Monday, June 4, 2012

Armchair BEA 2012: Introduction

Design Credit: Emily of Emily's Reading Room

Hello, everyone! As much as I wish I could be in New York City right now for the BEA Conference, I absolutely did not have the money to get up there but luckily there is this wonderful cyber event that is Armchair BEA for those of us who couldn't make it to NYC this year. For today, I will be answering some questions that Armchair BEA posted up. 


Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?
My name is Bianca and I'm an 18 year old, soon to be college student! whoo!! I have been blogging for several years but only the last three have I been blogging about books and I simply got into blogging because I have always enjoyed writing and I really like the internet, and I couldn't think of a better way to combine the two.

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?
Regrettably, I have not read as many books as I would've like but I got an ARC of Katie McGarry's Pushing the Limits and loved it! Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally was great, too! Oh, and of course, John Green's The Fault in our Stars!!!!

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
I will most likely be majoring in a few different things in college. Thankfully, they're all relatively similar. English Education/Elementary Education/Magazine Writing or Magazine Editing. Although, I thought about the last one, I never considered majoring in that but then I got into the nation's best journalism school and figured why not. 

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
It is so sad to admit it but I have not blogged regularly in such a long while to have anything super specific to my blog. I have some great features in my head that I'm going to get to one of these days! 

Where do you see your blog in five years?
Doing wonderfully! A hell of a lot better than it is doing now. 

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
I really loved my post I wrote after I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. 

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?
J.K. Rowling, hands down. Oh my goodness. If I had the chance to eat dinner with her, my life would be complete! 

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
London, so I could visit all those great Harry Potter attractions! Also, I'm not entirely sure if this would be considered literary but the annex that Anne Frank and her family hid out at in Amsterdam. After I read The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school, the annex has always intrigued me. 

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
I love being able to talk to other book lovers,  staying up to date on books, talking with authors. I think one thing I'd like to see change is the drama that book bloggers seem to have. I don't get it. 

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Oh, most definitely! It used to be I could read almost anything and like it but since I started blogging and becoming analytical about what I read, I usually do not enjoy "fluff" and sappy, romance books like I used to. 

Monday, May 28, 2012

Review: The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Publisher: Razorbill (2011), 360 pages
Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

I wanted to love THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES but unfortunately it fell short of my expectations.

There is no doubt that Wendy Wunder is a great writer. The writing is not why I didn't love it. The book is a cancer book where the main character, Cam, goes to a small town hoping for a miracle. I have not read many cancer books but this was someone predictable. Except the ending.

The ending was like what the hell because I'm so curious as to what happened.

You know how there are some book titles that absolutely make no sense to why it is the title of the book? Well, THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES does not have that problem. Goodness, I think the word, "miracle," was used a hundred times.

In other news, although I did not like this book all that much, I am looking forward to reading the next book Wunder writes. 



2.6 stars out of 5

Cover: D+ Okay, don't get me wrong –the cover is beautiful! I actually find it very pleasing to the eyes but c'mon! The girl on the cover is, I'm assuming, is supposed to be the main character, Cam, yet she doesn't look like she has cancer at all! The only thing that I can see that the MC has in common with the model is that she looks like she could be Samoan, like she is described to be. 
Favorite Character: Um....Cam's grandma or her little sister.
Put-Down-Ability: 3. Though this wasn't my favorite book ever, the writing was pretty engaging and it didn't take me that long to get through it. 

*Source: school library 

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Hunger Games Movie!


Although I have yet written my reviews for The Hunger Games trilogy or shared my experienced going to Suzanne Collin's book signing a few years ago, I am a huge fan!!!

So naturally, like with any good book or movie, I went to the midnight premiere with one of my friends.

OHMYGOODNESS!!!!!!

I was so freakin' tired when I arrived but as soon as the movie started, I got an adrenaline rush.

I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet but KATNISS, RUE, AND CINNA WERE MY FAVORITES!!!!!! Rue stole my heart. Holy crap, cute little girl if I ever saw one!

Oh and I am mostly Team Peeta but I gotta admit, I think I am definitely Team Gale with the movie. I don't know, the guy that plays Peeta isn't doing a lot for me as of late....Am I the only one who feels this way? Don't get me wrong, I thought he was great but not completely sold on him yet.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Away at a Thespian Conference!

so, I will leave you with a song from the musical I stage managed last month! Gypsy is amazing.



Best high school show I ever did!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
Release date: May 1, 2012 (HarperCollins)


One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. 
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature


Why I Want This:

I read Divergent about two months ago and LOVED it. Oh my goodness! I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait five months! 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top Ten Books I Am Excited to Read in 2012!


1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth  - DIVERGENT WAS AMAZING!!! And if you can't tell from my review of it, I want my copy of this book NOW! I need to see what happens next!

2. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver - Although there is no review up yet, I read this book several months ago and LOVED it. I must reread it again! That cliffhanger just left me on the edge of my seat.

3. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins - I have only read Anna and although I didn't love it, like everyone else seemed to, I have no doubt that Lola was great and this one will be too.

4. Something Like Normal by Trish Doller - FINALLY! A YA book that is about a Marine. I come from a family of Marines and I just can not wait until this book comes out. I've seen fabulous reviews of this book and I need to read it NOW.

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - I love John Green and so I'll read any of his books and when I listened to him read the first chapter of this book, I was in love. Luckily this one comes out soon!

6. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - I am so jealous of all the people who already have this book. All the reviews are glowing and I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

7. The List by Siobhan Vivian - I've only read one Vivian book (Not That Kind of Girl) and loved it. I'm sure this book will be just as great!

8. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - The synopsis! Man, I love books like this and it has been a very long time since I read a book like this.

9. Wonder by R. J. Palacio - I can't remember which author it was that wrote a wonderful review of this book but that review sold me on this book. I haven't read a MG book in so long but this one sounds way too amazing to pass up.

10. One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - Another great sounding MG book! Looks like it will be very moving.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Harper Collins (2011), 489 pages
Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.
I am awfully glad I picked this book up! I really hadn't heard anything about this book but I was in my school's library and saw that this was one of the new books we had got in and picked it up on whim. I didn't really have any expectations but if I had, DIVERGENT blew all of my expectations out of the water.

Fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DELIRIUM will LOVE this book. Oh my God. This book is so good that I just completely went through it in a day. The wonderful thing about dystopian novels is the fact that there are so many new and unique plots in them and in Divergent there were several of them to love.

Veronica Roth characterization of Beatrice "Tris" Prior is simply wonderful. In the dystopian Chicago, Roth writes about, there are five different factions the people live in. Abnegation (The Selfless) where Tris is born into, Candor (The Brutally Honest), Amity (The Friendly), Erudite (The Intelligent), and Dauntless (The Brave). When a person reaches age of sixteen, they must choose the faction where they will spend the rest of their life. For the most part, no one dares to leave the faction they were born into but Tris does; she leaves Abnegation for the Dauntless.

Okay, so when I was reading this, I immediately imagined a person who was born into a New York Yankee family switching allegiances and becoming a Boston Red Sox fan. Now, everyone knows that the Sox are obviously the better team to root for and you just can not help but feel sympathy for that person who had to endure those year under the wing of Yankee fans.* And so, as I was reading about Tris' life in Abnegation, I couldn't help but think how much I would hate it. I mean, in theory, that faction sounds wonderful but c'mon! You got to have a little time for yourself, every now and then. I, too, would've changed factions the moment I could.

That's not too say that Dauntless was perfect. But it did have Four! Wow, the parts with Four and Tris were my favorite. And that ending! Jeez. Talk about cliffhanger!!!! I need to get my own copy of this book so I can read it again and so I can see the wonderful cover on my bookshelf everyday. I LOVED THIS BOOK.

I MUST GET MY HANDS ON INSURGENT NOW!!!!!!! MAY 28th IS TOO FAR AWAY!! 
Yes that was necessary.

* Hey, as a diehard Red Sox fan, I just can't help but bring them up every chance I get. Especially if the chance allows for me to call the Yankees out…

Wicked Quote:
Peace is restrained: this is free. 

5 stars out of 5

Cover: B+ I love that most dystopian books tend to be gender neutral and look really cool. 
Favorite Character: Love Tris! Wonderful character, can't wait to find out more about her in the next book. 
Put-Down-Ability: 1 I didn't put it down! 

*Source: school library 


Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Year. New Content. New Beginning. AND A GIVEAWAY!


If there was an award for "worst blogger" in the book blog atmosphere, I might receive it due to not having updated in so long. However, I truly have been thinking about this blog and still check other blogs daily. Hell, I even have started several book reviews but I suffer from anxiety and let me just say that senior year + anxiety doesn't exactly allow for things to run a planned.

But my anxiety should calm now a lot because my first semester classes are over and I'll be done with my college applications soon. Although, I guess waiting for the colleges admissions letter to come will be hell (please pray that I get accepted into the colleges!). Anyway, I promise people, I'm back for good.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WICKED GOOD BOOKS
This year, I will be having a theme for just about every month with a month long giveaway. There isn't a particular theme for January because I feel that I just want to build my blog back up.

JANUARY'S GIVEAWAY
One winner will win $20 worth of books from The Book Depository. 
Yes, it is international! 

TO ENTER:
• Must be a follower of Wicked Good Books 
• Fill out the form, which will give you one entry

You will have the chance to gain extra entries all month. All you need to do is comment on any of my blog posts and I will put in an extra entry for you. You can comment on any and all of my posts for extra entries. If you comment on this post and fill out the form, you already will have 2 entries. 

---
The form isn't letting me embed it, so just click the link.



Monday, November 14, 2011

THE HUNGER GAMES TRAILER!

 Somehow can't embed youtube video but CLICK HERE. 

I'm sure by now most of you have already seen the trailer but I couldn't resist posting it. GAHHHHHHHH. I can not wait until the movie. I have my doubts about it, especially since the actors who play Gale and Peeta haven't grown on me yet but I have high hopes. 

I still need to review the trilogy. Will do that as soon as I reread them. 

Can't wait for March! 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Dutton/2010/Young Adult/372 pages

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you've probably have seen lots and lots of raving reviews of Stephanie Perkins debut novel, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS. I know I certainly have. But before all of the reviews started coming in, I was intrigued by the fact that the book takes place in PARIS! As someone who will be in AP French this fall and had this huge obsession with being an exchange student in France not too long ago (sadly my mother ruined those plans), I just had to get my hands on this book.

First off, I have to say that the title of this book is the kind of title that I'm embarrassed to be seen with. I can't help it! But I did enjoy it. It seriously made me smile because like I said, I love the French culture. And I loved that that I could pronounce all of the French names and knew; My French teacher has taught me so well.

Anna--loved that she's a film junkie and that she wants to be a critic, I liked critiquing shows, too! The only thing about that I didn't like is that she kept going on about how her father didn't send her a lot of money like the other parents did but she went to a cinema like everyday and French movie theaters are hella expensive from what my French teacher and business week says. But that's not important, just me being nit-picky. St. Clair was great. I like this relationship. But also, I really enjoyed Anna's friendship with the other students at the school.

From all the reviews I saw, I expected this book to immediately go on my all times favorite list; however, I only just enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on LOLA, which I hopefully I'll like better!

4 stars out of 5

Cover: D. I hate this cover. I don't like how you can see Anna's face but not St. Clair's. But more than that I just think it's so unoriginal.
Favorite Character: St. Clair!
Put-Down-Ability: 4

*Source: public library

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Review: Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
Push/2010/Young Adult/322 pages

Natalie Sterling wants to be in control. She wants her friends to be loyal. She wants her classmates to elect her student council president. She wants to find the right guy, not the usual jerk her school has to offer. She wants a good reputation, because she believes that will lead to good things.

But life is messy, and it's very hard to be in control of it. Not when there are freshman girls running around in a pack, trying to get senior guys to sleep with them. Not when your friends have secrets they're no longer comfortable sharing. Not when the boy you once dismissed ends up being the boy you wants to sleep with yourself - but only in secret, with nobody ever finding out.

Slut or saint? Winner or loser? Natalie is getting tired of these forced choices - and is now going to find a way to live life in the sometimes messy, sometimes wonderful in-between.

NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL was amazing. This was my first time reading one of Siobhan Vivian's book and oh my gosh, I could not put this book down. This year has been the most stressful year and when I have the rare few hours that I can spending reading a book, the book had better be a good one for me to get through it.

First things first. I love anything feminism, it's just who I am. Natalie Sterling reminds me of myself.. I mean, both her and I have that feminist thing going on but wow I loved her even though I know for some people she might come off as whiny or too much of an overachiever. Vivian created a very realistic female character, and I'll even say that she is one of the most realistic characters I've seen in a long time.  From the very first chapter, I was hooked. In the first chapter or two, I wasn't sure where it was going. A lot of times when I read–especially when reading young adult–my mind starts guessing on what's going to happen (probably because I've read so many clichés and all). When the first significant guy was introduced, I was worried that he was going to be the love interest and I just thought there was no possible way for me to enjoy that relationship. Luckily, when I found out who the love interest was, I was happy.

I loved Connor. He's on the football team, his family has a local business selling Christmas tress, and Natalie thinks of him as somewhat of a manwhore or at least, a promiscuous guy. Now, I'm wary of most high school football players, but Connor surprised me. I loved how the relationship played out. NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL is wonderful. Can't wait to get my hands on more of Siobhan Viavian's books.

5 stars out of 5


Cover: C+/B- Definitely the type of cover that I'm embarrassed to be seen reading with and definitely the type of cover that I usually hate (guy/girl face to face or kissing) but that is close to what I imagined the characters to look like and yea.
Favorite Character: Natalie. As I'm sure you got from my review.
Put-Down-Ability: 1. The only time I put it down was during swim practice. In fact, I almost didn't go to practice because I stayed up until 2 in the morning reading this book (and that's how good this book is because my practice is at 7am. I had to wake up at 6:30 guys!). :D

*Source: public library

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Ten Years Ago Today


On September 11, 2001, I was in the 2nd grade. I vaguely remember being inn my speech therapy session and another adult came in to talk to my speech therapist and seeing a look of disbelief on her face. I can't remember exactly what followed but I imagine, I was told to go back to my class. I remember my best friend at the time, who lived next door, coming over and we were going to watch TV. I grew up watching ABC and a whole lot of daytime TV. Of course, on all of the news station is was full coverage of the attacks, what seems like, 24/7. My eyes were drawn to the television, because unlike so many other children, I loved watching "adult" TV programs. I didn't fully understand what was happening but I knew it was bad. I watched on the TV screen, people crying and had their hands over their mouths to keep all of the dust out. I had to change the channel because my friend went, "Bianca, I don't want to watch anymore. My mom won't even turn the TV on because all she does is cry." 

The following year, the students were asked to bring any picture they had of their family members who were currently or were in the military. I brought a picture of my father in his Marines uniform that was taken over a decade ago. The whole third grade, put on a patriotic performance one night. We were all told to wear something patriotic. I remember that they showed a video of some troops and that we sung, "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. 

It feels like just yesterday when the Twin Towers were hit. Every year, I find myself reliving that moment because I can't help but watch no less than a dozen programs on 9/11. And this year was especially hard for me to watch them.

On this day, I remember the thousands of people who lost their lives. Rest In Peace. I will never forget. I also salute the troops who our fighting for our country. 


GOD BLESS AMERICA! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday (1)


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at The Broke and the Bookish.

The Top Ten Books Bianca Read But Never Wrote A Review For 

All of these books I plan on rereading and writing a review for later on. Also, these aren't all necessarily my TOP, top ten books....and no particular order.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin -- Elsewhere easily made the top three books I read in 2010. This book was beautiful and very, very thought-provoking. I also read Zevin's debut novel Memoir of an Amnesiac and enjoyed that, too. I'm so happy that I recieved an ARC of her upcoming book, All These Things I've Done.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins -- You can't be a book blogger without seeing a crazy ton of praising reviews of this trilogy. I had this book sitting on my shelf for months and when I finally did pick it up I devoured it. I also went to Chicago and saw Collins on tour. :)

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott -- This was the second Elizabeth Scott book I read, and I read it straight after finishing her debut, Bloom. Perfect You was a book that I ended up reading in one setting. I don't think think I even got up to use the bathroom. I didn't review this one because I hadn't started my book blog yet. Favorite book that I've read of Scott's.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver -- My cross country team last year had to hear me go on and on about how much I couldn't wait to receive and ARC of the book in the mail. And once I finally did get my hands on it, I loved it. My love for dystopian novels keeps growing.

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld -- I read Prep during my freshman year and loved it. It actually became one of my favorite books which I was not expecting. The cover is terrible. But I guess that's why you should never judge a book by it's cover!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky -- Also another all-time favorite. I read this one, straight through, during middle school. This book is so wonderful and the main character, Charlie, is easily one of my favorite literary characters.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen -- This Lullaby is easily my favorite Dessen book and the only book of hers that I've read multiple times. The main character, Remy, is different from all her other main characters. She's more edgier, cynical.. And it features one of my favorite couples in YA.

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling -- I honestly don't know how I haven't reviewed these books yet. They are my favorite books EVER and I am quite obsessed. I've definitely have reread them since I started my blogs and have had long blog entries on related HP things. I guess, I hesitant to write reviews since I know whatever I have to say will never do the books justice.


Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume -- The fact that I don't have any review of a Judy Blume book is terrible. I love her books; I grew up on them! Again, mostly, it's because I haven't read them in a really long time and definitely before I started Wicked Good Books. I plan on rereading them all in the next several months though.


Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian -- I read this book earlier this summer and just loved it. I love the feminism, the romance, the writing. It was wonderful. The review will probably be posted soon.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Little Brown/2010/Young Adult/288

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

This was easily my most anticipated book of 2010. From the moment I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued. Not only because the main character and I share the same name but also because I ADORE plots like this. I seriously can not get enough of enemies turned lovers or whatever.


I know that the conservative parents will be shaking their heads at Keplinger's debut novel but if you are looking for an edgy, realistic portrayal of teenagers, you should pick up this book. I had never heard of the term the DUFF before which is: The Designated Ugly Fat Friend. And I'm sure most of us have felt like that at one point in our lives, I know I sure have. 


Wesley (did I mention that I absolutely adore this name?) was great. I loved reading about how Bianca saw him at first and the progression between the two of them. Bianca's sarcasm and pessimistic personality was definitely a bonus to read about. She kind of reminded me of Sarah Dessen's character Remy from This Lullaby (which I love). By the end, I was rooting for them to have a relationship that was more than sex. 


I can't wait to read Kody's next book! 


4.8 stars out of 5

Cover: B-/C+ The cover definitely grew on me. When I first saw it, I thought, "Eh.." but now I feel its a good choice for the book. The girl has the over confident expression, which I think fits Bianca's personality. 
Favorite Character: I'm going to go with Bianca. But I also like Wesley. 
Put-down-ability: Could not put it down at all!! When I was finally able to check the book out from the library, I read this book in one setting. My goodness! I loved this book. 


*Source: public library

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

GET EXCITED!!!! HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!

If you can't tell from the title of this post, I am super duper excited about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. Originally, I was only planning to see Part II but they sold out of all 2D tix and I don't want to see it in 3D so I ended up buying tix to see Part I & Part II. *SQUEEE*

#%@#$%^&*(&(&!!!!!!!%&()$!!!!

Not the official trailer but goodness! Snape is one of my favorite characters and I just can't wait to see how this is going to play out on the big screen! 


I can't believe that this is the last movie. I just can't believe it. I DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE IT. I have been to a lot of midnight releases/premieres for Harry Potter. It's hard to believe that this is the last one. :( I love HP. If you follow my twitter (@bianca1946) you'll know that I'm quite obsessed with it. I think JKR is a genius and HAVE YOU GUYS HEARD OF POTTERMORE. 

I was up way early in the morning last week (or was it 2 weeks ago?) to hear her announcement of it and attempted to get my email in dozens of times and it finally went through after an hour or so. Although, it doesn't officially open up until October, 1 million lucky fans will have the chance to beta the site and get on it early. I HOPE I'M ONE OF THEM. I hear you have to do a challenge and um, does anyone remember the days when JKR would post riddles on her site for us to figure out. If they are anything like that, the challenge will be hard. I'm somewhat worried. 

Oh, if you follow my twitter you might also notice that I talk whine about how much I wanted to go to LeakyCon. I SOOOOOO WANTED TO GO. And go to LitDay and Open at the Close and STARKID! Holy crap. Okay, I'm getting off. 

HAVE A VERY HARRY POTTER WEEKEND GUYS! <3 I just got a Slytherin shirt today and can't wait to wear it tomorrow night at the premiere! 

Friday, June 10, 2011

Review: Alice in Charge by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Alice in Charge by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (#22)
Atheneum/2010/Young Adult/314 pages

At last, it's Alice in Charge--of her life, of her future...but, is it too much?

What I love about the Alice series is that even when it is the 22nd book, you can always count on Phyllis Reynolds Naylor to write about something new; they are never monotonous. I have been reading this wonderful, poignant series since I was in the 5th grade. In the few hours that it takes for me to read these books, I am transplanted to Silver Springs, Maryland and get to know Alice, her family and friends. Naylor has talked about suicide, first loves, Leukemia, etc. I didn't know what she would throw at us next.

This book takes place during Alice's first semester of her senior year. Can I just say that this alone almost made me cry. It's hard to believe that Alice is about to graduate and that Naylor is only writing 3 more books after this. In this book, Alice is the feature editor for her school's newspaper and I just love that it is actually a kinda big thing at her school, I love reading about it. There is a new guy at the school from Sudan, which I really enjoyed. And in this book, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, also presented the readers with a group of students at Alice's school that were part of a Neo-Nazi group. Yes, you read that right.

Patrick and Alice. Ahh...One of my favorite couples in fiction. Patrick has certainly changed so much over the years but in a completely good way. I loved reading the scenes between them. They have a long-distance relationship, well, actually it's nothing official but gosh, they are so great together. He graduated early from High School and is studying at the University of Chicago (yay for intellectual people!) and when he went back home to visit Alice....Short, but very sweet scenes!

Overall this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I don't know exactly which one is (I plan on rereading them soon) but its always great to read about Alice's life. Actually, this is the first time, I didn't pick up the book within a month of its release (didn't have the money to buy it and wasn't able to get it from my library until now) but Incredibly Alice is out now, so hopefully I can get that soon!!

Also, I'm sure all of you have heard about Wall Street Journal's ignorant article, I would just like to say that the Alice books continue to be one of the most frequent banned YA books (I think its holds the #2 spot?) but I'll tell you something. These books have changed my life for the better. I think they are so often overlooked but they are wonderful. #yasaves

3.8 stars out of 5
Cover: B- The Alice books have seen many different cover makeovers. But I have to say that the cover really intrigued me. It's rather simple but in YA you don't really see too many people of color on covers, unfortunately, and this is a very nice change!
Favorite Character: Alice. Duh.
Put-Down-Ability: 4/10. Some moments tend to drag on a little bit but overall, I didn't put it down much at all.

*Source: public library

Thursday, June 9, 2011

This Blog, Drama, and lots and lots of Anxiety.

HOLY HEAVENS! I did not mean for this post to be this long. Sorryyyyyy.

*oh and this post is filled with grammar mistakes. oops. sorry again.
Okay. So it's taken me awhile to figure out how to go about this post. I actually started typing but it ended up being such a long post that I just decided to cut it and put it on my personal blog since since I doubted you guys wanted to hear me complain about school. But here goes…

I want to take the time to apologize to all the readers of Wicked Good Books. You guys are awesome. I'm not sure how many of you guys actually read this blog anymore (not that there have been updates) but if you are reading this, I thank you. It truly means a lot to me. 

I had so many goals at the beginning of the year. So many challenges I was going to complete. I told myself that I would update every single day, read lots and lots of books and all of that good stuff. Unfortunately, junior year took me on a roller coaster ride. I know that its been said that junior year is the hardest year of them all but I thought I had it.

But then I got some teachers who didn't put in assignments that I knew I had done and turned in and which caused me to get a B+ instead of an A. I know I sound like such a freak but my GPA needed those A's! I got stuck in college algebra and college trigonometry, classes that I went to the principals, counselors, social worker to tell them that I wanted out. There was no reason for me to take these classes. I had all of my math credits. I should've been switched out; I did everything right. They didn't let me, my health begin to suffer. I've had asthma since I was 7 but it hasn't been really bad for years now; however, I also have anxiety disorders.

And lemme tell you, in the last 9 months, I have around 5 asthma and anxiety attacks. Two of which were during school, one of them, I actually even passed out. Out of the others, I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance and all of that good stuff. Most of these attacks were do to school related problems. But, you know, I would've definitely had suffer through all of those again for the month of May not to have happened. I should've known that with May 12 being my birthday, it was inevitable for May to be a terrible month.

I am in love with my theatre club at school. I've been in it since Freshman year, have worked on every single show (except the 2 small productions our new director wanted to do) and have wanted to be President since then. The seniors this year all wanted me to run because they felt that I would keep all of the traditions alive (which play a huge part in our club) and most importantly keep the group alive. They were telling me this stuff since September. But all of a sudden, this sophomore girl, who is probably the best actress in theatre and really popular decided to change from VP to Pres.

OKAY THE NEXT SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS ARE ABOUT THEATRE. LONG STORY SHORT: I didn't get president. I became depressed. But if you want to read about it, feel free. If not, just move on to the next bold part.

Next thing I know, she's begin to campaign. No one has ever campaigned for elections but she did, she bought sweets and passed out flyers; she was in 10th grade english honors right before I had my English class and wrote her name huge on the board pleading with students to vote for her; her boyfriend made them and their friends shirts writing a cool little slogan on it. I'm sorry, but I was too busy studying for the ACT and AP exams. Well, you probably guess what happened. It just so happened that all of her friends joined theatre this year and did the shows and they got to vote in the elections. I should've known I had no chance.

So, it shouldn't have been too much of a shock at the Renaissance themed banquet when they announce that the new President was not me. My closest of friends, knew how important this was to me. They heard me talk and complain, sick with worry that I wouldn't get it (I obsessed like no other, you wouldn't even believe) and once Her name was announced, they all looked at me. One even asked if she wanted me to take her home right then. I said no, since I was going to stick it out. But you have to understand something, the new officer list looked something like:

Pres - Her (will be junior)
VP - One of my best friends, who came to the school from a fancy private school this year, whose ONLY been in the club this year and has done only 3 shows with the club. But after Her went to run for Pres, she was the only one who was running. (will be senior)
Secretary - One of my friends. She said in her speech that she only was running because no one else was (will be senior)
Treasurer - Boy who will be junior next year. I feel bad that no one likes him and I know if he ran against anyone he probably wouldn't have got it.
Historian- Mostly only artists run for this but I don't get why, you're just making a scrapbook. Anyway, the girl who did win (BFF of President) did the very last show of the year, a very small, 3 week production. When the other people who ran, did ALL of the shows this year. Politics, I tell ya. 

I know I sound bitter about this whole ordeal but I'm not. I just wished elections were fair. This is the first year that seniors have been allowed to vote (which by the way, they all changed their vote to Her) and there was no trickle-down-system (talk about traditions!)

Anyway, back to the story. So I opted to stay at the banquet, but then, the other girl that ran for president, a girl that has become one of my closest friends this year, texted me from across the room asking if I wanted to go get a drink or something. I said yes, since I knew she would understand. The second that they were done taking pictures (I can't tell you how hard it was for me to watch that and the officers being sworn in) I ran to my friend's moms room (she's a teacher at the school) and I can't ever remember crying that much, in front of a teacher and friend. Good God, I sobbed my heart out.

My friend drove me around and we talked (well she did and I cried) about it. She was dealing really well since the previous week she didn't get the position of drum major and she'd wanted that since 5th grade. My mom called and ordered me home. And it was just hella bad. I was depressed, no joke. The banquet was Tuesday. I didn't go to school for a week. The next day, Wednesday, my friend came over and brought me ice cream and stuff. She told how everyone in AP Gov't was worried. :(  I missed going to graduation and seeing all of my friends graduate because I was in no shape to go out. My other awesome friend came over graduation night and his mom and him took me to a little restaurant. They definitely tried to get me to realize that it wasn't the end, I would have bigger and better things, "Bianca, please remember that all good things will come to you, if not today then tomorrow."

I actually wasn't planning to go back to school. I had a week left and at this point, the thought of going back just stressed me out. I had an anxiety overload. But then the damn social worker called. Yes, it was that bad. I'm lucky that I got to keep all of my credits. Due to all of my asthma/anxiety attacks, I missed a lot of days school 2nd semester. By a lot, I mean the attendance office had 10. Although, I swear, I feel like I missed at least 15....

I'm doing better. I'm still going to be apart of this theatre club, no matter what. I'm still going to try to do everything, I said I would do in the election. I'm going to do all the shows and also, I was willed down the Lead Critic for Cappies (this awesome cool international theatre program). Though, I'm doing better, I still find myself tearing up at the thought of not having apart in major decisions, etc. It hurts. I think the ONLY thing that would make up for this if I had the chance to go the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska (ONLY 3 HOURS AWAY FROM ME!!) and run/get elected Chairman or region II rep for International Thespian Officer. The only thing that's stopping me is $700 and it's probably too late to sign up.

I often feel that people don't understand how much I obsess about these type of things. I don't get like this very often. But I would've been so damn dedicated and would give up hours upon hours of sleep to make everything run smoothly. I have so many plans. But hey, that's life, I've learned.

OKAY I'M SORRY FOR THIS LONG RANT. I honestly, think she'll be a good president. I hope I didn't make her out to be a bitch, she isn't. She just did what she felt she needed to do. I'm going to live. This too shall pass.

OTHER NEWS: I took the SAT last Saturday and I pray that I got at least a 2000. I can't tell you how much I'm stressing out about not getting into my top school. I've wanted to go to Boston University since 5th grade. I had a really bad year and I wish I had a way of telling them, that my GPA does not equal how much potential I actually have.

I'm doing competitive swimming and it's going well. I just really need to start running. This is my last chance of going to State for cross country....Oh, and I have a job opportunity. I just came back from part 1 of training to be a lifeguard. I hope I get the job! This would be a wonderful experience ad my family and I could really use this money.

ABOUT WICKED GOOD BOOKS
So, not you pretty much know where I've been. What I've been up to. But I promise, Wicked Good Books isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. You're stuck with me. I will start posting reviews and stuff again this week! :-)

Biancaa

*Jeez. I can't believe that this was the condensed version. I posted the other version on my personal blog. I write too much. Always. 

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Spring Blog Carnival Giveaway!!!!!!


I am participating in the awesome Spring Blog Carnival and giving away Rae by Chelsea Swiggett. 


Since she was a little girl, Rae Swiggett knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people . . . even fear itself.

By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit. Rae knew she couldn't keep going on this way. She knew something had to give.

Details:
– DO NOT have to be a follower
– Giveaway is only open to the U.S. So sorry international readers!
– Ends May 8th. 


Sunday, April 17, 2011

In My Mailbox (44) + Winner of Mini-Challenge

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

REVIEW:
– Gary Goldschneider's Everyday Astrology
– Spy's Guide: Office Espionage
– Everlost by Neal Shusterman

Thanks Quirk Books and Simon & Schuster!

WON:
– (signed copy) City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Thank you so much Tara!

---------------

The winner of my mini-challenge for Princess Bookie's mini challenge is:

GABRIELLE! 

She has already been contacted and chose The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney.

Monday, March 21, 2011

My Mini-Challenge for Contest Craze

Hello! Today I am hosting this mini-challenge for Princess Bookie's awesome Contest Craze! Thanks Cindy for allowing me to host!

THE MINI-CHALLENGE

Answer one (1) of the following questions about a character in the book you are currently reading or the last book you finished:

1) What person, dead or alive, would she/he want to eat lunch with? Why?
2) What song describes a situation the character has faced or is currently facing? 
3) What book do you think this character would like to read? 

PRIZES
One winner will get to choose one of the following books:
• (ARC) The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
 • Rae: My True Story of Fear, Anxiety, and Social Phobia by Chelsea Swiggett
• (Signed) Titus and Atreus by Meridi Myers



RULES:




- US ONLY!!! I'm sorry to all my international readers. 
- Must answer one of the questions. 
- Please specify which book you would like to win. 
- Please leave a way for me to get in contact with you.

Extra Entry:
+1 If you are a follower.
You do not have to be a follower to enter! 


Search & Win