Twenty Weeks [Kindle Edition]

Melisa M Hamling (Author)

Book Description

'It's his too, Maya! What if he wants it? What if?' The little voice buzzed in my head, and just when I was about to turn away and run out of the clinic, my name was called.

 
Sixteen-year-old, Maya Rockwell, has it all: a new set of wheels, straight-A grades, and Alex, a hotter than Hades boyfriend with the personality of an angel.

When her best friend kicks off the biggest party of the school season, Maya and Alex jump at the invite for some innocent fun, certainly not the drugs and predatory older crowd they confront.

Maya barely escapes with her life: hers and another new one. She thought she had the answers, but in one terrifying moment, she can no longer pretend to be ignorant.



WARNING: This is a mature YA. Contains descriptive scenes not suitable for younger audiences.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A sweet romance ... delves into controversial topics in a tasteful and convincing manner." - Rachelle Ayala, Author
 
"I recommend this book to every woman out there. This book is amazing!" - Wanda - Good Choice Reading - Book Reviews

"I HIGHLY recommend ALL Young Adults read this book, including the guys!" - LaurieHere- Contemporary Fiction and MORE - Book Reviews 

"I was at the same crossroads as Maya, so I could relate with her completely." - Brandi Pletcher, Reader

From the Author

2nd edition.              

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 577 KB
• Print Length: 263 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 061553015X
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005GIBK82
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,283 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Twenty Weeks by Melissa Hamling March 22, 2012

By Karen Doering

Format:Kindle Edition

"Twenty Weeks" deals with a very controversial subject. Since the other reviews have already discussed the subject and the storyline this reviewer will discuss the writing, flow and character development.

Firstly, I enjoyed the book as it dealt with teenagers and the difficulties they face. Ms. Hamling did a great job in defining her teen characters and how they deal with problems based on their lack of experience and maturity. Having two grown daughters and 3 granddaughters, one (17 year old) who lives with me I am well experienced with teenage girls.

The character development was very good and there was enough back story to understand how the protagonist makes her decisions and why. The secondary characters were filled out enough, for the most part, that we understand their interactions and motivation.

The dialogue between the teenage protagonists was believable and well presented. Although I felt a lack of development of the adult characters in both their dialogue and presentation and motivation.

The book flowed well and there was enough action to keep the plot moving forward and the reader engaged.

With likable characters, good motivation and well written dialogue and plot this book shows that Ms. Hamling has talent and should continue to develop as a writer. She has dealt with a controversial subject with care, warmth and understanding.

The only real complaint I would have was that the storyline deals with difficult, life changing events and seemed to minimise the real hardship financially, educationally and emotionally facing teenage girls and their parents.

Karen Bryant Doering

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Sweet July 26, 2012

By Alisha N. Bjornson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found this book to be a really sweet and fairly realistic account of a young girls struggle with what to do when she finds out she's pregnant at 16. I've noticed that some of the reviewers say that this doesn't take sides on the abortion topic, but honestly it really does. This book is pro-life and that is the main point of it. I really don't mind that because honestly I'm fairly pro-life myself, but others who feel strongly in their beliefs may find this book too controversial to them. I highly recommend it to anyone who is on the fence though, since I believe that it could help sway you towards being pro-life, which is obvious if you know anything about conception. I loved how the author made Maya's mother a NICU nurse who was always working to save premature babies, giving the story another vision. The fathers take is also fairly typical of men, he believes it's women's business and he should stay out of it, but he doesn't want any of the women in his life to make that decision. My father does this on the fence thing, and it really bothers me, since he's very pro-fathers in all other regards.

Anyways, beyond the pro-life agenda, there is a really cute romance between Maya and the babies father Alex. I found the drama to be realistic for what I know of teenagers, jealousy, drug use, sneaking around. At times the book did get a little too unrealistic, although it might be an honest portrayal of how a pro-life family would feel after they realize that they're daughter didn't get the abortion they thought she did. I think that my husband and I would be almost relieved like these parents were, but still sometimes they seemed a little too good to be true. The side story with Andrea was heartbreaking, and I had a really hard time reading it. Not because it doesn't happen, but just because it was really that touching. I couldn't imagine what I would do if a friend of mine went through all that.

I also loved how the author followed up, continuing the story a little bit after the baby was born, and even to the first birthday, and then to a small chapter of 5 years later when the Alex and Maya are married and expecting they're second child. It was nice to see that they actually made it work out. I think this story could be inspirational to girls and parents who are faced with similar situations. As a married mother, I know longer have to worry about this situation for myself, but it's always nice to know what the kids of later generations are facing. As parents it's our job to stay tuned in to the dangers and trends to protect them as best we can. Also I like to think that I could take inspiration from Alex and Maya's parents and make the best of a bad situation, although it would be very hard at first.

I think overall it sent it's message out strong and clear, and I hope it becomes popular and more teenagers pick it up and read it for multiple reasons, especially those who find themselves in a similar situation. A child really isn't the end of the world or the biggest mistake of your life, you can still make it a positive thing. As the older sister to a teenage mother, I can tell you from watching my sis, it's not always happily ever after life Maya got at first, but that doesn't mean those things don't come later. My sister has a beautiful 6 year old daughter, and is now married to a wonderful man who she has two more daughters with. It was more difficult for her, but through the support of our family, me, and a strong will she overcame the statistics and so can any other girl out there. I think this is where this book really shines, it doesn't idealize teen pregnancy, but it also doesn't demonize it so that young girls feel so guilty and worthless they end up making another mistake that haunts them.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When Life Hangs on a Single Decision September 3, 2011

By Clare Chu TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Such a cute story, yet hard-hitting and poignant. I love it! From the very first line to the very last word, this book will entrall you and drag you into today's teen reality. Maya and her boyfriend got more than they bargained by eating "candy" at a party. In a single moment, she is plunged from sweet sixteen to a series of heart-rending decisions and consequences.

The language is spot-on, and will have you laughing your head off one minute, and then screaming the next. You'll cheer, you'll worry, you'll cry, you'll rejoice. But one thing you won't do is put down this book.

Ms. Hamling delivers a tale that should be required reading in high schools. While spinning a romance, she manages to delve into controversial topics in a tasteful and convincing manner. She does not preach at you, but allows the reader to draw his/her own conclusions, whatever his/her viewpoint. You may not agree with everything every characters says or does, but she presents all sides fairly, even with the division between Maya's own parents. I cannot spoil it for you. But it will not be a book you'll soon forget.

More About the Author

Melisa grew up in Colorado and moved to 'the good life' in the latter half of her teen years, where she remained. She resides with her husband and three daughters. Her only son, Robby, named after his human father, is, of course, a cat. He refuses to acknowledge his furry background, and so continues to live as humanly as possible.

An extensive history in the healthcare industry has given her the honor to know and work with a variety of people, ranging from newborn to elderly.

Her true passion is writing, of course. She strives to write stories that have something to say, that speak to the heart--youth to aged and all things in between.