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.
From Goodreads.
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Release Date: April 26th, 2011
- My Copy: Received From NetGalley.
- Pages: 336
- Series: Bumped
- Genre: Dystopian Y.A.
- Author's Website
- Buy This Book:
 | Bumped |
*NO Spoilers
I have a feeling that the dystopian genre is here to stay, but overall, it seems to be a pretty grim genre. I mean, The Hunger Games anyone?
However, Bumped by Megan McCafferty falls under a more lighter header of the genre, that I had yet to encounter.Don’t get me wrong, Bumped is plenty creepy and it definitely makes me fear for the future, but it is a story told with more lightness than you might be used to finding in this genre.
Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and raised in two completely different environments. The twins' world is one where a virus has made anyone over 18 sterile and consequently created an industry of surrogacy and plain old pimping young girls and boys with the objective to procreate and prevent the human race from expiring.
Melody was raised to be a professional Surrogate and Harmony was raised religiously and believes in getting pregnant only with a husband and to create a family. These two couldn’t be more different, but you soon find out that they are not really what they appear.
I really enjoyed Bumped, but I had my misgivings. The specific lingo of this alternate world left me confused for a while and even though I’m not a huge fan of explanations, I felt some was needed.
I also have a problem with extremisms and both the Pro-Surrogates and Religious views in this novel were very extremists, so I liked two characters that at first might seem to conform, but then decide that it’s time to figure out what they are really about and fight for their beliefs.
I did really like Melody’s best friend and possible romantic interest, Zen, He was my favorite character!
If you enjoy dystopian novels, specially the Y.A. kind, I do recommend you check this one out. It has a very interesting and important social message that I feel any Young Adult would benefit from thinking about.
Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Week’s {April 24th} Theme for
The TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the left sidebar!
Giveaways:
Check Out My Design Blog:
Great Anti-Piracy Badge Up for Grabs!
*Great Freebies Available!
&
Sign Up for…
Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
I want to read this, Haven't been able to snag an early copy yet. Great review
I just reviewed Bumped this week and pretty much the same opinion. The lingo was tough to get past.
You are right that it's almost lighthearted in a way even though the world is horrifying to the reader. The characters didn't seem too upset by the whole thing (until later on of course)
Nice review.
@Stacy
Thanks!
@Karen
Thanks! glad I wasn't alone in feeling like this!
I also find Dystopian grim and didn't like the Hunger Games purely for that reason. I was interested in the satirical aspect of this one, a light hearted touch sounded good, but I've heard that the religious stuff was heavy handed and I do find extreme religious views off putting, so I'm planing to give it a miss.
@ tahlianewland.com
I did enjoy HG, but I understand your point!
the religious aspect is heavy handed, but not condoned actually... it was more disturbing then bothersome for me =D
For some reason I just could not get into this book! I so wanted to love it but the plot did not grab me. Nice review!
Interesting.
The dystopia genre is sometimes hit-and-miss for me.
I loved 'Hunger Games', but overall I don't actively seek out books that have such a dim view of humanity and evolution. I don't know why.
This cover irks me. It doesn't really convey the whole dystopia theme to me... I actually think the cover is a bit light-hearted? Or is that just me?
Great review, hon (as always!)
@Savy
I totally understand! Thanks!
@Danielle
i totally know what you mean! I dont actively look for Dystopian either, I havent read many at all...
I think the cover does want to give a lighter idea... just like the tone of the book... the cover does match the book's tone hehe
thanks luv!
I thought this books was really interesting - I was horrified by the world but yet I couldn't bring myself to put it down, I just had to keep reading:) I thought the slang was a bit much as well, but I'm hoping since I'm ready for it now, it will be less distracting in book 2. Really nice review Larissa!
Thanks for the review! I've been wondering about this one!
Have a wonderful week, Larissa!
I am so glad I do not live in a freaky Dystopian society. They are just so freaking scary
People seem to be really on the fence about this book, either they love it or they hate it... I am really intrigued by it all and want to read it (I mean, the premise sounds really unique). I loved hearing your take on it Larissa!
Thanks a bunch for the review!
I'm getting more curious and curious the more the book reviews are coming out. I like your balanced review. I've become curiouser still! :)
They said the book is available in Net Galley. But I have not found it yet. I am looking forward to read this book. I think I should read it so I can get why you get confused.
I liked the way you review it.