Bookanistas: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Plot without spoilers...Identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and raised in radically different environments--except for the fact that they both live in a world where a virus has caused people to become infertile around the age of eighteen.  Melody lives in a high-tech world where she has been contracted to "preg" for profit as soon as the right partner is found. Harmony was reared in Goodside where conceiving outside of marriage is considered a sin.  But, when Harmony finds her way to Melody's door, their beliefs and plans are forever changed.

Of literary merit...Megan McCafferty has created a fantastic lexicon for the world of Bumped, with words like "bumping," "neggy," and "fertilicious" blending so seamlessly into the text that it feels like the terms already existed.  She also creates a new addiction schema with "Tocin" and new virtual communication system with "MiNet" that feel frighteningly real.

Finally, just gotta say...The notion of arranged marriages and conceptions has become a fruitful (sorry, irresistible pun) subgenre of the currently popular dystopian YA.  Great read-alongside titles include Delirium by Lauren Oliver, Matched by Allie Condie and Possession by Elana Johnson.  Together, these books explore notions of individuality, the difference between love and friendship, and the challenges of holding power, be it through knowledge, fertility, or memory--fodder for important, compelling conversations among YA readers.  For me, the thing that makes Bumped a fascinating read is the uniquely wrought twin relationship and the terrific language.

What are the other Bookanistas buzzing about this week?

Elana Johnson celebrates A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie


LiLa Roecker adores Torn

Christine Fonseca is crazy about Cryer’s Cross – with giveaway

Beth Revis interviews Goddess Test author Aimee Carter – with giveaway

Carolina Valdez Miller delights in Texas Gothic AND Bad Taste in Boys – with giveaways

Jessi Kirby is giddy about Hourglass

Shana Silver fawns over Forever

Jen Hayley is hot for Wildfire

Matt Blackstone savors Something Like Hope

Veronica Rossi devours Bad Taste in Boys