The Oz series of books is just remarkable. And of course, the film, Judy Garland, and "Over the Rainbow" became important icons to gay people almost immediately. Elton John is one of many fabulous gay artists to dream of a yellow brick road. Gilbert Baker, the man who designed the rainbow flag at the request of Harvey Milk, took inspiration too, daring to dream true dreams of love and peace.

Milk was assassinated soon after, but Baker lived to see members of gender and sexual minorities seeking a road to happiness where bluebirds fly.

As a child, Oz books spoke to me for reasons I didn't fully understand. Robert Heinlein was my favorite author at the time, and he celebrated the Oz novels in his own writing, for reasons Milk and Baker would have fully appreciated. Heinlein actually prompted me to explore Baum's writing beyond The Wizard of Oz.

And now I see I'm going to have to read this book about Baum's remarkable wife. I can't wait.

Thanks!