Giveaway: Bumped & Thumped

Welcome to Turning Pages! And to the first giveaway of this month of marathons!

As you know I had three goals I wanted to reach before 2014 ended, and those include reaching 600 followers, hosting a December giveaway and reading a total of 19 books!

I'm still working on all three, as you can probably tell! But I'm excited to announce that in this first giveaway, I'm giving away both of my paperback copies of Bumped AND Thumped!

I've already read and reviewed these, so if you want to check out my reviews for either BUMPED or THUMPED, click on them!

Some requires to enter include....

1. Being a GFC followering. (help a sister out & help me reach 600 before January 1)
2. You must be at least 13 years of age, or have parental permission to enter.
3. Fill out the rafflecopter below to enter!

Both Bumped and Thumped are going to ONE lucky winner! And this giveaway ends at the end of the year!

The prizes...

The rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by and entering!!

Book Review: Thumped

Title: Thumped.
Author: Megan McCafferty.
Series: Yes, Bumped #2.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published Date: 4/24/12.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"Thumped, the sequel to Bumped, manages to be satiric, scary, and romantic at the same time. It continues the story of separated-at-birth twins, Melody and Harmony, girls as engaging as McCafferty’s Jessica Darling. These sisters are the most popular teen girls on the planet. To their fans, they seem to be living ideal lives. Harmony is married to Ram and living in Goodside, the religious community that once meant everything to her. Melody has the genetically flawless Jondoe as her coupling partner, which means money and status—and a bright future.

But both girls are hiding secrets. And they are each pining for the only guys they can’t have…. The biggest risk of all could be to finally tell the truth."

Review:

Thumped is one of the nineteen books I planned to read in this month of marathons, and I'm glad I decided to add it to the list! Thumped is the second and final installment to Bumped, and continues on with the story of twin teenage girls, Melody and Harmony.

This installment takes place eight and half months later, when Harmony is almost due to give birth to her twins, and Melody is struggling to keep her fake pregnancy a secret.

After discovering that she was pregnant, Harmony ran back to her religious community, to raise these children with her husband, Ram. He knows that these aren't his babies, but neither Harmony nor Ram confront the subject.

Harmony isn't making any contact towards her sister, or the father of her babies; Jondoe. Which leaves Melody to not only try and maintain this secret, her contract, but also deal with a heartbroken stud muffin.

After cutting off her hair and going against her religious elders, Harmony is threatened to be thrown out of the community and have her twins taken from her. She doesn't have anywhere else to go, so Harmony decides to give Melody a call; knowing that her sister will come to help.

Of course I don't want to give away everything, so the story pretty much takes off from there. Harmony and Melody become closer through dealing with this struggle. And both of the girls finally get the family they've both missed out on.

The one thing I was hoping for in both Bumped and Thumped, was a bit of a better explanation as to why adults aren't fertile anymore, but I didn't get that. I know the story was focused on Melody and Harmony, and their experience in this crazy world, but I guess I was just curious to see what started it all.

Overall Thumped was a fantastic installment to Bumped. It was a light read, but one that boggled your mind. I mean I still can't get over the fact that these teenagers WANT to get pregnant. GET pregnant, and basically SELL their baby.

If you've haven't gotten the chance to devour these two books, I recommend doing so, if you're looking for something strange, futuristic, but also lighthearted!

Book Review: Bumped

Title: Bumped.
Author: Megan McCafferty.
Series: Yes, Bumped #1.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: Balzer + Bray.
Published Date: 4/26/11.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common."

Review:

Bumped has not only been out for a while now, and people have mentioned it here and there, but it also has been sitting on my bookshelf for a few months, begging to be read. It wasn't exactly on the top of my priority list when it came to reading, but with this marathon going on right now, it was the perfect time to finally pick it up.

Bumped, if you don't know, revolves around twin teenage girls named Melody and Harmony, who have just discovered one another. The story takes place in the future where the human race is starting to die down. Men and women aren't fertile after the age of eighteen, which is causing the population to quickly dwindle down.

Becoming pregnant and babies has become a huge market. Teenagers are "bumping" for any couples willing to pay enough money. This money is later used for college, cars and other things. In Melody's high school it isn't strange or frowned upon when a girl is pregnant, instead girls strive for it. There's even a special school bus that picks up and drops off the pregnant girls.

Melody is already in the mist of her bumping contract, but the only thing missing is someone to bump with. Compared to her sister, Harmony, who is soon to be married, and have children of her own.

When Harmony discovers that she has a sister, she knows that she needs to leave her religious reservation, to find her, and share her religion with her. Harmony doesn't know who parents are, so she isn't letting the only possible relative slip between her fingers.

The two get into a lot of crazy mess, especially trying to keep Harmony a secret. But of course things aren't that easy! Harmony starts to have feelings for the guy, Melody is suppose to bump with and Melody is having feelings for her best friend.

Overall, Bumped and the world it took place in, was interesting! The different perspective on teenage pregnancy, that our society has and that of Bumped, was absolutely crazy!

The only worry I had was the whole religious thing when it came to Harmony. I didn't want to read an entire book of what her religion is about, and what she believes. I believe everyone has the right to believe whatever they want and whoever they want. And I also believe beliefs shouldn't be forced on people. So it was a little irritating, that the first thing she wanted to do was spread her religion to her sister.

But after a while this wasn't an issue at all. Actually it was the exact opposite. I liked the way things turned out, and was glad that this added another element to the dynamic.

If you're something like me, and still haven't picked up Bumped, then I would completely recommend it. It's a light read, that makes you think, and that's about true love, friendship and sisterhood.

December Marathon Month Update #1.

Its the 16th of December, and it's about time I write my first update on how this month of marathons is going! If you don't really know what I'm talking about, check out my December The Month Of Marathons post.

I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I not only want to read 19 books before the year is over, reach 600 followers, and host an amazing end of the year December giveaway! But I plan on doing, and I plan on letting nothing stop me from reaching my goal.

There are exactly days left in 2014, for me to start and finish reading 15 more books; meaning I have a little over a day for each book. The four books I've already devoured this week, are Bumped & Thumped, both by Megan McCafferty, Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris and My Not So Still Life, by Liz Gallagher. I'm also half way through Legend, by Marie Lu and The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne Valente.

When I first decided to take part in this crazy idea, I wasn't truly sure how it was going to play out. I knew I wanted to badly reach my goal of reading 100 books in 2014, especially because I was so close to doing so! I also knew that I wouldn't be able to fully start until finals week was over (and thank goodness it is), that I wanted to keep you all update throughout the month, as well as prove to you that I am ACTUALLY reading all of these books.

The only way to truly prove this to you, is to write a review for each and every one these books, before the month of December ends. Which means there will be days that I'll post multiple reviews, simply because I only have 16 days left in this month, and 19 books to review.

How am I finding the time to read so much? Nooks and crannies! School is out, which gives me SO much more free time, but I'm also lucky enough to have a job where I can read during work, in between costumers.

And what about the giveaway? I've been considering the giveaway over the last few days, and haven't come up with anything too creative....it's sad I know. So what I finally came up with, is that I'm giving away a few of the books on my reading list! I'm not too sure which ones yet, and how many, but I do plan on having all that figured out before the week is over.

So how are YOU doing with finishing up your goals? Did you already finish reading all the books on your list this year? Let me know!

Book Review: The One

Title: The One.
Author: Kiera Cass.
Series: Yes, The Selection #3.
Pages: 323.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: HarperTeen.
Published Date: 5/6/14.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. "

Review:

Just like The Elite, I don't want to go into too much detail about the story, because I don't want to ruin any of the surprises for you! I want you to have the same, exciting experience I had, not knowing what to expect.

So just to warn you, this review will be quite short.

The One continues with America, and the selection. If you don't know by now, the selection takes place, when the Prince comes of age, and needs a wife to rule with him. Because he is so busy, learning how to not only run an entire country, but also an army, Prince Maxon doesn't have much time to go out and find a wife himself.

But instead, thirty five girls from the kingdom, within a certain range of age, are selected and brought to the castle. From there, Prince Maxon, meets these girls, gets to know them, and ultimately has to chose one of them to become his queen.

The Selection started with thirty five girls, and The Elite started with six. The competition should be getting much more fierce since there are only a hand full of girls left, but instead the girls become much closer and honest with each other.

The rebellion is still going on, and America is taking any chance she can get to speak to the public about it; even if it means going against the King and his wishes.

Through these three books, America stayed true to who she was and what she believed in, and that's why I continued reading this series. I loved that she remember where she came from, and what struggles she went through in her life, to get her to where she is today.

While the beautiful covers, the hype, and rage is what started me on this series, America is without a doubt, what pulled me through.

Overall, The One was an amazing end to this "trilogy"; I was glad that something huge happened at the end to bring everyone together, and moving forward. If you haven't picked this series up, I recommend getting your hands on all three, locking yourself, and just marathoning them. They are absolutely fantastic!

December, The Month of Marathons!

Its the beginning of December, which not only means that it's finals week for my autumn classes and I plan to study like a crazy maniac, but it also means the years is coming to an end!

AND when the year is coming to an end, it's time to finish up any last resolutions you may still have!

I started 2014, with a list of small things that I wanted to accomplish, both in blogging, and just in general life. Most of them, didn't really have an "ending", but instead were more generic. Be more friendly, get on the treadmill more often, etc. But I did have a few bigger goals that I was dying to get done, and determined to accomplish.

As the year went on, I tried my hardest to keep up with it all, but of course life gets in the way sometimes. Now it's December and I'm looking at all the things I hoped to get done this year, and realized I'm not too far off.

With only 24.5 days left in 2014, I still have three goals I plan to reach...

1. Reach 600 followers! I'm only 16 away!

2. Read 100 books....which means I still have to read 19 books....

3. A giveaway each month of the year, which means I need to have one for the month of December.

I think 1 and 3 are pretty reasonable, as to where 2 is just out right ridiculous...

Not only am I going to try my VERY best, but I'm going to update you on the entire thing, at least once a week. It's your job to keep me motivated and to prevent me from completely falling on my face and failing! (That would just be SO embarrassing!)

Well the next question would be, what 19 books do I plan to read? Well...I decided to just stick to books that have been sitting on myself for a while now. So not only am I reaching my goal of reading 100 books, but also getting some older books on my shelf read and cleared out!

1. Bumped, by Megan McCafferty.

2. Thumped, by Megan McCafferty.

3. Bad Taste in Boys, by Carrie Harris.

4. My Not So Still Life, by Liz Gallagher.

5. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne Valentine.

6. Fixing Delilah, by Sarah Ockler.

7. Monument 14, by Emmy Laybourne.

8. Monument 14 Sky on Fire, by Emmy Laybourne.

9. Legend, by Marie Lu.

10. Prodigy, by Marie Lu.

11. Champion, by Marie Lu.

12. Her Dark Cucuriosity, by Megan Shepherd.

13. Eve, by Anna Carey.

14. Once, by Anna Carey.

15. Rise, by Anna Carey.

16. Panic, by Lauren Oliver.

17. Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake.

18. Girls of Nightmares, by Kendare Blake.

19. Antigoddess, by Kendare Blake.

(WOW, that list is intimidating!)

I tried to pick books that weren't too long, like the Cassandra Clare books I hoped to finally get around to this year, so that I way I at least have a chance at MAYBE getting all these books read.

Besides doing all this, personal goals of mine include scoring at least a B on all of my finals and to get on the treadmill at least twice a week, to keep off the holiday weight.

.....so wish me LOTS (and I means LOOOTS) of luck!

Book Review: The Elite

Title: The Elite.
Author: Kiera Cass.
Series: Yes, The Selection #2.
Pages: 336
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: HarperTeen.
Published Date: 4/23/13
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away."

Review:

If you've been following Turning Pages for a little while now, than you know just how much I love reading, and writing about what I'm reading. (Well, DUH LISA! You're a book blogging!) But you should also know that I've had a little bit of a rough patch this last month or so, with school and life in general. I'm taking four classes, working part time, and dealing with everything else the universe is throwing at me.

When it came to reading, I needed something to distract me, something that would completely grasp my attention, and take me away from all the stresses in life. And when I decided to finally pick up The Selection, I had no idea that it would do just that!

After enjoying The Selection as much as I did, even with all the doubts I had before hand, I knew the only thing I could do was marathon The Elite and The One. It was almost unbearable having to wait until the next day to finally get started on The Elite.

The selection began with a total of thirty five girls, but now there are only six left, known as the elite. America is the lowest caste still in for the running, competing with twos, threes and fours. With only a hand full of girls left, time is running out. Aspen is now a guard in the castle, Maxon is confessing his love, the competition between the girls is getting ugly, and the kingdom is being attacked by the rebels.

I thought The Selection had a lot of things going, The Elite completely blew me out of the water.

Even as things were getting tough, not only in the big decision America had to make, but also with the rebellion and the competition, she remained the same person I adored in the first book. She didn't let the pressure of any of the things going on around her, change her. America kept the same morals, and knew exactly what she was fighting for.

I wish I could go into more detail about The Elite, but there are two factors that are preventing me from doing so; I don't want to give too much away to those of you who haven't read The Selection, and I don't remember if specific details happen in The Elite or The One, because I devoured them both in two days.

(I know, I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself!)

Overall, The Elite was an amazing installment to The Selection. Not only did we witness a different side to some of the competing girls, the king and queen, but also to how the country is run. So far this series has become something much more than I could have ever imagined when it was compared to the Bachelor. I'm still SO happy that I decided to pick them up!

This Week's New YA Releases!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

It's Saturday, which means it's time to take a look at all of the amazing books that are being released within the next seven days! I'm excited to say there are quite a few that I've been dying to get my hands on!

If you're interested in any of the titles below and want to read more, click the link and it will take you straight to it's Book Depository page.

Paperback:

Gasp (Visions Series #3), by Lisa McMann.

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless, by Liz Czukas.

Scowler, by Daniel Kraus.

My Chemical Mountain, by Corina Vacco.

The Future We Left Behind, by Mike Lancaster.

Red, by Alison Cherry.

Bracelet of Bones, by Kevin Crossley-Holland.

Of Beast and Beauty, by Stacey Jay.

Sleeping Jenny, by Aubrie Dionne.

The Feral Child, by Che Golden.

Hardback:

Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms Series #3), by Morgan Rhodes.

Zodiac, by Romina Russell.

Princess of Thorns, by Stacey Jay.

Suspicion, by Alexandra Monir.

King Dork Approximately, by Frank Portman.

For Real, by Alison Cherry.

A House Without Mirrors, by Marten Sanden.

Boundary, by Heather Terrell.

Little White Lies, by Katie Dale.