wicked.

I fully admit I am strange. There will be something I know I will probably like- maybe even love- but I don’t go for it right away for one reason or another. I know it’s weird, and I don’t know why I do it. For more than 8 years I’ve been meaning to read the book Wicked, as I’ve always thought I’d like it. However, whenever it’s book purchasing time at Target or Borders or whatever there is always some other book that wins my attention and Wicked is set back down for ‘next time’

The last time I was at Borders I decided to force myself to purchase and read it before reading any more of my usually favored ‘chick lit’. It took 4 days, as I required brain breaks and couldn’t just read it through. To really get it you’ve got to give it your full attention- something most books I read don’t require. So it took a LOT longer than a 350 or so page novel takes me normally.

Did it drive me nuts all the questions raised that go unanswered? Um, YES!!!! AHHHRRRGGG. My brain feels like it’s back in English class interpreting what the author meant by ____, and what I think of ___, and what the symbolism of ___ is. Is it interesting, full of twists, and well worth a spot in my book collection? Absolutely.

Why do I bring this up now? Two reasons. 1) I just finished it yesterday so it’s swirling in my brain still. 2) I was in See’s chocolates a few days back and found they have boxes of chocolate with the wicked witch on the front like last year. I purchased one to go along with this wicked cool stash of Lil Davis Halloween goodies that I have to give away…

There are some Cloud 9 halloween treats in there too. Want the stash? Just leave a comment here. If you want to share the last really good book you read- great!

79 thoughts on “wicked.”

  1. I LOVED Wicked. I read it with a book club I belonged to. We even went to the Musical the following Summer. The best experience ever. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. The story, the questions, the way facts line up, the way facts go crooked and then end up where they do. It was a fabulous book!

    I’m reading Stolen by Kelley Armstrong right now. I just started it yesterday. I little supernatural reading for the Halloween season.

    I really enjoyed the Ken Follet books. I listened to them on my Ipod. The Pillars of the Earth and the Worlds End. Both FABULOUS books. I highly recommend those.

    Thanks for sharing your read! Keep up the good work!

    Kim P.

  2. I’ve never heard of the book ‘Wicked’ but now I’m intrigued and might see if I can request a copy from my library! The last really good book I read was The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I had been on the waiting list for it at the library for ages! Within a day of getting the book from the library I went out and bought a copy because I want it on my shelf to go back and dip into at any time. I found it amazingly inspiring and fully recommend it!
    Cheers, Katie

  3. I LOVED the musical. Bought the book but I haven’t been able to bring myself to read it yet, mostly for the exact reason you said, it really requires full attention and I don’t have it to give right now.

    I just started the Twilight series after reading about it on a number of blogs. Easy reading but SO engaging.

    Hoping to see Wicked again when it’s back in the bay area this winter.

  4. What a wonderful giveaway! I have not had the chance to read the book or see the musical. I think I should go ahead and read the book!

  5. Love this giveaway! I’ve heard such amazing things about Wicked … it’s on my ‘to read’ list too! 🙂

  6. Wicked cool! I haven’t read it but I have seen the Musical and loved it. The last book (series) I finished reading was the Twilight series….awesome! Glad you finally had a chance to read it. I may have to add it to my “to read” list.

    Thanks!!

  7. I have read Wicked – and I just never really got into it. I did however, just finish a really great book. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield was terrific! I couldn’t put it down! I might give Wicked another chance someday, but you know how it goes. So many books so little time.

  8. I’ve not read Wicked… will have to reserve it from the library. I just brought home…The Shack, Such a Pretty Fat and ??..Where are you now (mary higgins clark)

    Chocolate! Cute box! Cute goodies too! Oh yeah!

    Thanks for the chance May!

  9. I haven’t read wicked-but it’ll go on my wish list right away-

    I too have started on the “Twilight” series just because of all of the hype this summer, OK I guess. I’m more into CIA mystery intrique kind of stuff-can’t wait for the new 007 movie to come out this fall.

  10. I am trying to finish Wicked as well. I have gone back to re-read some sections, too. I just saw a sequel to it – Son of a Witch that looks good. Interesting trivia – the author of Wicked lives here in my town, just a few miles from here.

  11. I will have to add this to my list of “must reads”. I’m on book 3 of the Twilight series right now and I am hooked. I was reluctant to read the series as it is not my typical genre! 🙂 But…..after much prodding and encouragement from a couple of my friends, I read the first one and then got hooked! I also have The Shack next to my chair and a Karen Kingsbury book that is the last in a 14 book series….I will miss the family I’ve grown to love in those books.

    The Wicked candies look awesome….as do all the Halloween goodies! Thanks for the RAK!

    Keep those book recommendations coming! 🙂

  12. I was hungry for a new ‘good read’ reccommendation – off to get this one! and have written down many others mentioned here too!
    That is a great box of Halloween goodies.
    Thanks for a great RAK opportunity!!

  13. I haven’t read Wicked, but now it’s on the radar screen. I just finished “The Thirteenth Tale” with my book club and loved it.

    Thanks for the goodies!

  14. I too was disappointed that the book never really wrapped up all the loose ends. It was very frustrating, adn took me a long time to read. But I did it. The last book I thoroughly enjoyed reading was Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews.

  15. I havent read wicked yet but Im on number 13 of the stephanie plum series – I started reading them after you recommended them and they are great I started with number 1 and havent stopped yet!!!!

  16. A friend just saw the musical this weekend. I have been meaning to read the book as well but just haven’t yet…. I love books. Currently I am working on Keeping Faith by Jodi Piccoult. I really enjoy her stuff!

  17. I have been trying to read wicked for a while. I have had the book, but seems like there is always something else that needs to be read. So there it sits all alone and passed over on my night stand. I have been reading the Laura Child’s scrapbooking mystery series, they are really good.

  18. This one is on my reading list also, I just have to read it before we see the show coming to our area in April. This giveaway looks amazing!!! Thanks for the chance!!

  19. Ohh! Hope I win.
    Ralph the Mouse was the last thing I read. It has been a while since I have read a book for me. Maybe I should do that…

  20. I loved the book but it was a tough read that is for sure. . . have to think a lot and really work at it!

    Look see’s candy I have to say I love their chocolate and was thrilled to find out that they had added some sugar free chocolate to their line!

  21. I have wanted to read that book a few times now, but, like you, kept putting aside for awhile. Maybe I’ll read it now – and reading it with those chocolates would be awesome! I just finished reading the Twilight series (I see I’m not the only one!) – so not my usual style – but I LOVED it! Could not put them down!

  22. I couldnt really get into Wicked….but SEE’s chocolates…i LOVE…lol

    I just finished reading Fall On Your Knees. It was one i slogged through but it was an interesting story.

    The last book i LOVED…. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. Its a MUST read!!

  23. sounds like a great book, one to make you think….might have to look into it a bit more…thanks

  24. Wicked sounds like a possibility for my upcoming plane trip. Though it sounds like it may require more attention than I’ll have. I tend to like audio books as I have a 2 hr commute each day. The last books I read I’ve given out to fellow commuters and while I remember the books most the titles escape me, I do remember A Thousand Splendid Suns as awesome! My actual paper book reading tends to be romance novels – love Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh though I have been participating in Tina Sprenger’s Book Club and reading the paper version of most of those books.

  25. alas, I have not read “Wicked” yet but (there is always a but!!) I am reading Nora Roberts “The Sign of Seven” trilogy. I absolutely love books that deal with witches and warlocks and all that mythical magical romantic stuff that can’t really happen … or could it!!!

    I never ever win anything .. but the peek around your blog was definetely worth the price of admission!! Thanks for sharing.

    oxox
    Sharly
    ps I along with amy # 4257 have read all the “Stephanie Plum” novels and recommend them highly, especially if you love chaos and complete rolling on the floor laughing your a%$ off!!

  26. Ooooh lovin the New Lil Davis and Cloud 9 Halloween stuff this year!!!! I am still working my way through the Stephanie Plum series – I am on “Hard Eight” right now – and I have been reading them in succession.

  27. Loving your BPS Recipes class – thanks for all the helpful comments and fantastic handouts.
    I’ve just finished “Twilight” and enjoyed it a lot (have passed it onto my 17 y/o son and he’s already well into it). Will look out for the rest of this series.

  28. I just finished Sandra Brown “Play Dirty” I enjoy her books and pass then on when I finish. I can’t throw a book away, if I don’t have a friend who wants it, I donate to the libray (they sell them to make money for new book) Love the papers peeking out of your “Wicked” box

  29. Well, I haven’t finished it yet, but I’ve been reading the Golden Compass. I have found it to be a difficult read and I’m not really sure why. Like Wicked, you must pay attention to every little detail and I am a slow reader to begin with, so I know that is making it a challenge. Also, I read a lot of silly culinary and scrapbooking mysteries, so this is a little higher standard of writing! LOL!

  30. I just finished “The Bachelorette Party”…and it was excellent. I have to tell you..I was just to Phoenix on business and when we got off of the plane …I said to my co-worker..i have to get those See’s candies before we leave, I read a blog and the author raves about them. fast forward 5 days back in the airport and there were no stores selling them at the departure terminal..needless to say I headed back to PA very bummed!!

  31. Okay….I know this is sad because I used to be an avid reader before kids and scrapbooking; but the last good book I read was a Children’s book. I got bought the book Stellaluane for my daughter & son. It is the sweetest little story about a bat and its bird freinds. Would love to win your away…..

  32. Okay…I know this is sad because I used to be an avid reader before kids and my scrapbooking obsession! Guess I gotta get to the bookstore and get back into it!!The last good book I read was a children’s book called Stellaluana. Very sweet story about a bat and it’s bird friends.

    Would love the giveaway….

  33. Wow, look at those goodies! Scrapbooking and chocolate… such a wonderful combination!
    I definitely recommend the Twilight series as well as Mark Haddon’s book “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.” Amazing book… really.

  34. I am one of those who has seen Wicked on stage in NYC but never have read the book. Maybe it will be on the winter reading list. I am just finishing up Breaking Dawn.

  35. Twilight by Stephanie Meyers – love Edward 🙂 I read Wicked a while ago and am hoping, someday, to see it on the stage. Thanks for sharing!

  36. Oooh! Is Wicked a novel? Like a mystery? Maybe I should put on the next Amazon list… Love the cover. Of both the book and the chocolates! Speaking of chocolates…. 😉 Let’s talk, shall we???
    I think the last good book I read was “Nightmares and Dreamscapes” by Stephen King. Short stories in a realllly fat book. Just like most his books. Love that. It’s like they’ll never end. Which is good if the book is good and very bad if it’s not.

  37. I will have to add WICKED to my long list of books to read. Right now I am reading DOG DAYS by Jon Katz. It is good. I think you have to be an animal lover to appreciate it.

  38. I read “The Friday Night Knitting Club” recently and loved it! I recommend it if you haven’t read it yet. Thanks for this giveaway chance!

  39. I haven’t read WICKED either. I haven’t read anything since GUSTAV came through and ready to start reading again. Thanks for a chance to win.

  40. Wicked is here in my town in November and I have been asking my husband for tickets to this for years. maybe this will be the time (fingers crossed). I haven’t read a really good book in a while. I picked up the Mermaid Chair about a month ago and still haven’t finished it. I’m going to pick up some of the other recommendations here and give them a try. Thanks, May!

  41. your gonna think I am crazy, but the last book i read was Paper Scissors Death, the new scrapbooking murder mystery. it was really good! such an easy read!

  42. The last great book I read was The Shack . Totally changed my life. I tend towards audio books with 3 young children in the house not much time to sit and fully absorb a good book.

  43. I haven’t read or seen Wicked. My DD has and told it was beyond good. I just finished The Face and Pattern Crimes. I have see if I can borrow Wicked from the library. Thanks for sharing.

  44. I never read the book, but the play was great. I should read the book one day. Also the new HAlloween scrapbook material is cute.

  45. Haven’t read this, but sounds like maybe I should! I great book I read not too long ago is “I Know This Much Is True” by Wally Lamb! Couldn’t put it down!

  46. I haven’t read this book, but did hear that it was not a fast read–probably why I did not buy it yeat, either. I have been reading Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series. Very fun and very fast reading.

  47. that’s soo funny.. i tend to walk past the Wicked book also – just the other day i walked past it and choose a cook book over it.. maybe i will pick it up as it got your approval! 🙂

  48. I just read Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult-great book I love her all her books are wonderful.

  49. Oh this is awesone. How funny, I was at a scrapbook retreat last weekend and one of the gals mentioned that she went to college with the founder of ‘Lil Davis and was raving about their new things and Fiskars.

  50. I’ve never gotten the chance to read the book but I’ve seen the muscial twice and have the CD. Thanks for the chance for another great giveaway!

  51. I to have thought about reading the book Wicked. I’m not so sure I want to now or not. LOL. I’m a Stephen King fan so the last book a I read of his was Duma Key. He has a new book coming out next month that I plan on getting. Before that I read a Tony Hillerman mystery…one of those that you could read in a day if you had the time.
    Anyway, thanks for the chance at your giveaway.

  52. What an awesome give away! I can’t remember the last adult book I read! Unless you count Robert Munch or Captain underpants! lol

  53. I haven’t read the book Wicked but I did see the play. It was awesome! Not too many plays my 17 year old son enjoys equally as much as me. Although it’s a bit dated now, one of the last great books I read was “The Five People You Meet in Heaven”. A very quick read and one that reminds you what an impact we make in peoples lives even though we don’t know it at the time. Love Halloween products – not sure why but I do – far more than Christmas stuff. Maybe because Halloween is FUN and Christmas is far, far, far too commercial! Thanks for the chance to win!

  54. I read very few novels…I read craft books and books of Faith.

    A couple of yearly favorites I love to read because they are well written and bring back childhood memories.

    Heidi
    Little Women (I thought I was Jo)
    Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe

  55. I will have to check out Wicked. I am reading Carpe Demon right now and it’s funny and a quick read. I’ve also started Rebecca and it requires a little more concentration. I have to say, though, that my new favorite book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It’s a great story and it has a good ending. I get so frustrated with books that are really interesting until they get to the climax and then the author just wraps things up quickly. Water for Elephants is great from beginning to end!

  56. I haven’t read wicked but I will have to check it out. I must admit that most of my reading in the past few years has been scrapbooking magazines/books:))
    The goodies that you are sharing are awesome and you are too kind to share:))
    Cecile
    cmaner@comcast.net

  57. I don’t read very often, and when I do it’s magazines or Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I do want to read Wicked, though, because I loved the musical!

  58. My friend has been on me about reading the book…”My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult. Very good book. I am glad I finally got around to it! But my favorite book I finished this summer is a part of the Janet Evanovich Plum Series called Fearless Fourteen. I love that series!!! They are quick reads too!
    Funny, I have that Wicked book…I still have to read it. I saw the musical in Chicago…and just haven’t been motivated to read it yet!! I’ve owned that book for 3 years!!

  59. I am so bummed that I miss the “Novel Reading Gene”. Even Oprah can’t get me to finish a book! I read TO my children every day, but they say seeing a parent read helps kids become “readers”.
    Maybe if I try “Wicked” I won’t be able to put it down! Anyway, wicked-cool Giveaway !

  60. No idea what the Wicked book is about but I would love to win the it so I can read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

  61. I’m kind of behind the times but I just finished reading Janet Evanovich “One For the Money” and am now starting “Two for the Dough”. I really enjoyed her first book & will now continue through the series. I didn’t want to start it until I could find book 1 in the series. I like to start at the beginning.

  62. My girlfriend wants to go see the show in Chicago this winter, while our husbands go to a hockey game, perhaps I should read the book first.

  63. I love to read but have not picked up that book yet. Reading lowers my stress level & so does chocolate so I could use both of these now LOL!

  64. Now that you’ve read Wicked the book, you’ve got to see the musical! The book is dark and definitely raises so many questions, but is very good overall. But I fell in love with the musical. That’s partially because I’m a huge musical fan, so is my family – my brother is an actor/performer and been in tons of musicals. But anyway, the musical is much more light and not as dark in tone…it’s really only like the book in overall concept because they have to adapt a lot to fit the stage and the time limit of a show. But I liked what they did better. If it ever comes into your town, it’s worth every penny to go see it. I’ve seen it twice already!

  65. Okay girl – what did you think??????

    I saw it in Chicago a few years ago and would love to see it 4 or 5 more times. It is truly an amazing story. I haven’t read the book, but I can guess it is a focused read.

    Hey, maybe you should come out here and we will go see it together!!! LOL!!!

    I highly suggest you get the soundtrack and re-read it… my guess is that you will get a lot more the second time through…

  66. I have tickets to see “Wicked” on stage here in Minneapolis in Dec. I am so excited. I’ve been thinking about picking up the book before the show. Your review has helped me with that decision.

    Okay, my sister sent me this link because she knows I have not been able to stop talking about my favorite book this last year. Actually it’s a four book series by Stephenie Meyer. “Twilight” is worth reading, even if you’re not into vampire books. It’s a very romantic love story that happens to have vampires in it. It’s spread like wildfire within my circles of friends (some of who are extremely conservative and I was surprised to know they enjoyed it.) It’s just too good, and they are easy reads. I bet you could read the whole series in a week. (I did.)

  67. All right May, you’ve read Twilight and you’ve read the Stephanie Plum books (my top favorites).

    My next favorite series has been the Cassandra Clare books. The first is called “City of Bones”, then there is “City of Ashes”, and in March ’09 comes “City of Glass”. I loved them. There are some twists in these that had me gasping.

  68. hey may…you didn’t say if you liked the book or not. i did not really like it, at least not enough to read any more of his books. but the musical is amazing (gratefully not too much like the book) and i’ll be going to see it again this winter because that is what tori wants for her birthday.

    and i love that you just “happened’ to stop in the See’s chocolate store….LOL

  69. I’ve been meaning to read this, too. Maybe I should head to the library…could be a good book for the month of October!

  70. The latest “funny” book I read was “Remember Me?” by Sophie Kinsella. So funny! I also generally love anything by Jodi Picoult. “19 Minutes” was so good.

  71. Ohhh…I just finished reading “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain (I love his Travel Channel show – No Reservations) and really enjoyed it. I’m also reading Anne Lamott’s “Operating Instructions” – her journal about her son’s first year. Excellent!!!

  72. I have not had much time to read a good book lately, unless it related to child care, twins or toddler discipline! So, the Happiest Toddler on the Block is my latest book pick. And…I hear rumblings from the little ones, so need to check it out….

  73. On these recommendations picked up the book at the airport and then went to see Wicked at the theatre last night. Great show and I’ve glanced at the book and know I’ll like it. Just LOVED the show! Get a few laughs from the locals when I said I had to see this since I’m in OZ (Australia, where the locals do call it and write it as OZ))!

  74. I also bought the book, but haven’t read it yet. Thanks for the heads up. I’ve been reading “lite” mysteries that don’t require a lot of thought LOL My work life is crazy lately so I need something that doesn’t require alot of focus. Looks like I will wait to read “Wicked” LOL

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