This was the first Metzger's book I picked up and despite the catchy and interesting blurb I couldn't really connect to it. It might be that the book just isn't for me or that the author's style doesn't suit me but...I just, I hate to give it bad rating re: stars but...

The description of this book really grabbed my attention. Getting pregnant unexpectedly might be difficult for anyone, but how much harder might it be for someone who had transitioned to living fully as a man? <i>Bump</i> provides an answer to that question, and it’s not easy to read.

A loving couple is at the center of the story, but I wouldn’t consider this a romance. The real focus is on how David processes what’s happening to him as his pregnancy advances. Not being trans myself, I have no idea what it’s like to experience gender dysmorphia. However, the author does an uncomfortably good job of conveying David’s horror as his body inescapably reminds him that he is still biologically female. David’s mental struggles worsen throughout the pregnancy to the point that he feels suicidal, and that part also feels painfully realistic.

The love shared by David and his partner Ryan does provide a counterpoint to all the pain. That love isn’t a solution to David’s skin-crawling feeling of his body being wrong or his suicidal thoughts or his inability to connect to his newborn son after giving birth. Ryan’s unconditional support does give David moments of respite, however, that help him hold on until he can finally go back on hormone treatment. Those small moments of peace and joy between the two of them provide relief to the reader, too. And, finally, the epilogue echoes the opening of the book in a way that highlights how happiness can follow suffering.

So, given how dark my description of the story sounds, would I recommend <i>Bump</i>? Definitely. It’s a powerful book, especially for those of us who will never experience gender dysphoria, and well worth reading.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Matthew J Metzger is a fabulous writer who can always bring readers right into the homes of his characters, feeling like we are in the midst of the emotions they are experiencing. "Bump" starts with an established couple, and we don't spend the first few chapters in pursuit of a relationship. Details of their lives are revealed later in the book, and readers piece together their story as more is shared.
I really appreciated that both main characters come from minorities underrepresented in literature, and we come to understand the daily trials they must face. If anything, maybe "Bump" can inspire more empathy and compassion in our world.

*4.5 stars*

Bump by Matthew J. Metzger was a very powerful book, and one that I shouldn't have started late at night. I thought I might just read a few pages, but then I actually couldn't put it down. I stayed up for hours reading, and I'm still thinking about it today. Powerful.

Trigger warnings: homophobic and transphobic language, references to suicidal thoughts and depression.

I've read a number of Matthew's books in the past and have enjoyed them all, but Bump felt different to me. For one, it's a romance... but not totally a genre romance. The book has an established couple in it, and while we do get a lot of their relationship and all of it's complexities in the story, the focus of the book is centered around David and his personal journey through pregnancy. And there is no sex content at all, just an FYI to readers.

The story is both straightforward and complicated. I can't even imagine what David went through in this story, and what pregnant trans men have to go through if/when they get pregnant. The dysphoria felt so real and so well described that I started to feel uncomfortable in my skin.

The plotting of this book is perfect. The book moves so well and the writing is so fluid that you will have a hard time putting it down. I've read a number of books that haven't grabbed me recently, and this was a book that grabbed me and didn't let me go.

I loved that we had two POC MCs and one in a wheelchair. It took me a little while to figure out those details as they aren't explicated stated at the start of the story, but the diversity of this book was very lovely to read. I loved the fact that David's partner was in a wheelchair but none of the story centered around any difficulties that he faced, though we get to see him struggle through some aspects of his physical therapy and recovery. It was all about David, and that really worked for the story.

At times, Bump was difficult to read, but I found it to be an extremely rewarding, balanced story. There is angst and pain, but there is so much more. Though I don't have much in common with David, I found myself relating to him and I felt a small hint of what it was like to be in his shoes. Matthew J. Metzger created something powerful with this story.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

One of the things Matthew Metzger does with considerable aplomb is shine a light on often misunderstood and underrepresented topics through his diverse fiction. Here, he deals with issues such as gender dysphoria, homophobia, transphobia, suicide, disability, mental health and interracial couples, issues that many of us are destined to never properly understand. These are just some of the themes explored in this book and many of his others. Using fiction as a device to impart important messages is certainly an age-old concept, but Metzger updates its use to include matters that are prevalent and relevant right now. David and Ryan have a mountain of hate and misunderstanding to overcome, and you find yourself getting behind them, hoping they can make it through. The author manages to get his message across without becoming preachy and creates a necessary contrast between the darkness of the plot and the lightness and fun some of the characters bring.

Not only does it explore important topics, but it weaves said topics amongst a credible and interesting fictional tale. Well, written, compelling and informative, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It felt very much like a perfect marriage - between the fictional aspects and those that aim to highlight the adversity and hardship the LGBTQIA+ community face in the real world. Not everyone reads non-fiction, so this is the ideal method to reach those people. It also lacks the sickly sweetness of some of the other titles that address similar issues, and I appreciated that authenticity is present throughout in the sense that the novel portrays the struggle and the discrimination that those individuals have to face, often on a daily basis. In my opinion, as Bump illustrates beautifully, love is love no matter who you fall for. I will most definitely be reading more of this author's work, and I urge anyone who would like to know more about the suffering these minority groups/communities face to pick up a copy.

Many thanks to NineStar Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.



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Ein tolles Buch!
Die Darstellung der Schwangerschaft kam mir (als jemand der viele Mütter kennt, aber nie selbst schwanger war!) Realistischer als in den meisten mainstream-Büchern und Davids besondere Problematik hat mir einen vollkommen neuen Blickwinkel sehr nahe gebracht.
Tolle nicht eindimensionale Charaktere und ein flüssiger, angenehmer Schreibstil runden das Bild ab.

This was an amazing story! It starts strangely, as I felt like I was missing tidbits of information that I should have known. For a while I wondered if this was a sequel. Eventually details are given and a deeper picture of the characters is revealed.

It was heartbreaking to read about the lack of understanding and love Ryan’s own family showed him. I know these things happen I just don’t comprehend them. How can you not love and accept your child? All for deciding who they love?

David’s past was also hard to read. His coming to terms with his transition and the plight of his brothers. Thankfully he had the support of his mother who was a hoot. The decision to carry the baby took such sacrifice, that there tells you the parent he will be. The stress of the pregnancy, delivery and aftermath were very realistically portrayed. Marianne, Ryan’s ex, really stepped up to the plate and endeared me to her.

There’s a lot to think about here and this one will stick with me for a while. I would highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and NineStar Press, LLC for a copy in exchange for a review.