehow he manages to intervene in four young lives and give them the direction and help they need. You are introduced to them as two return to their Midwestern town for Mr. Wizardo’s funeral in Baxter Springs, Kansas.
January 6, 2020
Loved it
I started reading this book last night and couldn't wait to get to the end only to regret that there wasn't more to read. The story is engaging and the characters felt real. I loved it and would highly recommend.
I started reading this book last night and couldn't wait to get to the end only to regret that there wasn't more to read. The story is engaging and the characters felt real. I loved it and would highly recommend.
July 8, 2023
Unashamedly inspired by THE WIZARD OF OZ, MR WIZARDO is not simply a rewrite of the earlier novel. Anything else but. Eva Pasco’s MR. WIZARDO is completely original. It eliminates the fantasy element, weaving together the lives of the major characters in completely plausible ways. All the major characters are there, but all are human. The protagonists, while flawed, are likeable, and the ways they deal with their flaws is at the center of the story. The many subtle and not so subtle references to THE WIZARD OF OZ are handled beautifully. The carefully crafted, realistic characters have believable problems, problems Mr. Wizardo’s counseling helps them solve. Saying almost anything else about MR. WIZARDO would result in some level of spoiler. It is a quick, easy, and extremely enjoyable read.
October 1, 2023
Had me clicking my heels
Eva Pasco never fails to entertain. For me Mr. Wizards is a story about finding our way home. The place where our heart belongs. In this story Eva Pasco's wit and incredible talent shines through in a way only she can. Playing off the Wizard of Oz and using a crafty, caring, Mr. Wizardo the characters fins their way home. A terrific story you do not want to miss.
Eva Pasco never fails to entertain. For me Mr. Wizards is a story about finding our way home. The place where our heart belongs. In this story Eva Pasco's wit and incredible talent shines through in a way only she can. Playing off the Wizard of Oz and using a crafty, caring, Mr. Wizardo the characters fins their way home. A terrific story you do not want to miss.
April 30, 2022
This is the first book I've read by the author, and it will not be my last. Pasco is entertaining, witty and humorous in this retelling of the classic Wizard of Oz story. She certainly has an eye for detail and weaves an intriguing story with well-drawn, enjoyable characters. The only disappointing thing about this book was that it was far too short! I wanted the story to continue with much more angst and action, and I found myself wanting more than was offered. While it wasn't planned, I ended up reading this while watching the Wizard of Oz movie, which added to the entertainment value. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this story, and how can you not laugh when a writer uses the term "gitchie goonies?"
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"...the crescent moons of her cleavage, first-quartered in a black satin blouse with ruffles orbiting her décolletage..."
"Her quip pulled the rug out from under a memory..."
"...she strutted as though a signing pen was wedged inside the groove of her upper butt crack..."
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"...the crescent moons of her cleavage, first-quartered in a black satin blouse with ruffles orbiting her décolletage..."
"Her quip pulled the rug out from under a memory..."
"...she strutted as though a signing pen was wedged inside the groove of her upper butt crack..."
April 9, 2022
The setting is a funeral for Mr. Wizardo, a former guidance counselor/part-time English teacher who passed away with a legacy that affected four students enough to travel home for his funeral. The character of Mr. Wizardo is woven into a wonderful personality that marked the lives of four former students. The former students' intertwined stories are unique, spellbinding, and remind me of my high school days. The author displays excellent character-building skills that allow the reader to feel as if they know each character.
The story is short and sweet, with practical lessons and parables for the reader. The story was heartfelt and written from the point of a true professional educator. As an experienced teacher, I know I have always wanted to leave my mark on my students. I love her witty sayings and heartfelt story, making the book hard to put down.
The story starts with a funeral but ends with his life as a celebration, a legacy for a professional. When the day is done, and we have influenced others, that is a blessed thing. Good job, and I give this book five stars.
The story is short and sweet, with practical lessons and parables for the reader. The story was heartfelt and written from the point of a true professional educator. As an experienced teacher, I know I have always wanted to leave my mark on my students. I love her witty sayings and heartfelt story, making the book hard to put down.
The story starts with a funeral but ends with his life as a celebration, a legacy for a professional. When the day is done, and we have influenced others, that is a blessed thing. Good job, and I give this book five stars.
April 2, 2021
Mr. Wizardo by Eva Pasco will take you over the rainbow as she gives glimpses of the past of four troubled teens. Ten years after graduation, these four individuals look back at how their lives were in some ways connected as they were given paths along the yellow brick road to bettering their futures. Their school counselor looked into their souls and pointed them in the directions they needed to go to fulfill dreams they didn't even know they had. Grateful to this beloved Mr. Wizardo, they meet again as they return for Wizardo's funeral. Four lovely and gripping tales that will keep you turning the pages of this thoughtful and caring novella.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
February 25, 2025
Mr. Wizardo by Eva Pasco
From the first reference to its classic counterpart this is an enjoyable read. A ‘twister’, you might say. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t the Yellow Brick Road that we all watched Dorothy skipping down with her new friends as children. And don’t get me wrong, it is full of enjoyable and whimsical references to my all-time favorite childhood movie that even as an adult I find myself returning to watch every now and then. There’s even a nod to the writer of the original novel himself, if you look closely enough.
The story is about Mr. Wizardo, a former English teacher and guidance counselor who has passed away. Four of his former students, beginning with author Doreen Gale, return home for his funeral at the request of a former schoolmate. Along the way each of the four classmates will reminisce on just how their teacher had affected their lives as students, and even their life choices as adults. And yes, the four who reminisce are quite similarly connected to the characters that travelled down that aforementioned Yellow Brick Road in hopes to receive individual assistance from the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. Even their life journeys, and what they gained from Mr. Wizardo’s influence, are quite similar to their character counterparts. One needed to find her way home, one had issues with his process of thought, one with issues of power and courage, and one who required a change of heart. All of which who were, in their own way, assisted by their mentor many years prior.
And, of course, as mentioned, there’s continual references to the L. Frank Baum classic including the ‘good witch’. Plus, the overall feeling that the high school that Mr. Wizardo had taught was, in its own way, his very own ‘Land of Oz’.
There are life lessons to be learned, twists of fate, and overall, a thoroughly enjoyable novelette. Highly recommended for everyone.
From the first reference to its classic counterpart this is an enjoyable read. A ‘twister’, you might say. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t the Yellow Brick Road that we all watched Dorothy skipping down with her new friends as children. And don’t get me wrong, it is full of enjoyable and whimsical references to my all-time favorite childhood movie that even as an adult I find myself returning to watch every now and then. There’s even a nod to the writer of the original novel himself, if you look closely enough.
The story is about Mr. Wizardo, a former English teacher and guidance counselor who has passed away. Four of his former students, beginning with author Doreen Gale, return home for his funeral at the request of a former schoolmate. Along the way each of the four classmates will reminisce on just how their teacher had affected their lives as students, and even their life choices as adults. And yes, the four who reminisce are quite similarly connected to the characters that travelled down that aforementioned Yellow Brick Road in hopes to receive individual assistance from the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. Even their life journeys, and what they gained from Mr. Wizardo’s influence, are quite similar to their character counterparts. One needed to find her way home, one had issues with his process of thought, one with issues of power and courage, and one who required a change of heart. All of which who were, in their own way, assisted by their mentor many years prior.
And, of course, as mentioned, there’s continual references to the L. Frank Baum classic including the ‘good witch’. Plus, the overall feeling that the high school that Mr. Wizardo had taught was, in its own way, his very own ‘Land of Oz’.
There are life lessons to be learned, twists of fate, and overall, a thoroughly enjoyable novelette. Highly recommended for everyone.
March 12, 2023
The Effects of a Great Teacher
Mr. Wizardo, by Eva Pasco, was a delight to read. First of all, Pasco’s writing style is uniquely her own. She hops and head hops through peoples’ lives. We get a taste of how a teacher affected his students and what lasting effects his teachings had on them. Mr. Wizadro was much loved and each person remembered him in good times and bad, as they prepare to attend his funeral.
Each character’s story or memory of Mr. Wizardo is different, but overlaps in the lives of some of the characters. Along with the memories, each character is thoroughly depicted in their current day-to-day lives. This author knows well how to tell a tale and incorporate all her characters so we know them fully.
Though the story carries a serious note, I believe this author had fun writing this book. Some parts of the story are somber, but there is lots of humor and lightheartedness. I hadn’t read this author prior to this book. I’ll be checking out her other work now.
Mr. Wizardo, by Eva Pasco, was a delight to read. First of all, Pasco’s writing style is uniquely her own. She hops and head hops through peoples’ lives. We get a taste of how a teacher affected his students and what lasting effects his teachings had on them. Mr. Wizadro was much loved and each person remembered him in good times and bad, as they prepare to attend his funeral.
Each character’s story or memory of Mr. Wizardo is different, but overlaps in the lives of some of the characters. Along with the memories, each character is thoroughly depicted in their current day-to-day lives. This author knows well how to tell a tale and incorporate all her characters so we know them fully.
Though the story carries a serious note, I believe this author had fun writing this book. Some parts of the story are somber, but there is lots of humor and lightheartedness. I hadn’t read this author prior to this book. I’ll be checking out her other work now.
October 30, 2024
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to an entertaining read!
This is an entertaining, witty and light-hearted novella, cleverly woven with the author’s modern day take on The Wizard of Oz with an underlying significance that many will relate to.
As a group of Mr. Wizardo’s ex-students come together for the funeral of their inspirational and beloved teacher they reflect on their troubled teenage years and how Oscar Wizardo gently guided each of them along their own yellow brick road to unexpected success.
Author Eva Pasco has a talent for creating unique and inspiring prose that keeps the reader engaged and keen to turn the pages. Fantastic!
This is an entertaining, witty and light-hearted novella, cleverly woven with the author’s modern day take on The Wizard of Oz with an underlying significance that many will relate to.
As a group of Mr. Wizardo’s ex-students come together for the funeral of their inspirational and beloved teacher they reflect on their troubled teenage years and how Oscar Wizardo gently guided each of them along their own yellow brick road to unexpected success.
Author Eva Pasco has a talent for creating unique and inspiring prose that keeps the reader engaged and keen to turn the pages. Fantastic!
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