For those who grew up watching The Wizard of Oz or have seen Wicked, Dr. Perez’s book, The Other Road, is a refreshing new take on a time-worn concept. While evil still must be defeated, Wicked makes you realize that bad witches aren’t all bad. Perez’s book takes it one step further and takes us on the road to redemption and forgiveness in a series of (mis) adventures. Perez creates a bevy of endearing characters, each with its own quirks. They are well-drawn, very likable, and the entire book is well-written. As I read it, I kept seeing it in film version with a mix of both cartoons and real people, so visual are his characters. Well worth the read.

— JIM PARISE, Author of, I Was Healthy Until The Day I Wasn’t

From the opening scene, I felt swept back into Oz. The tale begins as the Wicked Witch of the East is believed dead beneath Dorothy’s house, until a startling twist reveals she’s alive but memoryless. As Munchkin Land’s celebration falters, the author crafts a story both enchanting and suspenseful. The prose glides even as it marches, with wit that softens darker turns. Familiar characters gain new depth, and the world feels freshly lit. More than a retelling, this is a thoughtful reimagining of identity and redemption. I closed the book, grateful for such a charming escape and eager for what comes next.

— Evie Michelle

From the very first page of The Other Road, I was hooked. Carlos Perez takes a familiar world—Oz—and turns it into something fresh, haunting, and deeply introspective. This is not your childhood Wizard of Oz tale with bright yellow bricks and overt moral certainties; it’s darker, more ambiguous in all the right ways, and richly emotional.

What I loved most:

• Complexity of identity. The Wicked Witch of the East, Click here to read the entire review

— Bobby Fort

THIS BOOK!! The Other Road completely captivated me, and it was such an interesting retelling! Author Carlos Perez transforms Oz into something extraordinarily reimagined. This isn’t the fairytale we grew up with, but one that feels better and almost more human. The Wicked Witch of the East’s journey of rediscovery is powerful and deeply emotional. The writing balances moral complexity with compassion, and what it means to forgive, change, and to truly know yourself. The world-building is incredible, and Oz feels both familiar and new. Highly recommend this read!!

— Shay