The Effects of Kate's Birthmark in Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkle "'It's a birthmark,' my mother would say over and over again. 'A lot of people have birthmarks '" (p .44). In Jill McCorkle's Ferris Beach, Kate Burns has a birthmark. The presence of her birthmark makes Kate shy and awkward. It's her weak point, which affects how she perceives herself and others. Because of the attention Kate's birthmark draws to her face, she places great importance on appearance. Kate's stress about the way things look affects her relationships with everyone around her and especially the women in her life. For much of the novel, Kate's relationship with her mother is overshadowed by her relationships with Mo Rhodes and Angela. It is only when Kate is able to look beyond mere appearances and see these women clearly for who they are, that her relationship with her mother can begin to grow and develop. Kate hates her birthmark. Even more, he hates his mother's attitude towards his birthmark. Kate desperately wants someone to blame her birthmark on and someone to take pity on her. She "always wanted to say that if it was a birthmark it must be her [Cleva's] fault" (p.44). Her mother, however, is unsympathetic and explains, "I just want her to understand that she can't let this ruin her life; there are things we just have to accept" (p.48). Kate's mother tries to constantly remind her that things could be worse and that she shouldn't complain. But during her early childhood, Kate's craving hits her and it is difficult for her to accept it. Kate feels that her birthmark is an open invitation for others to hurt her. She becomes extremely embarrassed as she endures teasing from Merle Hucks and RW Quincy. Covering your face with your hand becomes an automatic reaction. Kate's attitude towards her birthmark and her attitude towards her mother become a source of tension in their relationship. He hates that his mother simply doesn't apologize for the birthmark. Kate begins to hate her mother for her lack of compassion and so seeks out other women to bond with. Mo Rhodes and Angela become substitutes to make up for the close relationship Kate lacks with her mother. Mo Rhodes is the epitome of a "cool" mom. When the Rhodeses move across the street, Kate is intrigued by Mo and overwhelmed by the chance to meet Misty, a friend her age..