Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden
Review:
This dystopian Catholic YA novel by Theresa Linden is the first book in her Liberty series for older teens. This novel provides a fascinating look into a future world where religion has been eliminated. What I love about this book is the concept that God would still reach us and communicate with us even if we had never been told about Him.
The main character, Liberty, has grown up in a world void of families and faith. But she has been guided through her life by an inner voice she refers to as her “friend.” Until she is given an opportunity to live outside this controlled environment, she wonders if this inner voice is something she has made up.
Dystopian stories are always an interesting premise to think about. I love the Christian viewpoint that goodness, love, and faith will continue no matter what we might face. This is a wonderful read with plenty of discussion opportunities for older teens.
Summary:
In two weeks her vocation begins. She must find a way out.
Liberty 554-062466-84 of Aldonia grew up knowing that one day she, along with every member of society, must contribute to the greater good. She’s been measured, tested, and examined all her life, and now they’ve matched her to a vocation. They want her attributes—intelligence, beauty, health—to pass on to the next generation.
Life begins in the laboratory, making the family obsolete. Using top specimens, scientists create and implant only the best into the fittest women. Every girl in Aldonia wishes she had this vocation because of the alleged bonuses and privileges that come with it. But Liberty does not want to be a Breeder.
As the day draws near, Liberty is attacked. She’s about to lose consciousness when someone rescues her. She wakes in an underground facility, discovering a secret group that watches over Aldonia. Before they return her to society, she witnesses the rescue of a man scheduled for government re-education. They rescued him. They can rescue her.
Set in the not-so-distant future, Chasing Liberty is a young adult novel about a woman who wants to direct her own life, instead of having it controlled by the government. This novel explores the loss the individual faces when government is allowed to grow too big and reach too far. The traditional family is nonexistent. Human life loses value. The earth is elevated above man.
