Final Fridays - Lisa McMann

It's the middle of the night. You're stuck, asleep - and you're screaming silently as monsters chase you through the woods. You can't stop running, but at the same time, you know the running is only egging them on. Can't stop must stop can't stop must stop-

A girl appears and grabs your arms, slowing you down. The monsters race by and you smile at her gratefully, turning as the person of your dreams appears...

Welcome to the world Lisa McMann has created - letting her character learn to control the dreams that she gets sucked into. This amazingly fantastic New York Times bestselling author has agreed to chill out here at WORD for this month's Final Friday's interview! -boogies-


Let's go with the most overused, loved question in the history of author interviews - what inspired you to start writing?

Writing in general? My fourth grade teacher. He made us write a story and picked me to go to a young author's contest because he liked mine.

Writing the WAKE trilogy? I had a dream that I was in my husband's dream, watching what he was dreaming about. I woke up and thought that was great idea for a story.


What's the freakiest dream you've ever had?

I won't actually say because that actual dream is in GONE (Wake, book 3), coming to stores February 9. You will have to read the books to find out! The dream Carrie has in WAKE was also actually one of my own freakiest nightmares from my childhood. But the one in GONE is even freakier. *shudders*


Did you have a hand in picking out the (absolutely gorgeous) covers? If you hadn't, did you wish you had?

Most authors don't get a say in what their covers are like. Sammy Yuen, the artist who created my covers, is incredibly talented and I am so lucky to have him working on my stuff -- I'm happy to leave the artwork to the experts! He did the first two books, and I actually had a hand in helping create the GONE cover. We knew we wanted an empty chair, so when I was touring with FADE, my job was to snap photos of chairs I liked. Well, I only liked one -- snapped the photo on my cell phone, and I sent it in, just to give Sammy an idea of what style chair I'd like to see. The lighting was all just like you see in the GONE cover, too -- we all just loved it. I feel very proud to have a version of the photo I snapped on the cover of GONE.


Aspiring writers look at you and want to be just like you. Now - and you must imagine this in the most psychologist voice you can create - how does that make you feel?

It makes me feel like I should confess all sorts of things about my many flaws and how unglamorous it is to be a writer. But...I won't. It actually surprises me daily, the nice things strangers say to me. It's very rewarding. And only a little bit creepy.


Some people listen to music while they write, some don't. Do you? And even if you don't, what's your favorite song?

No, I don't. I need quiet. Favorite song... well, I kinda have a soft spot for Superman by Train, because I used that song as a sort of theme song for my main character, Janie when I first started writing WAKE. It's got that wistful, lonely feel to it, a misunderstood hero.


You're trapped in Willy Wonka's factory, and the only way to get out is to eat one of the items. Which one would you eat?

Something -- no, ANYTHING -- with gushy, creamy peanut butter inside.

Who would your ideal cast cast be for a Wake movie?

I haven't found a Janie yet. I like somebody broody-looking like Evan Peck for Cabe and maybe Queen Latifah for Captain. Jodie Foster would be great for Janie's mom. It's fun to imagine, but teen actors are fleeting and movies take years from first thought to in-theater, so it's really hard to pin down teen actors before they are too old to play the parts. I'll leave it to the experts, if the day for a WAKE movie ever comes.

If you could make up a fictional award and award it to any author or book besides yourself, what would that award be and who/what would you award it to?

It would be the "Can't Wait to Read This!" award, and I'd give it to Robin Brande for her upcoming novel, FAT CAT, and to Sara Zarr for her upcoming novel, ONCE WAS LOST. Both books come out this fall -- go pre-order from your favorite bookstore now!

The Otherworldlies

The Otherwordlies
Author: Jennifer Anne Kogler
Series: ---
Publisher: HarperCollins
How Received: borrowed

She blisters after just moments in the sun, communicates with her dog, and has correctly predicted the weather every day for more than two years. But that's not so weird, right?

Then one day, Fern closes her eyes and opens them seconds later to find herself on a sandy beach, miles away from school. And when she disappears again—this time to someplace far more dangerous—Fern begins to realize just how different she is.

With the help of her twin brother, Sam, Fern struggles to gain control over what's happening to her. Yet the arrival of a sinister stranger—a vampire—soon leads her to question her very identity. Before she knows it, Fern finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old battle—one that puts more than just her own life in danger.

I loved the beginning of this book. Fern, as a character, is fantastic - she's well developed, and a lot of fun to read about. Frankly, though, she's the only reason to read the novel. As it draws on, the plot becomes more complicated and twisted and the story quickly falls flat. The characters are only half developed and some are boring - the only interesting ones later on are an one armed vampire and an one eyed cyclops. (Because cyclops only have one eye. Hahahaha.)

I wish we could take Fern and place her in a story that made just a little more sense. I do love her.

Overall Rating: 4/10
The Otherwordlies or Vampire Academy?: The Otherworldlies made me laugh, because one of the abbreviations uses is V.A. Vampire Academy, though, by 1564651651 miles.

Happy reading!

~N

Too Cool

Penguin has come out with these FANTASTIC new book ads. The urge to print them and pin them up on my wall - or tape them to my bookcase - is overwhelming. Aren't these great!?







I originally found these over at HarperStudio; go check them out.

~ N

Washington, D.C.

Washington is beautiful.

First, the architecture in D.C. is like nothing I've ever seen. It's like the old Greek and Roman buildings - powerful yet fragile, intimidating yet gorgeous. This appears particularly in any of the big national buildings, especially the Library of Congress. Pictures don't even begin to describe the awesome beauty that is the Library - it's overwhelmingly beautiful. I didn't want to leave. (Can I go live there? Ktxhbai.)



As for food - don't ever ever ever go to Ella's. The concierge of a five star hotel might recommend them, but they LIE. Their pizza is horrendible. However, Gulley's - or something like that; I can't remember the exact name - has fantastic icecream, and the place is really cute and the people are really nice. It's a nice, pleasant environment to hang out at.



My top three favorite places?

1) The spy museum.

I participated in both the museum and Operation Spy, a "game" in which you are a spy and have to figure out what's going on. The choices you make change the game. It's actually lots of fun - and it made me feel like a Gallagher Girl! The museum part itself is SO well put together - each section is almost like a different museum, and it never seems to end! It's a lot of fun to read about. They sell a lot of spy novels - including the Gallagher Girl novels - at the shop. Not only that, but they have really cute shirts.

Unfortunately, you're not allowed to take pictures, or I'd have one for you.

2) The Library of Congress

As I mentioned before, pictures don't do this place justice. The architecture and the place itself is simply stunning. If I could live there and just fill it with books *I* read, I'd be one happy camper.



3) just wandering

Some of the best spots in D.C. come from just wandering (like the icecream place I mentioned.) They have a Borders and a B&N right next to each other (like, two streets apart) plus a fantastic pen shop.




All in all, I had a FANTASTIC trip and would definitely visit again.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled blog.

Shiver

Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Wolves Of Mercy Falls (#1)
Publisher: Scholastic
How Received: ARC

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Jacob Black, watch out. There's a new werewolf on the block - sexier, lonely, and so easy to love - and his name is Sam Roth. Maggie Stievater has created a world so vivid and realistic that it's hard not to be sucked in - and, once sucked in, it's a world that you don't want to leave.

If the story had been purely told through Grace's point of view, I would have thought Sam a nearly girly character - and if it had been told only through Sam's, I would have thought Grace too perfect of a character. But the combination gave the story more depth and emotion than just one could have alone - which also shows the perfect relationship that Maggie has created.

The only thing I wish for is that the white wolf, Shelby, had been more fleshed out. Besides that, every character had their own individual story, and they were real people - not just fill in characters.

If this novel doesn't get the fandom it deserves, it will be a shame.

Rating: 10/10, without a doubt.
Shiver or The Hunger Games?: To be more specific, Shiver or Catching Fire? Catching Fire was nearly guaranteed my win for this year's best book. I didn't expect Shiver to be nearly as good as it was - and it has, by far, won my best book of 2010. (So far.)

~ N

Sundays with Scott

Due to Nicole being in Washington D.C. this week, Scott has been given the week off for reviews.

Here. Have a nice shiny book trailer of tomorrow's book review, Shiver, instead.

Vampires III

The final installment to my vampire trilogy of posts. :]

And, also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother! Who is, sadly, not a vampire.


Bloodlust
Alex Duval
Status: To Read

Pros:
The main character is a male, and if you look back, we haven't seen a lot of that.
The point is that the picture perfect life isn't as perfect as it seems.

Cons:
I really can't think of any. I really want to read this.






Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side
Beth Fantaskey
Status: To Read ASAP

Pros:
I've heard FANTABULOUS things about it.
Even without the reviews, it sounds funny.
"Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions..." Win.

Cons:
Or at least not to buy it. I dislike the cover immensely.





Stargazer
Claudia Gray
Status: To Read

Pros:
I love the vampire hunter x vampire pairing. It's lovely.
I love love love the plot.
I love the names of the factions, which leads me to hope that the people in the factions will be interesting.

Cons:
I normally don't like female characters who give up "zomg everything because i'm in luuuuuuurve" but Bianca doesn't sound like that.





Demon in My View
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Status: To Read

Pros:
"High school senior by day, published author by night, 17-year-old Jessica is about to make a life-changing discovery: that the vampire world of her novels truly exists."
Hello? She's an author.
It's a secret vampire world.
She's a teenager.
What could be wrong!?

Cons:
I could be wrong and this could be a horrible, horrible novel. BUT. I won't know until I read. ^^"





Marked
P.C. and Kristin Cast
Status: Read

Pros:
It is fantastically written.
Zoey and her companions are interesting characters.

Cons:
I dislike the plotline.
It also takes place in a school, as does my favorite. But my favorite is better. ^^





Vampire Academy
Richelle Mead
Status: Nicole's Favorite

Pros:
The protagonist is kick ass.
Dimitri is one of the sexiest things to ever appear in a novel.
It's not your stereotypical vampire novel.
Or, for that matter, your stereotypical school.

Cons:
Nicole's Favorite!


There are dozens and hundreds more vampire books. These are just the ones for today.
Any you think should have been added to the list?


~N

Vampires II

Continued from yesterday.

Because, let's face it, we all have a secret desire to have our neck nibbled on.


Secret Vampire
L.J. Smith
Status: To Read

Pros:
L.J. Smith has written fantabulous works of vampires before, so there's no reason that this should be a complete screw up.
I love concepts of secret societies of vampires. (See Blue Bloods)

Cons:
Must become a vampire or die. Um... this sounds a tiny bit cliche?



Blue Bloods
Melissa de la Cruz
Status: Read

Pros:
Secret societies of vampires are awesome.
I do like Schulyer's character.
The characters are, for the most part, well rounded and interesting.

Cons:
Sometimes, people who are soulmates backfires...






Interview With A Vampire
Anne Rice
Status: To Read

Pros:
It's a classic. And you can't go wrong with the classics.
It's the confessions of a vampire.

Cons:
There is no reason for a vampire lover to not read this.


Lastly, part III tomorrow!

Vampires I

So I'm going on a trip this week and I'll have photos a plenty for when I come back.
But where I happen to be visiting, there are a lot of politicians.

And, let's face it, politicians are just like vampires.

So, over the next few days, I've set up Vampires 101 - a run down of some vampire books (starting with Twilight and working our way to my favorite, Vampire Academy) and why I would or wouldn't read them.

Of course, this starts... now.

Twilight
Stephenie Meyer
Status: Read

Pros:
It's the crack of vampire novels. You do get sucked in while reading it.
Taylor Lautner is hot, and he plays Jacob in the movie.
Werewolves are cool.
Alice Cullen kicks butt.
I like the cover. +bonus points

Cons:
It's the crack of vampire novels. It's trashy and it's horrible for you, yet you keep reading...
It's not the best vampire novel. By far.
Bella is the most annoying protagonist in the WORLD.
*sparklesparklesparkle*
The werewolves are awesome-r than the vampires. Um. Vampire novel.
The last book in the series is more like a fanfiction gone bad.


The Vampire Diaries
L.J. Smith
Status: Read

Pros:
The two lead vampires are both very, very sexy.
The plot line is very well developed.
It's well written and an overall enjoyable read.

Cons:
The protagonist female is 'perfect' at the beginning. There is no such thing.
It gets a little twisty for me plot-wise as the books go on, but they're still enjoyable.



Vampire Kisses
Ellen Schreiber
Status: To Read

Pros:
I love the lonely, set apart man. Even if he does have fangs.
Alexander is a sexy name. Yes, I love the description of this male vamp.
It takes place in a creepy mansion under the noses of everybody in town.

Cons:
Cliche vampire.
Cliche setting.
Cliche goth girl.



Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe)
Kimberly Pauley
Status: To Read

Pros:
With a title like that, you can't help but laugh.
It's not cliche at all. I like the fact that the main character wants to remain human and it's her parents - not her boyfriend or arch enemy - that are pressuring her into becoming one of the neck nomming undead.

Cons:
With a plot line like that, Kimberly'll have to hit this one out of the park or it'll backfire drastically.



Glass Houses
Rachel Caine
Status: Read

Pros:
The characters are well rounded and diverse, and both likeable and hateable.
Both the vampires and the humans are loveable.
The plot line is extraordinarily well developed, and the writing leaves you on the end of your seat.

Cons:
Actually, the writing's so good you'll fall off your seat. Because Rachel ends each book with a cliffhanger. So get the whole series together at one, because you won't wanna stop reading.



Part II tomorrow!

Alice in Wonderland

It's not even funny how ecstatic I am for this movie.

I Interview You

I Interview You
Questions from Liv

1. What's your most favoritest comfort food? What makes it so comforting?
My favoritest comfort food is, by far, ice cream. It is perfect for whatever you're sad about, depending on the flavor. Chocolate. Chocolate chip cookie dough. Chocolate chip. (I like the chocolatey stuff.) Vanilla. Rainbow sherbert. Each flavor goes to each reason to be upset... and it's just a lot of fun to eat, too.

2. If you could have one fabulous super power what would it be and why?
I would definitely love to fly, Maximum Ride style. I love the idea of being able to have wings and fly.

3. What's the first word that comes to mind when you think of pudding?
Tapioca.
But that's a long, strange story that really should not be told...

4. Do you prefer giants or dragons?
DRAGONS. Dragons are my most favorite magical being. They're just... just... so... AH. Dragons rock.

5. If you could have lunch with any three people, alive, dead, or imaginary, who would they be and why?
This is a tough one. Um...

My friend Mikayla. We met through our love of Wicked and we're pratically sisters - we talk all the time. But we haven't had a chance to meet yet.
Edward Rochester. Because... because... do I even need a reason? Ah, love.
And Elphaba. From aforementioned Wicked. I think it'd be loads of fun to have a conversation with her. (And maybe get a flying broom out of the deal.)

And if I could add a fourth person, it'd be Kristin Chenoweth. I love her. I also might have a heart attack if I saw her, though... she's just that amazing.

Follow these instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” Please include your email address.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Dragonspell

Dragonspell
Donita K. Paul

HAI, mister follower 150. You're special.

Quote from Barnes and Noble:
A small band of Paladin's servants rescue Kale from danger but turn her from her destination: The Hall, where she was to be trained. Feeling afraid and unprepared, Kale embarks on a perilous quest to find the meech dragon egg stolen by the foul Wizard Risto. First, she and her comrades must find Wizard Fenworth. But their journey is threatened when a key member of the party is captured, leaving the remaining companions to find Fenworth, attempt an impossible rescue, and recover the egg whose true value they have not begun to suspect...

Why do I quote B&N, you wonder?

I started reading this book and got into the first few chapters. After that, kapoot. I didn't have an urge to read it. It's not that there's anything wrong with the book itself - I love dragons, Kale was an interesting character, and the plotline intrigued me. Perhaps it was the writing style, but something just put me off. I had no urge to finish it.

And... that's what you need to know.

~N

Catching Fire

For those poor, unfortunate souls who didn't have a chance to snag an ARC of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, here's a tidbit to tide you over until September. (Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games.)

The first chapter is up on the Hunger Games website! WOOHOOOOOOO!

You can read it by clicking here. It can be either listened to as an mp3 or read as an PDF.

Wh00t.

~ N

Sundays with Scott - Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister
Jenny Nimmo

Poor, poor Charlie. yet another term at Bloor's Academy, but at least it can't be
crazier than last term. no more missing children, no more mysterious adventures, just a quiet term with his new friends.....Yes, a quiet term....now if only that were possible.

While Charlie is walking through the halls one winter afternoon, he sees a boy in a
faded blue cloak appear out of nowhere. he introduces himself as Henry Yewbeam, and
for him, yesterday was 1916. in his hand is a mysterious marble, swirling with colors- the time twister. With no clue how to get back to his own time, and with almost all of Bloor's staff out to find him, Henry will have to trust Charlie to keep him alive. After all, Bloor's Academy can be a VERY dangerous place...

Another day, another book! This next book in the Charlie Bone series is an excellent read. Despite the fact that this story has many twists (no pun intended), Mrs. Nimmo has written yet another great book. with the return of many characters from the first book, plus brand new ones, this second book in the series will be an exciting read from cover to cover!

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister or Midnight for Charlie Bone?: if you liked the first book, then the second one is even better!

Rating: 8/10, book three is up next week!

- Scott

What I Have Been Doing Instead Of Reading

Nicole's Reasons For Not Posting A Review In The Past Week (except Fairest).

One. She has been working at her SUPERFANTABULOUS job at the library. In which she gets first dibs at checking out books, or gets to pick up books. Like...



Two. She has been stalking fantasmagorically amazing people on Twitter. Like...

Robin Wasserman (@robinwasserman)
Lisa Mantchev (@lisamantchev)
Lisa McMann (@lisa_mcmann)

Three. She has been shamelessly cover-whoring at the local Borders. (See below posts.)

Four. She has been working on what she deems as adequate and what Robin Wasserman deemed as FANTASTIC avatars. Which you can find here. Including 18 new New Moon ones.



Nicole - out.

~N

Whoops.

Yes, I admit - as you saw in the list yesterday, I do tend to judge books by their covers when surfing for books.

But who doesn't? Something has to draw you in - and if it's not a catchy title or a spiffy cover, I skim right over it. I wish I had time to sit and read the back of every book to find that interesting plot line or that great character. I don't.

If the publishers really wanted me to read it, they would have made the name/cover better. Just my opinion. ^^

And once I see a book I might want to read, I do tend to analyze the covers. I am, after all, a self proclaimed cover whore.

That is all.


Your friendly neighborhood cover whore,

~Nicole

Books (And Why She Wants Them) II

This is a continuation of the list of books I complied when Lauren (of Sarcastic Spastic) and I went book hunting/gossiping at Borders.

Suggestions, anybody?

Jessica's Guide To Dating To The Dark Side
Beth Fantaskey
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I've heard FANTABULOUS things about it.
Hello? Vampires are sexy.
Even without the reviews, it sounds funny.
"Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions..." Win.

Reasons Not To Read It:
Or at least not to buy it. I dislike the cover immensely.


Hunger
Michael Grant
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I enjoyed the first one in the series, Gone.
The title reminds me of The Hunger Games. Lame reason, but it gives me hope.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I enjoyed Gone but didn't adore it.
I dislike the cover. Gone's cover was much better.
The girl on the left reminds me of Miley Cyrus.



Kitty, Kitty
Michele Jaffe
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
Both my sister and I loved Bad Kitty. If it's anything like the first one, it's worth reading.
Um, cats rock!

Reasons Not To Read It:
It could end up much, much worse than the first one and not nearly as funny.
But I won't know unless I DO read it.


Kiss Me Kill Me
Lauren Henderson
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
It has a beautiful name. I love alliteration.
It has a perfect cover. (Reminds me a bit of the Going Too Far cover.)
I LOVE the plot.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I LOVE the plot. But it could end up rather cliche, and that could be boring.



Ivy
Julie Hearn
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
Like I said. Red haired characters rock.
The cover is gorgeous.
I like the plot!

Reasons Not To Want It:
I don't LOVE the plot line, so it'll have to be good to draw me in.





Eyes Like Stars
Lisa Mantchev
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
It's supposed to be bloody brilliant.
Hello? Strong female character!?
THEATER.

Reasons Not To Want It:
The girl on the cover reminds me of something anime. My friends have made me hate anime so much, it's ridiculous.



Milkrun
Sarah Mylnowski
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read This:
LOVE the name.
LOVE the cover.
"Must think happy thoughts. Julie Andrews dancing. Cadbury's chocolate Easter eggs." <- Ahahahahahaha. I like the plot. Reasons Not To Read It:
I might end up hating the plot by the end of it.
I think I might dislike the main character. I don't like girls who are desperate for boyfriends.


Princess Ben
Catherine Murdock
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I love strong female characters, and Ben reminds me a bit of a fantasy world Jacky Faber. And we all know how much I love Jacky Faber.
It's fantasy. It's witches. It's broomstick. It's LOVE.

Reasons Not To Read It:
The typical witch thing has been done a lot, so this is going to have to have a nice spin on it (which I think it might) in order for me to really like it.


Swoon
Nina Malkin
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
The cover design is fan-tastic.
Um, hello? Dice is from NEW YORK CITAY!
Bad boys rock.

Reasons Not To Read It:
Bad boys sometimes aren't written well. There's two sides to a bad boy - they have to be bad for a reason.



Well, here's the list - and considering I only covered one of the two YA parts, it's certainly going to be expanded!

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince

So. I saw it.

And... I loved it. Here's my analyza-tion.of the movie, from overall portrayals to each individual actor.

Overall Movie:
VERY excellent. The special effects were as amazing as always, and the acting was top rate. There were only two minor things that bothered me. Okay, major things. The chemistry between Ron and Hermione/Harry and Ginny was there, but in the way that portrayed the scenes, it made it look as if Deathly Hallows would end up with a Harry x Hermione love plot. The other thing was that they took out the fight scene in Hogwarts at the end, with the Order versus the Death Eaters. I rather wish that had been in there, as I thought it rather important. My friend Alanna had a point, though - Deathly Hallows also ends in a fight scene, and they couldn't make them too similar.

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter:
As far as I'm concerned, Daniel IS Harry. True, he's not who I would have chosen at first, but he has Harry down. And the way he portrayed him on Liquid Luck is freaking hysterical. "I feel excellent!"

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley:
Rupert wasn't who I would have chosen as Ron, and he's still, to me, not the perfect Ron. As it is, though, he did rather well. His best scene was when he eats the love potion filled chocolates that are intended for Harry. "Isn't the moon beautiful?"

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger:
I LOVE Emma Watson, and this isn't a secret to anybody who knows me. She's talented, down to earth, and bloody brilliant. Therefore, I loved her. ^^"

Michael Gambon as Dumbledore:
Dumbledore, as a character, I adore. But after the opening scene - when he goes to Slughorn and asks for the knitting magazine ("I love the knitting patterns.") - he just becomes an okay actor. The character himself is still epic. But the portrayal left more to be desired, and at his death, I didn't feel the sadness I did when I read the book.

Jim Broadbent as Slughorn:
The same thing that I said for Gambon applies for Broadbent. After the opening scene in which he transforms from chair to human, he becomes rather ordinary. The best scene with him after that is once Harry is on the Liquid Luck, and that is only because Daniel plays the scene so bloody brilliantly.

Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley:
Ginny > Bella. Just as a general statement. (And Hermione owns them both.) I do like Bonnie as Ginny. Physically and acting wise, she's just how I've pictured her. However, the scenes between Harry and Ginny were intended to be awkward, and the chemistry between Daniel and Bonnie, though there, just isn't all the way there yet - and it leaves the scenes awkwardly awkward.

Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange:
This woman owns part of my soul. I love her in every other movie, and her Bellatrix is EPIC. Perfect. That is all.

Alan Rickman as Snape:
I think Alan Rickman is a great Snape, I really do. However, the scenes that he was in were rewritten for time, and it made him, in this movie, less than desirable.

Tom Felton as Draco:
The thing with Tom that you don't realize is that the hatred of the character overwhelms the fact that Tom is, indeed, a fantastic actor. He has Draco down to a T - but I didn't realize this until I looked past the fact that I hate Draco.


And that's that. Overall, I'd definitely see the movie - it's worth the money!

And in honor of me seeing the movie, here is Harry Potter: The Musical.
Aka one of the best things on YouTube.

Books (And Why She Wants Them)

Yesterday, Lauren (of Sarcastic Spastic - if you haven't read her blog, do it. It's funny.) and myself went to Borders to hang. Because we haven't seen each other in EVER.

And Borders is full of BOOKS! Which is just amazing. And though our YA section is limited, I manged to come up with a list of books I plan to read.

Perfect Chemistry
Simone Elkeles
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I love forbidden romances.
The quote that was on the back of the book made Lauren and I laugh out loud. She actually bought it on the spot. It sounds like something that would actually be said.
I'm a cover whore. And I love this cover.

Reasons Not To Read It:
It's a high school novel, and most aren't really true to high school. But this one looks funny enough - and possibly true enough - to make up for it.




This Book Isn't Fat, It's Fabulous
Nina Beck
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
It's title kicks booty.
... it's title kicks butt! That needed to be said twice.
Fat camp is, for some strange reason, fun to read about.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I dislike the main character immensely, and that's only from the summary of the book.
Fat camp is, for some strange reason, sad to read about.




Tattoo
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I want a tattoo myself.
"And if they can get Delia to stop using her newfound power to turn gum wrappers into Prada pumps, they might actually stand a chance." <- Ahhhhh. Reasons I Don't Want To Read It:
It sounds a bit cheesy. (But I like cheese. So this could be okay.)




The Stolen One
Suzanne Crowely
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
Red headed characters rock.
The summary left me dying. I hate not knowing what the secret is.
Once again, my cover whore comes into play. Loooooove it.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I actually haven't figured out one yet, 'cept that the twists could be really bad.




Kissed By An Angel
Elizabeth Chantler
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
It's supposed to be bloody brilliant?
I like the flower on the cover.

Reasons Not To Read It:
It sounds cheesy.
I dislike romances with dead things. (Unless they happen to like gnawing on necks.)
For some reason, the plot line just does NOT appeal to me. I can't explain it.




Take Me There
Susane Colasanit
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
Revenge is fun.
It's supposed to be excellent.
I love when people who are meant to be end up together, and I think that's what will happen.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I can't think of any. Can you?





Going Too Far
Jennifer Echols
[link]

Reasons I Want To Read It:
I interviewed Jennifer - I ought to read at least one of her books, don't you think?
COVER WHORE. Looooove it.
The summary makes it sound sexy without it actually being sexy.
Good plot line.

Reasons Not To Read It:
I'll get back to you.



PART TWO COMING TOMORROW!