Anyone who knows me is probably quirking an eyebrow, and asking, “Heather, are you ok? Aren’t you the same girl who wants a chili-pepper rating on Adult books and cringes/giggles whenever books discuss ‘nipples tightening’? Aren’t you the gal who adamantly proclaims the gloriousness of YA-lit for it’s relative PG-13ness?” Yes, I am that girl. I probably will always be that girl and I’m not ashamed of it.
To be honest, Bumped caused me a lot of inner turmoil. I wasn’t sure how to rate it or what to think. What it came down to is this: It made me deliciously uncomfortable, completely captivated my attention for the better part of a day, and left me thinking about our world and our twisted attitudes towards sex, social media, and teens, and for a novel to do that makes it not just a good book, but a true work of art.
First of all, you have to consider the genre. In my opinion, Bumped has been miscategorized. I don’t believe it’s a dystopia at all. There are some elements of dystopian literature, I suppose, but it’s more accurately a satire. Once I began to accept this, I much more readily saw the novel’s message. I was able to see its value and understand where the author is coming from.
The story is set in a futuristic world where teens are valued for their fertility because adults cannot have children. Mainstream culture, Melody’s POV, sees teen pregnancy as a major money-maker and pregnant teens are celebrities because they are “saving the human race.” There is propaganda supporting this worldview. Even music and branding back up the sentiment that being a pregnant teen is a good thing. The other side of the coin, is Harmony’s POV–the “Christian” perspective. It is not the Christianity that I myself practice and therefore I bristled (we’ll talk about that in a bit). I hate stereotypes and let’s face it, in the novel it’s really more like an Amish perspective with less grey.
At first, I was doubly offended. I was offended by the off-hand comments like being “Born to Breed…Do the Deed” which is one of the slogans from Melody’s world; tweens wearing fake baby bumps; sex being nothing more than “bumping.” I was also offended by the misrepresentation of Christians and by the way it made my own abstinance as a teen and young adult seem ridiculous and outdated–please no comments about this, I was saved a lot of heartache, I didn’t get any STDs and it was my my choice. As I gave the book a chance and got further into the actual point behind the story, I realized it was meant to offend. Both Melody and Harmony’s perspectives show that they are not happy in their circumstances. They don’t think it’s right. In fact the worldviews of both sides are used to show their absurdity. Sex for sex’s sake is not glamourized. Teen pregnancy, though glamourized by the culture, is not glamourized by the characters. Christianity is not completely written off either. In fact, Bumped actually calls for more of a middle ground. It shows a need for our world to not be so flippant and obsessed in our views of sexuality and celebrity and for Christians to not be so out of touch with our modern culture that we become ineffective.
As in any good satire, the story was meant to point out the flaws of our society. Hmmm…too much sex, too much social media, marketing our vices as big business, marketing our vices as good for the country…sound familiar? Not yet? How about these examples? 16 and Pregnant. Anyone? Facebook as far away as the nearest smart phone? Porn available in two clicks of a mouse? Magic Mike? Fifty Shades? Must I go on? We are an over-sexed, over-gossipped, over-mediaized (yes, I just made up a word…on a blog…about too much media…I see the irony!)…you get my point. In short, this fabulous novel does what it sets out to do and makes the reader uncomfortable enough to question his/her worldview and that is, in no way, a bad thing.
That said, Bumped is not just a mocking of society at large, it is a story after all and a well done one at that. I fell in love with Melody and Harmony and Zen. Even Jondoe was interesting and NOT a cardboard cutout. I would love to see more characters in the next book, but the lack of adult involvement is part of the point. It’s possible to “parent” long-distance…meaning from all over the world…in the society of the book. Yeah, scary, I know. I loved the dual perspectives and the depth each gave to their conflicted, contradictory, yet amazingly similar worldviews. The dialogue and inner monologues were ironic and terrifically hilarious. It is lol funny and smh shocking. 😉
Overall, Bumped is unputdownable, hilarious, and makes you think. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Thumped.
DISCLAIMER: Not recommended for younger or immature teens based on mature language and sexual discussion and the potential for complete and utter misinterpretation by younger teens. This is a great book to read WITH your teen and discuss the incredibly relevant issues handled satirically in this novel. Also, Christians (and I’m including myself in this), give this a chance…read the WHOLE book before casting judgment and keep your mind open. It’s a unique perspective and it is satire, keep that in mind.
Author: Megan McCafferty Title: Bumped Published: April 26th 2011 by Balzer + Bray Series: Bumped (Book #1) Format: Hardcover Website: www.meganmccafferty.com Source: Library
Happy Reading!
Hehe!!! So glad you liked it!!! I absolutely loved it! It was funny, hilarious and the satire parts were perfectly placed. Glad you gave it a chance although you were a little confused in the beginning!
Thanks for reading! I’m glad I gave it a chance too! =)
Fantastic review, Heather! I have this on my Nook but haven’t gotten to it yet.
Thanks! Hope you love it!
That first paragraph? Yeah, I think I may be your long lost twin. How old are ya? I’m 30. Brown hair, green eyes, about 5’7. Ringing any bells? Lol! Just kidding. But I am the EXACT same way. I get embarrassed when I am reading certain scenes even when I am alone in my house by myself. People have been trying to get me to read Fifty Shades of Gray, so I let me sister lend me her copy. Yeah, I skimmed some of it. Not touching that book with a ten foot pole. Anyway, Bumped sounds really good. It may be one that I can get through. Thanks for your review!
Aww twins, that would be fun! Unfortunately, I am only 5’4″ and I have Brown eyes. Fraternal twins perhaps. ;).
Yes, I think this would be a good one to try. :). have fun and thanks for commenting!
Great review! Bumped sounds really, really good. I’m glad you gave it a chance
Misa
Skyway Avenue Reads
It was a really fun read. Thanks for commenting!
although i liked the idea behind ‘bumped’ i had problems with really getting into it… i don’t know why, but i can definetily understand why you liked it… maybe i should reread it again… did you read the sequel??
greets
Kat
Maybe it just wasn’t for you? I have had books like that. (For example, I didn’t like Anna and the French Kiss and most people do) I haven’t read Thumped yet, but I’d like to eventually. Thanks for commenting!
What’s interesting is when a novel can insightfully comment and criticize a lot about our culture and society but in a way that makes you care about characters and a completely different world. Sounds very intriguing!!
It is definitely intriguing. LOVED reading this! =)
I’ve heard such good things about Bumped and I really wanted to read it when it first came out, but, I just couldn’t get into it when I tried. Your review (and a few others) make me think maybe I’ll give it another try~ it’s been months since I tried to read maybe I’ll have better luck this time.
Fabulous review!
It took me a bit to get into it too. I think I had this look on my face the ENTIRE book: O_o Then it ended and I was like…I really don’t know what to think…I think I’m in love with this book…I think I hate this book…no, I’m in love…no I hate…love…hate…love…love
=)
I want to read this book. It sounds so interesting.
Oh it’s interesting alright! 😉
Thank you for the review! I’ve never heard of the review until I read the review and it definetly brought insight!
Awesome! Glad I could introduce you to something new!