Birthmarked

//Birthmark// by Caragh O’Brien

At the heart of this story is Gaia Stone, a teenaged assistant to her mother, a local midwife. The story opens with Gaia's first unassisted delivery, and also her first delivery to the Enclave. The Enclave is the gated community, with all things regulated, including the requirement for the first three deliveries a midwife makes in a given month, to be "advanced." It is supposed to be an honor, but how many mothers would be happy to give up her child based on when in the month she delivers? When Gaia's parents are arrested and imprisoned in the Enclave, her eyes are opened to the situation that those outside the Enclave are in, and the truth of what goes on inside the Enclave. Gaia is an incredibly strong character, and the things she accomplishes by sheer will are amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels, or who is looking for a strong heroine. It's appropriate for middle school and up. Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton, NH

I'm not able to finish reading this in time, but I really like it so far and I plan to finish it. The writing is very good and the world is well-developed and believable. Caitlin, Bedford Public Library