Handmaid's Tale/Margaret Atwood/311 pgs.

What once was the United States of America became the Republic of Gilead. In Gilead, women were divided into Wives, Marthas, and Handmaids. The story is told from Offred (as in Of Fred), a handmaid in the Commander's household. It is her job to become pregnant, turn the baby over to the Commander's wife to be raised, and eventually Offred will be disposed of. Offred, unfortunately, remembers life before Gilead existed. It's hard to believe that this novel is over 30 years old--there is so much that is relevant to today's world. Basically, it's a feminist's nightmare: women's main function is to procreate; women no longer hold jobs or have their own money; there is only one religion--and it doesn't favor women! It's a fascinating read, and terrifying in its possibilities. Highly recommended.