Author: Megan McCafferty
Genre: YA, Dystopia
Source: Netgalley, e-book
Bumped is the story of a world riddled with a devastating disease. Reproduction stops at age 18. Due to this disease, early teen pregnancy is not only trending it's a way of life...
This is definitely a YA novel. It's fast and easy to read. Unfortunately, I don't think that the YA format does justice to the satire the author was so obviously going for. Too many times events are glossed over to really make an impact. For example, one of the main characters finally sees and begins to understand some of the physical problems that can occur with teen pregnancies. She seems to be on the verge of changing her entire philosophy on life.......but is then distracted by her sister's drama to never mention the dangers again.
There are some interesting character arcs, but they too seem to happen to quickly. The conservative Christian character is shown that she can still be with God but doesn't have to go blindly. But then she makes a snap decision to go back. What? A girl who starts off all for the "bumping" process comes to terms with her own secret belief that she doesn't want to be part of the system. She's the knowledge and the ability to continue her growth in this new direction, but is then distracted by teen hormones and an out-of-date condom. (Which, btw, should totally not work and she'll still get pregnant......which might be a spoiler for future books.)
I can see where the satire is and what it is trying to show. However, I don't think this was the most effective way to tell this story. I wasn't rooting for any of the characters. The twists and surprises were telegraphed to the point of being so blatantly obvious I was hoping that the author would have chosen another direction.
On a side note, coming from the fact I work with girls who already think that it is cool to get pregnant in groups.....I really hope they don't read this novel. I feel this is definitely for adults who can think for themselves and see the satire for what it is.
