Bumped

April 26, 2011 Uncategorized 5

Bumped

Author: Megan McCafferty
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Pages: 336
Series: Bumped, book one
Source: E-galley requested from netgalley


About the Book: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. 

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until 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 religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her 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. 


My Thoughts: So, yeah… this book was totally disturbing in the best possible way. The idea of encouraging teens to get pregnant just floors me. The idea that it is popular and that a teen would get press for it sickens me. I don’t watch television so I wasn’t really in the know about shows like “16 and Pregnant.” I honestly don’t really know what to say about it. I’m glad someone like Megan McCafferty does. She possesses the skills, style and creativity to create a world that reflects this. 


I have to admit, I was a bit confused in the beginning of the book. You kind of have to learn the lingo and get acclimated to the world. This wasn’t a bad thing, it just took me a bit to “get it.” Once I figured things out it was smooth sailing. I couldn’t put the book down! I was captivated by the society portrayed and the main characters struggles to figure out who they are and what they believe. 


Obviously much of the book centers around teen pregnancy. It’s not just a necessity for continuing the human race; it’s the cool thing to do. Society encourages it through ads, celebrity status, fashion, and more. It’s a bit ridiculous… and that’s kind of the point. Yes, teen pregnancy is the “issue” but it’s more than that. Bumped shows society’s obsessions in an extreme way. 


Megan McCafferty has written an intriguing and original dystopian novel. Once you’re immersed in world you won’t want to leave. If you’re not good with open endings you may want to wait for the next book to be released… there are a lot of questions left unanswered! 

5 Responses to “Bumped”

  1. P.E.

    Great review! I’m really interested in how the media makes teen pregnancy look okay. I have seen an episode or two of 16 And Pregnant but I found it a warning not to do anything like those girls. Sad but true.

  2. Nina

    Helpful review! I’ve of course heard the hype and positive feedback on this book, but your review has made me even more confident that this is a book I will have to read! Despite the open ending 😉

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