Friday, May 20, 2011

Jen Reviews 'Bumped' by Megan McCafferty



Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Published: Balzer + Bray, April 2011
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Can you imagine a world where birth control didn't exist?  A world where condoms are illegal? (and yes, you read that right).  In Megan McCafferty's world of Bumped that is the case.  Cause: A virus has made everyone over the age of eighteen infertile.  Effect:  Teenage girls are the most valuable members of this society.  They are paid to 'bump' with a teenage boy until they get pregnant.  Some girls even have agents and these girls are professional 'bumpers'.  It's expected that you will be pregnant at least once while in high school.  If not, hello outcast.

I thought this book was so creative and well thought out.  McCafferty creates her own futuristic language and slang, as well as some new technology gadgets.  At first, it's a little confusing but as the book progresses its like you use the terminology in your everyday life.  One of my favorite things about Bumped is the different pregnancy/bumping jingles.  Really, they're hilarious.  I'll give you two examples: "Do the deed.  Born to breed" and "Went forth and multiplied.  Fightin' the omnicide".  Imagine you're in your car listening to the radio and one of those jingles comes on.

Melody and Harmony are the two main characters.  They are identical twins who have recently found out about each other and have just met.  The two sisters are as different as night and day.  They grew up in two completely different communities with completely different values.

Melody was raised in Otherside.  This society has masSex parties and agents that scout out good talent for you to "bump" with.  Harmony grew up in Goodside, a place where arranged marriages still occur.  The book takes place in Otherside but when Harmony talks about Goodside it reminds me of an Amish community.

It did take me a few chapters to pick up the slang McCafferty uses but I thought it worked well with the setting.  For some reason I was reminded of Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century with all of the slang. Please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers 'Zetus lupetus!"

Overall I really enjoyed this book.  It's definitely a new spin on the influx of YA dystopian books that have been popping up lately.  I can only imagine what Jessica Darling would say about a society that promotes teenage sex and pregnancy.

12 comments:

  1. There are great posts on your blog. My friends referred your blog to me. Looks like everyone knows about it, just me, until now. Keep sharing. Take care.

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  2. Aaahh zetus lepetus!!! So great. Oh Raven Symone. What happened to you?

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  3. As a side note, I am totally going to try to bring that phrase back now.

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  4. Everyone is reading this lately but I'm afraid the slang will actually bug me cause it does in Uglies and Pretties.

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  5. This book sounds really good, I'm definitely checking it out! :)

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  6. I'm excited to read this one! The premise sounds interesting.

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  7. i remember Zenon! Lol such a fun memory!

    I've had my eye on this book even though it's not even close to what I would normally pick up. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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  8. Finally, a positive review! The past few reviews I have read on Bumped had claimed that it was "okay." To me it sounds so extremely interesting. You have given me hope that I will like this book once I get the time to read it. And no you are not the only one, I totally remember the Zetus Lupetus days!
    -Katelyn

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  9. Ahaha Zenon! I loved those movies."Zoom zoom zoom make my heart go boom boom my supernova girl"? Anyone? But I loved your review! I will def have to check this one out! One question: how explicit is it? I mean it's a YA but obviously bumping is not some Eskimo kiss here...

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  10. This book sounds facinating! It's a really interesting idea,

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  11. I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers Zenon! The slang and gadgets seemed similar to what was in the Zenon movies.

    Jenny: I've never read Uglies or Pretties so I'm not sure how much slang is used but their is quite a bit in Bumped.

    Amy, Meg, JP, and Anna: It really is an interesting book. A lot different than I was expecting, but in a good way. Definitely give the book a chance.

    Katelyn: I hope you like the book!

    Lizzie: I loved that song and Protozoa! The book isn't too explicit. Obviously sex is implied and some characters do 'bump' in the book, but its not graphic or anything like that.

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  12. I thought Ms. Mcafferty did a great job capturing the voice of a teenage girl getting Bumped. Both girls were different, unique, but also the same. She also did a great job of capturing all the drama that comes with pregnancy,. The girls talking about birth, giving up the child, etc. All of it was out there for everyone to see.

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