~Winner Announcement - an ARC of "Wither" by Lauren DeStefano~

Before I announce the winner, I want to THANK every one who decided to participate in this giveaway/contest. I thank you for your participation, and for all your answers. It seems "Emma Roberts" is the front-runner in the race, and I think she would be a pretty good choice. I also liked the suggestions of Lyndsay Fonseca and Saoirse Ronan.  Personally, when I envisioned "Rhine", I envisioned her to be a girl who was not just beautiful, but also tough - very tough and determined. So I imagined Chloe Moretz from "Kick Ass" - I mean, that girl is a badass, and now that she has grown and gotten to be more feminine, I think she would be PERFECT for the role, what do you think? 

I honestly wish that I could get each one of you a copy this book - but since I haven't struck gold in my backyard yet, I have to pick a winner.

And the winner of the "Wither" Giveaway is:

***drumroll***

Ash of "Typing Tiara"

 

Ash has been emailed, and if she doesn't reply within 48 hours, I will choose another winner. The rest of you, please don't fret - I am already planning another giveaway. Again, I am so sorry for those who did not win, happy for the winner who did, and infinitely gracious for your participation as well as for your support. THANK YOU!!! :)

~Sunday Stew - May 29th, 2011~

Sunday Stew is a Weekly Meme hosted Here at Books Devoured

Bookmark of the Week

                                                          (Front)

 

                                                               (Back)  

As you may all know (or for those who may not), my Uncle Paul passed away earlier this month, on May 8th, 2011. It came as a huge shock to me, even though I have borne the brunt of the death of a loved one, never before had it been family. Unless you count my grandmother who passed away in 2011 when I was still in high school, but she was a grandmother. When your middle-aged Uncle passes away, the experience is beyond surreal. My heart breaks every time I think of him - every time. 

Death provides rest to the sick and weary, but unrest to those they leave behind. It hurts SO much that I took my time with him for granted. That I never told him he was just like a father to me, how much I loved him, or ever really thanked him for being an amazing person and for making my family happy. I never got to tell him how badly I wanted him to dance at my wedding, although I knew it would make him terribly uncomfortable. I never learned how to make that Salmon the way he made it, he could make anything taste heavenly. Or have him help me decorate my first home because he had such fantastic taste in interiors, and really had an eye for beauty. How badly Adeel and I wanted to take care of him and his spouse in their old age.  I feel like a part of my past is gone, but it hurts even more that a part of the future that I planned is now missing.  I would give an arm and a leg, literally, to see him and hold him just one more time...but I'd give my LIFE for his spouse to be able to see him and hold him one more time, if I feel this way, I can only imagine...

But every time I see this, it reminds me that he does continue on in all of us - our thoughts, our fond memories and in all the wonderful things that he's done for us all. Don't be surprised if there aren't very many more bookmark mentions in the coming weeks, guys. I think I'll need to hold onto this one for a little while. 

Around The Web:

The "Splash Into Summer" Giveaway Hop is underway, hosted by the ever generous I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Page Turner's Blog. There are close to 300 blogs participating (another show of generosity from the amazing blogging world!), and there are lots of prizes, so try your hand at luck, you never know the outcome. I had wanted to participate in this blog, but due to being emotionally drained, I wasn't sure I'd be up to handling the responsibility, so I desisted. I have yet to participate in a blog hop, but I really want to. I have decided I am going to learn how to use those Google Forms, and save a bit of money and definitely participate in the next hop. One must always "Pay It Forward". 

Also, I'd been perusing Goodreads the other day, and happened to be stalking chance upon author Sarah Jio's page. She happens to be the fabulous, and extremely sweet author of the new novel "The Violets of March", which is being hailed as quite the read by many. I've been almost obsessed with the book since I read the synopsis so I've been stalking vehemently keeping an eye on Sarah's page. Recently I found out that she is hosting a sort of giveaway for her friend Camille Noe Pagán who is the author of the upcoming release "The Art of Forgetting", which is another novel that looks absolutely fantastic. Sarah was giving away 5 signed copies of "The Violets of March" for whoever pre-ordered Camille's "The Art of Forgetting" and emailed her the receipt. Needless to say, I acquired a copy by way of pre-ordering my copy of TAoF. I mean, it would be silly not too - I was getting two books for the price of one, and both books I would MOST DEFINITELY want to get my hands on! Anyhow, there is only ONE SIGNED COPY of "The Violets of March" left - will you be the lucky one? Even if you don't indulge in this offer, I implore, beseech, no...BEG you to make sure to check out both the books (just click on each book below) because they really are going to make for excellent reading! :)

Around Me: 

Okay, so there is a lot happening currently. I am really excited to announce that I'm going to be doing an interview with an extremely talented, and immensely inspiring, author named Tymothy Longoria. The interview will appear in a few days on the blog, and you'll get to know this amazing aspiring author a little better. He is a source of motivation, inspiration, comfort and faith for me every day - and I am sure that when you come to know him, you will be astounded by him, as well. You can find him on Twitter or Facebook. 

Also, other than the interview, I may be missing in action for the most part of the week. But I assure you that after Friday of this coming week, I will have more time to spend with you guys. However, as my friends (not followers), I feel like I have an obligation to inform you guys that I will probably never be a blogger who creates posts every day, or regularly. I began blogging as a form of self-expression, and for sharing my love of books and everything else with others - but above all, because I wanted it to be a fun outlet. And if there is one thing I am not willing to compromise, it is just that - I will not become an automaton blogger, but I promise that I will continue to bring you pertinent content, and posts that are always going to be well thought out, and infused with my love for books (or other interests) and my love for you guys! :) That being said, I'm currently hosting a giveaway for an ARC copy of Wither , if you're interested, do check it out. Also, I wanted to thank Shannon for continuing to do the "Sunday Stew" post, and for bugging her to continue to do it although there are very few of us who participate - she's been a REAL sport through all this, and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to her! :)

With this, I conclude yet another intensely LONG Sunday Stew post! Thank you for reading, feel free to leave me any comments/feedback you may like. I wish you a blessed rest of the week, and that you'll continue to visit! :)

~Giveaway: "Wither" (ARC) by Lauren DeStefano~

  Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1) by Lauren DeStefano

So I recently reviewed "Wither" by Lauren DeStefano which has been hailed by many as one of the best Dystopian and/or Young Adult novels of this year. I was completely desperate to read this book, and was lucky enough to win an ARC of the novel (Thank you Rachel of Parajunkee Book Blog) - and at the same time, a dear friend (I love you Angela - my Reading Angel!) also sent me a copy of the ARC, so I suddenly had not one but TWO (ARC) copies of an amazing novel! 

And although the novel has debuted, and I dearly encourage you all to buy yourself a copy, I really wanted to giveaway my extra ARC of Wither, so I am hosting this giveaway - ESPECIALLY since the blog has finally hit 100 Followers *Yay*. 

Giveaway Rules:

 

1) You must be a Blog Follower (either via GFC or a Confirmed Email Subscriber). Make sure you leave a valid email address for me to be able to contact you in case you are chosen as a winner.

2) You must leave a comment on this post about which actor/actress you think ought to play Rhine (or any/all of the characters). Even if you have not read the book, and are not familiar with the characters - you can read my REVIEW here and choose whichever actor/actress comes to mind. There's NO right or wrong answer - just get creative! :)

3) Giveaway is open to US and Canada only. (Sorry my International friends - I love you guys, and I promise I will try and make the next one International!)

4) The contest closes at 12:00 AM PST Friday June 3rd, 2011. Winner will be selected using random.org on Saturday, June 4th and winner will be notified by email.

 

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Legal Disclaimer

1. I am not responsible for items lost or damaged in shipping or items shipped from 3rd party sponsors. 
2. Winners are chosen using a random number generator based on the comment number.
3. Any cheating or misuse of information, or harassing of other parties, or bullying of any sort will not be tolerated. Please respect the blog owner and all participants and/or followers.  
4. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me from the time that I email them - if they do not respond, another winner will be chosen.

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Details

Title: Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date : March 22, 2011
Available to order here: Amazon / Book Depository / Barnes & Noble 


Synopsis

Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings. 

My Review

I rarely ever gush over the beauty of a cover in a review, let alone begin a review with it, one cannot help but be in complete awe of the book cover of "Wither" - which is precisely the reason why I needed to comment on it. One cannot quite decide if it's the beautiful features of the girl in the ravishingly beautiful gown, the contrast of the charming caged bird which tells a story in itself, or the interesting geometrical graphics that adorn the cover - but you cannot help but be drawn into the book, like it has magnetic qualities, from the moment you set your eyes on it. 

But as beautiful as the outside of the book is, the world contained within its pages is as equally dark and disturbing. A world where girls as young as thirteen years of age are kidnapped from their homes to serve as "wives", and later as human incubators for babies that the rich and wealthy so that their progeny is assured to continue and their lineage preserved. Why do these drastic measures have to be taken? Because in this futuristic world, where babies were engineered for perfection - the side effect that ensued from this genetic alteration is that the females of this society die at age twenty, while the males only survive till they're twenty five. The only people safe from this genetic preponderance for death over life are the ones who were born before these genetic experiments took place.

Rhine Elery is part of this dark and difficult future, and traverses it day by day as an orphan with the help of her brother Rowan who she is extremely close to. When sixteen year old Rhine is kidnapped to become the bride of Linden along with two other girls, Cecily and Jenna. Despite being plucked from a world of mediocrity and and thrust into the lavish world of the "Vaughn" household, Rhine finds herself lamenting for her freedom, and her brother.

Upon arrival at the Vaughn household, Rhine is met with Rose who is Linden's dying wife, and strikes up a fast friendship with her. Her sister wives Cecily and Jenna each have their own perspective about their captivity. Young and red-haired Cecily has no qualms about her captivity and is glad to have been rescured from an orphanage and having landed into a world where she wants for nothing. Her naivete, and her constant need for attention, results in her always remaining at a distance from her other two sister wives. Jenna has resigned herself to her world of captivity as the only family she had has met their demise, and her past is a murky shadow that she cannot return to - but she is determined to never let her captor win her over. Rhine's husband Linden is a young and sensitive man, but one who is completely oblivious to the way in which his wives were acquired, and seems to live in a constant haze of ignorance created by his father, Housemaster Vaughn. Housemaster Vaughn has sheltered his son from everything, and treats him like a puppet - all the while intimidating and coercing his wives into submitting to Linden. Also, he has a covert lab facility in the basement that is a constant cause of dread for his daughters-in-law, as well as the staff of the house. Housemaster Vaughn is the real problem and without his consent not a leaf can blow astray in the wind around the household, and the more Rhine interacts with him, the farther away she wants to be from him. And last, but not the least, there is Gabriel. The only person in the "Vaughn" household that Rhine truly feels a connection with - someone who seems to have lived his entire life in captivity, and become comfortable with it, yet seems to be the only person who truly makes Rhine feel free even within the walls of her cage. 

"Wither" was, undoubtedly, one of the best books I've read so far this year. I cannot wait for "Fever" (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #2) to come out. Lauren DeStefano's writing is superb, with many a lilting phrase in the novel to make you truly appreciate the sadness and starkness of Rhine's world. The Dystopian novel is charged with emotional intensity, does a great job at exploring the emotional roller coaster that Rhine experiences. Will she allow herself to love Linden, who seems to genuinely care for her yet is so naive and sheltered? Or will she fall for Gabriel, who is also complacent in his captivity, but who seems to be the only person she can allow herself to feel vulnerable and free with? Will she see Rowan again? Will she ever be free? How will she survive in this Dystopian world? I assure you, "Wither" is a book that is sure to please, and will be a trilogy that is sure to become a huge success. Read it - NOW!

My Rating : 5/5 Stars

Special Announcement: Please return tomorrow for a chance to win an ARC of Wither by Lauren DeStefano. I happen to have been fortunate enough to have received two ARC's of the book - and I wanted to share my fortune with someone. So make sure you return to the blog tomorrow to enter! :)

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book as a prize for a contest won, I was not compensated monetarily, or in any other way, for my opinion. The opinions stated in this review are solely mine, and are not representative of views of the author, or publishing company, of this book.