Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Book: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Published by: Balzer + Bray, April 26th 2011

Genre: Young Adult

Format/pages: Hardcover 336 pages

Format read/Source: eGalley via NetGalley

Date read: March 21 2011

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

My Thoughts:

Bumped is a different sort of dystopian book. It has a biting sense of humor, original slang and fast pace that sets it apart.  This fascinating dark comedy addresses issues such as teen pregnancy in a unique and interesting way that is relevant to today’s world.

The premise is that in the future a virus has caused everyone over the age of 18 to be infertile. Couples need to hire teenage surrogates in order to have a baby. Teens are in high demand for their fertility and exploit this for monetary gain. One such teen is 16-year-old Melody. She is hoping to “bump” with a desirable match for a couple to earn money for college. Melody finds out she has an identical twin sister named Harmony who suddenly shows up on her doorstep. The sisters couldn’t be more different. Harmony was raised in a strict religious upbringing and wants to save Melody from her conception contract and help her lead a more sin-free life. Melody wants Harmony to go back home and let her live her life as she sees fit.

At the surface both Melody and Harmony are over the top characters that fit a certain stereotype. Melody is obsessed with getting bumped, her image, and trying on fake bumps. Harmony comes off as a satirical religious fanatic. But once Melody’s arranged conception match, the infamous Jondoe, comes into the picture, we find that there is more substance beneath the surface.

The book touches on such hot-button themes as teen pregnancy, religion, consumerism, and the media and provides much food for thought. Relationships between friends, sisters and family are also explored. Once I got used to the slang the story really clicked for me. The world building is well done, and the story provides an interesting commentary on the world today. The ideas are even scarier because it’s easy to imagine the world headed in this direction.

Recommended for fans of Young Adult looking for a unique, smart and satirical read. Bumped is the first book in a series.

For More Information:

Amazon | Goodreads | Megan McCafferty’s website

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11 thoughts on “Bumped by Megan McCafferty

  1. Lydia K says:

    Fertility issues in dystopians are interesting to me. Thanks for the review!

    1. They are interesting to me too. The fertility issues in dystopians are scary, yet realistic.

  2. Great review, I really enjoyed this book, but felt it could be very controversial. One would need to keep an open mind while reading.

    1. Definitely agree! Bumped is likely to be controversial. Glad you enjoyed it.

  3. cmcraig says:

    I have this book waiting for me on Net Galley and I just LOVE the premise. Have you read Delirium? Which would you say to read first for my dystopian fix?

    1. Delirium is one of my favorites this year, so I’m curious to see what you think of it. It is totally different than Bumped, which is light and satirical. Delirium is more romantic and heavy. The writing is as gorgeous as Before I Fall.
      I think the Bumped galley will expire soon with the publication date coming up next week.

  4. nlmars says:

    I JUST got this from NetGalley, and am excited to read it now.
    Dystopia is my favourite genre, so I’m super glad that there are all these dystopians coming out this year! 😀

    1. Awesome! Can’t wait for your review. I love the dystopian trend too.

  5. […] Bumped by Megan McCafferty (thereadingdate.wordpress.com) […]

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