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Add Age Suitabilitygreen_hummingbird_85 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 11 and 20
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Add a SummaryC O'Brien explores the bonds of kinship in a deteriorating dystopian society that brings to a head many provocative themes, and forces us to ponder some difficult questions and even more troublesome answers. In Birthmarked, three hundred years into the future, humanity's survival depends on diversity. But the citizens of Western Sector Three don't know that. For countless years they have been sacrificing their select newborns to the Enclave for basic necessities, never to see them again. One girl will unravel the mystery and thrust these two societies into chaos.
Birthmarked was such a compelling read because it's chock full of substance. O'Brien's world is one of obedience. Where the technology, the advancements of a bygone era, hydroelectricity, computers, and the means to grow food are all controlled by the Enclave. Their rules are harsh and unforgiving to those that disobey them. Those outside the walls live a simple life, largely uneducated and have to supply...babies to the Enclave, unknowing that genetic defects are so prevalent within the upper gates.
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Add a CommentI was held captive until the end. No really, I actually read it in one sitting. It had a great dystopian setting that I so love, yet was different enough to set it apart. It definitely could have used some more backstory and fleshing out some details but it was pretty good overall.
I was captivated by this book till the end, it is really an amazing book
Thrust into womanhood and a demanding job (midwife) at sixteen, Gaia comes home from her first solo delivery to find her parents arrested and taken into the city she is not allowed to enter. Her job requires her to "harvest" her first three deliveries each month for the city people to adopt--but now she knows what it is like to lose a loved one. Then things get worse... A great book for teens, but also a lovely reminder for women of how hard it is to hold everything together when the world around you is being torn apart by forces too powerful to thwart.
I liked this book series. I could totally see this a movie.
"In a future world decimated by climate change, apprentice midwife Gaia lives along the shore of what used to be Lake Michigan, helping her mother deliver babies and making sure to "advance" the required three newborns per month to the exclusive, walled-in Enclave. Gaia is forced to infiltrate the Enclave herself after her parents are arrested as traitors, and though she finds help (maybe even love?) from someone unexpected, she also uncovers devastating secrets that shatter her understanding of her society. This intriguing, provocative thriller is the 1st in a trilogy that continues with Prized and Promised." Teen Scene March 2014 newsletter http://www.libraryaware.com/996/NewsletterIssues/ViewIssue/a2d2fecb-0036-4e36-bcd4-d3276847a40f?postId=2f01dac0-7358-4d12-879a-5d09c90eb51c
I thought this book was good. The characters I could relate to (not for everything, because obviously there are some parts in the book that I couldn't), although the beginning of the book wasn't as good for me as the middle or the end.
If you liked Hunger Games Trilogy you will love this trilogy also! Great writing. Keeps you guessing! There are also 2 short "in-between" books that go with this series also that I highly recommend!
Amazing book! I loved reading it and anyone else who reads it will enjoy it too!
INCREDIBLE BOOK!!! I highly recommend this book to fans of the hunger games, but I am positive that anyone would love it. Fascinating characters and an intriguing plot keeps readers hooked. Caragh O'brien is an author superior to all others. READ THE BIRTHMARKED TRILOGY! Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
a great read, i really enjoyed reading gaias story.