Heart of Tin
Let me tell you, those books are amazing. No Harry Potter or sparkly ^#$%^$&ing vampires can touch this series in my mind. I loved the '39 movie for many reasons, though plot adherence certainly is not one of them, but the '80s-era movie Return to Oz has to be my favorite of film adaptations. I think that he books got better as the series progressed, though my favorite character was never really explored in as much depth as I would like. (No points for guessing who he is.)
THIS. Yes. I completely agree... I'm pretty sure they'll never get closer than Return to Oz, (sadly), although I sincerely wish someone would turn all of the books into faithful movies.
Nick Chopper is one of my favorite characters. :3 I wish people knew more about him and his sad, sad back story.
sad Everyone just thinks he's a random Tin Man that Dorothy meets in the woods... *sigh*