Book Review: Bumped

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.

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Wow. This book is intense. Really intense. After seeing a lot of reviews I thought I knew what to expect from Bumped. But honestly, nothing can prepare you for a story like this. Its shocking. Its exciting. Its frustrating. Its REALLY frustating. :P But most of all Bumped is the kind of story that sticks with you and makes you question the life that you live.

Neither Melody or Harmony are particularly relatable characters but Megan McCafferty is able to develop them in such a way that its hard not to get drawn into their story. I loved their progression from girls who just accepted everything about their life, to girls who discovered the truth and were willing to stand up for it. I can't wait to see what happens Melody and Harmony in the sequel!

Zen was by far my favorite character in this book. He was the only one that I didn't hate at least once during the story. :P I may be biased because he is half Chinese but honestly who wouldn't love him? He's the type of guy that would help little old ladies cross the street for the sole reason of being helpful! And I loved that fact that he was short. Yay for us people plagued with "insufficient verticality!!!" XD

Because this book is so filled with extremes its hard not to get annoyed with it. The religion is SO over the top its crazy. Then there's the societies sick obsession with teens getting "bumped" and having babies. That's part of what makes this book so frustrating to read. You know that its supposed to be over the top, but at the same time its hard not to take it seriously.

Megan McCafferty has written a book that will strike a chord with readers. Whether you love it, or hate it there is no question that you will remember Bumped. It's funny and lighthearted but it also examines some deeps issues in society. Bumped isn't your average dystopian novel and thats what makes it stand out. I give it 4 and a half out of 5 ice cream cones.

Not everyone is who reads Bumped is going to love it. Its controversial. It ask questions. It confronts you. But it also makes you think. Bumped may be full of extremes, but I think it is an extremely important book that needs to be read.

Julia :)