1. Story: 
 Birthmarked was a splendid change of pace. It takes place in a vague, dystopian future, where the lakes have run dry and much technology has degenerated to medieval levels. A small population of technologically advanced, well fed, and privileged people live in the walled Enclave. 16 year old Gaia, midwife in training, grew up outside of the Enclave. As a midwife, Gaia is must "advance" the first three babies she delivers each month. This means that the first three babies are brought to the Enclave, where they will be placed in one of the families and adopted as their children-providing they are unblemished and whole. Gaia stood no chance of ever being accepted into the Enclave, as half of her face is marred by a terrible burn scar she received as an infant. Gaia envies the advanced children, and she doesn't question the Enclave's right to take them until Gaia's gentle, obedient parents are arrested. 
 2. Plot/Pacing 
 This book has an even, peaceful pace-no frenetic action sequences to make us think we're interested. Instead, the author relies on the strong, nurturing moral courage of Gaia. There are some twists on the typical dystopia. For example-all the people in the Enclave are not evil, but human-with full personalities, desires, and motives. Also, the reverence for life and the focus on pregnancy, family, and childbirth makes a tired genre fresh again. And Gaia's parents . . . their example and love is the foundation for Gaia's character. They were such a relief. 
 3. Characters 
 Gaia is smart, loyal, and nurturing. Her life skills, love for her parents, and ideals make her a believable and compelling character. Secondary characters, such as Gaia's parents, Leon (love interest), and Sephie (a doctor), are spare but layered and well drawn. Leon is a standout-a tortured young man with a truly terrible backstory. He is no drama queen, and his coping mechanism-apathy-can be chilling. The story behind his troubles is a brilliant plot element. Gaia and Leon's relationship is slow-growing and thoughtful, free of the melodrama, cliches, and third wheel present in most books of this type. Also, all of the characters were a mixture of good and bad qualities, ideals, and motives. This made the "heroes" worth rooting for, and the "villains," realistic. 
 To summarize: a quiet story with heavy themes and observations-highly recommended.