Bumped (ARC)- Megan McCafferty

Read as part of Dystopian February.

Synopsis:

"When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents must 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 search 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 convince Melody 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 New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable."


Summary:

So if you have been following my blog, you'll know that I posted about a contest for an Advanced Reader's Copy of Bumped by Megan McCafferty, which I can now say I was lucky enough to have won. Thanks so much to Megan McCafferty, HarperCollins Publishers and the host of the wonderful contest over at http://bibliophilebrouhaha.blogspot.com/

I received the book in the mail today and read it all so here are my thoughts.

Now, I read a lot of dystopian novels. Dystopian lit, especially YA Dystopian books are my absolute favorite. Generally however, they involve corrupt governments or large plans of rebellion, and Bumped is not like that at all. Bumped is a book that could almost take place today if a virus struck that made almost everyone over the age of 18 infertile.

In this book a pro-pregnancy culture arises. Teens if they are lucky enough can score a contract to give birth to babies in exchange for a fully paid college tuition, or a car, or a 6 figure bonus. Those who are less lucky become amateurs, getting pregnant and taking bids after the baby is born.

The two narrators of this story, Melody and Harmony begin from very different places. Melody has been raised to be the perfect surrogate, Harmony has been raised in a church community which condemns such acts.

While I wasn't always a huge fan of  how preachy Harmony was, I liked seeing her own secrets and thoughts revealed as the story went on. I also liked seeing Melody's transition from perfect daughter and surrogate to a teen who wants to take control of her own life.

As I am not a fan of shows like 16 and Pregnant or Teen Mom, I was perhaps a little less interested in reading about all the pregnancy aspects of this book. However, I did enjoy the character growth and interaction and thinking about my own views on teen pregnancy.

Definitely an interesting read. I'll be excited to read the sequel when it is released.

Bumped will be released on April 26, 2011.

Rating: B+


Other Recommended Reads:
The Declaration Trilogy by Gemma Malley
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Matched by Ally Condie