My Beginning

This book is told through the eyes of Ivory, a sixteen-year-old girl who has lived her entire life within the walls of an institution. The institution is one of many supposedly set up to protect those within from a worldwide plague. She and all of the other surviving children live a strict, mundane life full of tasks and responsibilities -- forbidden to go outside, congregate or look at the opposite sex. Despite the uncompromising atmosphere, Ivory manages to pique the interest of the only boy who did not grow up in the institution, creating a love affair neither of them expected. Multiple secret meetings take a turn for the worst when they are caught and severely punished, but through unexpected circumstances they find themselves on the outside. After being taken in by a community of healthy humans, Ivory and Arian have to come to grips with the fact that they¿ve been lied to their entire lives. There is a lot more to the world than they could have ever imagined when they learn of a war and lifelike machines that threaten humankind. Ivory faces many unexpected challenges, and, ultimately, it is up to her to save Aidan and the world she has grown to love.