Independent+Novel+Study+1


 * Birth Marked**
 * By: Dhanisa Modi**
 * p.g. 1-73**

Part of why I selected this novel was because of the book's cover. It looked dark and lonely, and I really wanted to know what made it so dark and lonely. The main reason for my selection of novel was because the way the author described the book was enticing, and once I read a certain text out of the book, I knew I that was the book I wanted. Also, I didn't really see many books I would enjoy on the shelf, and had already read the books that sounded interesting to me. I'm really glad I chose this book because the plots are carefully laid out, one after the other, and I can't stop reading or thinking about the book.
 * Why did you select this novel?**

The setting of the novel is sometime in the future. The novel could be happening anywhere, and all i know that could maybe help me find out where the story takes place is that they're near a dried up lake. There are two ways of life people are living in the novel. They're either living a life without any wants or needs with the Enclave, or a life of poverty outside the walls of the Enclave.
 * What is the setting of the novel? Is the setting important or could the novel be happening anywhere? Why? **

The first, initial, problem faced by the main character is that her parents are taken away by the Enclave for questioning. That is the problem that leads to all the other problems and plots in the story. I think Gaia's (the main character's) parents are taken because they want something from them, not just for questioning as it is mentioned in the book. I'm sure there's more to the book then what it says, as is foreshadowed.
 * What is the initial or first problem faced by the main character? **

The first link in the chain of problems that are being caused now is how the Enclave wants the first three babies born every month for themselves, from every "sector." The book doesn't mention why yet, but this is connected to Gaia and her family because her mother is the midwife in their sector who delivers the babies, both from the mother, and to the Enclave. Also, Gaia's two older brothers were given to the Enclave, so that might have something to do with the conflict too. When Gaia's mother manages to get a note to her through the Enclave that asks her to destroy something, Gaia decides to go rescue her mother and father, or at least see them one last time. An important detail to add is that when Gaia's parents are taken away, she meets Captain Grey, a soldier who for some explainable reason she likes. Next, she meets someone who knew her parents somehow and who can get her into the Enclave, so with a little bribing, Gaia manages to get inside the Enclave through a secret passage way. Inside the four walls of the Enclave, she sees her mother at an execution. Gaia is horrified wen she sees the woman who is being executed is pregnant, and decided to save the baby, since she is an official midwife. When someone finds her with the dead woman and baby. whom she managed to save, he calls the authorities. Gaia tries running away with the baby in her arms, but is cornered, and thinks she is doomed, until mercifully, someone shouts "Hold fire!"
 * Summary:**
 * (of what I've read)**