The Beginning of Everything: A Witty, Heart-Wrenching Contemporary YA Novel of Tragedy, Romance, and New Beginnings

"I still think that everyone's life, no matter how unremarkable, has a singular tragic encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. That moment is the catalyst--the first step in the equation. But knowing the first step will get you nowhere--it's what comes after that determines the result." So says Ezra Faulkner, the president of his high school's junior class and captain of the varsity tennis team. For Ezra, that tragic encounter is when his BMW is blindsided by a hit-and-run driver, leaving his leg shattered, his wrist injured, and ending any hopes of ever playing sports again. After spending the summer recovering from his injuries, he returns for his senior year of high school and everything is different--his girlfriend has found someone new, his friends have moved on without him, and he's not sure what life is like outside of the "in crowd." But after reconnecting with his childhood best friend, and being suckered into joining the debate team, he meets Cassidy Thorpe, an intelligent, beautiful, mischievous, and mysterious transfer student who was a legendary debate competitor at a rival high school before she disappeared, only to return as a student at Ezra's high school. She forces Ezra to embrace his intelligence and realize he needs to work for his dreams instead of expecting everything to be handed to him as it always has been. And as the pair's friendship turns to romance, Ezra realizes that Cassidy is the type of girl he has been looking for all along. Until the relationship suddenly sours for reasons he can't understand. I absolutely loved everything about The Beginning of Everything. Robyn Schneider did such a terrific job creating and giving depth to her characters and creating a plot that draws you in instantaneously and hooks you completely. Schneider's dialogue is tremendously intelligent and witty without being overly precious--honestly, if she thinks this way in "real life," I totally could see myself being friends with her. It truly is, as Kirkus said in its review of the book, "Here are teens who could easily trade barbs and double entendres with the characters that fill John Green's novels." This is a book about trying to figure out where you belong, even though you've truly known it all along. It's about being pushed beyond your comfort zone, being forced to believe you're more than you've always thought you were, and how important it is to find friends you truly identify with rather than feel obligated to be with to uphold expectations. And more than that, this is a story about not letting your life be defined by the adversities you're dealing with. I've said quite often how impressed I've been over the last few years with the outstanding quality of YA fiction, particularly stories that aren't dystopian in nature and/or don't include vampires, werewolves, angels, or others with superpowers. (Not that there's anything wrong with those books.) While The Beginning of Everything may be classified as a YA novel, it's equally as good as--if not better--than some "adult" novels I've read recently. Besides, it's not every novel that makes me wish I could relive my high school days with the kind of awareness and self-confidence that the characters in this book do!

The Beginning of Everything Book Review AG “Sometimes I think that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them...That everyone's life, no matter how unremarkable, has a moment when it will become extraordinary…” (Schneider 1). The Beginning of Everything is a novel that explores a young boy’s life that has been completely turned upside down. Ezra is a teenager that has everything going for him. For instance, he is the star tennis player, a jock, and dating the popular girl Charlotte. His world is suddenly changed when he faces one tragedy that affects him physically and mentally. Ezra feels as though all humans are faced with a tragedy at least once in their lifetime. Ezra’s traumatic event will never bring him back to the boy he once was. Tennis is now over for him and his reputation of a jock has now transformed into a crippled young boy. However, one day he meets the new, mysterious girl named Cassidy. Cassidy had been the leader of her former private school’s debate team. Hence, she is intelligent, confident, and unpredictable. Ezra does not realize that even Cassidy, the girl who is always seeking an adventure, has a traumatic past that she keeps buried beneath the surface. The Beginning of Everything takes you into the relationship of Cassidy and Ezra and the hidden stories that will drive them apart, but will help one of them discover who they truly are. Robyn Schneider’s novel is heart-wrenching, suspenseful, and worth reading. It is a book that focuses on new beginnings and accepting the past. The Beginning of Everything shows the readers that an individual does not have to remain broken, but can overcome any obstacle thrown at him/her. The book portrays the message of individuals being judged on their outside presence. Humans tend to view each other by the image cultivated in their own mind. Ezra looks at Cassidy as an intelligent girl seeking thrill and adventure. In reality, Cassidy is someone who is alone and does not seek a committed relationship. She feels as though any person she likes will leave and for that she refuses to get close with people especially the ones she loves. My sole criticism for the book, which may be the dealbreaker for some audiences, is that the plot is predictable. Hence, it contains many average stereotypes that teenagers and people in young relationships are categorized as today. I felt myself knowing the base of what would happen in the upcoming chapters without even having to read more pages. It was typical for the boy to fall in love with the girl. However, without thinking about all the stereotypes, the book has taught me and others many lessons about life. The Beginning of Everything is a well written novel that I would recommend for readers of all ages, but especially teenagers. The story is not the ending everyone is hoping for, but it is the ending that is best for the characters. The ending is for the readers to decide for themselves if the love story ends in a tragedy or a wedding. “Life is the tragedy,' she said bitterly. 'You know how they categorize Shakespeare's plays, right? If it ends with a wedding, it's a comedy. And if it ends with a funeral, it's a tragedy. So we're all living tragedies, because we all end the same way... “(Schneider 296). This conclusion, just like the book as a whole, was a realistic look into the lives of many young Americans today facing hardships.

Almost everyone has experienced that moment in their life, when they stopped to take personal inventory and reflect on themselves. Ezra's moment came in the form of a car accident. He had been BMOC: dating one of the prettiest girls in the junior class, class president, varsity tennis, honors and AP classes, with a BMW. When leaving a party at the end of junior year, a black SUV rams into his roadster and never looks back. When Ezra returns to school in the fall, he is left with a sense of identity theft. He no longer understands who he is or where he fits in. This was the beginning to everything, which would shape his character and help guide him on his path to self-discovery. I loved this book. It is filled with so many colorful and interesting characters. Ezra, our poor struggling narrator, who is trying to move on with his life and deal with the loss of who he thought he was. Cassidy, the mysterious new girl, who ignites a flame in Ezra, encouraging him to function outside of other people's expectations. Toby, his estranged childhood friend, who understands that our real friends are the ones who are there for us at our lowest points. This book was honest, funny, sad, tragic. I felt all sorts of emotions. The book is filled with philosophical musings, literary discussions, mock debates and heart-to-heart discussions. I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next and at the end, I wanted more.

This is my book club's July read, so I purchased it while it was on sale. It looked interesting enough, and even if it wasn't the one I had voted for, it was a close second. It started out pretty strong. I was quickly pulled into Ezra's world. This kid who pretty much ruled his school's entire life changed because of one thing. He's struggling to figure out who he is in the aftermath. When the book got to about 60%, I realized the only character I had any connection with was Toby. If everyone had one friend like him, the world would be a much better place. Ezra and Cassidy just never felt real for me, not that I disliked them. I felt no attachment. Nobody else stuck out to me as more than a background character. There's a lot of foreshadowing, so it's easy to pick up what is going on, if you're the type that doesn't like to have things sprung on you. It also takes away a lot of drama, so you don't have to worry about all the feels. Then there's the last 20%... I don't want to say what it is, because spoilers, but I almost stopped reading at one part because it was ridiculous and devoid of facts - in an offensive way. When I picked it back up, I almost immediately face palmed. It was kinda like reading a Nicholas Sparks novel, a whole lot of drama with no emotions behind it. I feel like the story does have a good message behind it. True friends don't abandon you when your knee gets smashed in. But it's told in a way that - I feel - tries too hard "not to be cool". Yes, this story is a hipster.

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider is a new adult book and a good one. The characters are interesting and the story is full of witty dialogs and is generally well developed and for sure not trivial. The writing style of Ms Schneider is quite good which is impressing since this is her first book. Overall the book will be to the taste of people who liked Hopeless by Colleen Hoover or The perks of being a wallflower. One may say that The Beginning of Everything is a book which is closer to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green than to Thoughtless series by SC Stephens (the latter is all about blushing and lip-biting...). The book is not exactly happy end romance. It is more about the problems that a young adult encounters and the decisions one may need to take if to become a decent person. All in all, if you seek for an interesting and entertaining book for young adults, this one is a good choice and you will not regret reading it. It may be even more interesting to young people than I can imagine (being 36 years old). Still a good read for the old dogs.

I guess I'm a sucker for happy endings. I like it when life works out in a neat little package wrapped in red ribbon and blue paper, and I find the warm, gooey center filled with sugar and jam. But sometimes life kicks you in the ass, staples your forehead to the living room carpet, and then swipes your lunch money. While it would have been easy to call this novel cheesy, and then add a bit of sap and honey for good measure, I don't feel as though that truly sums up THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING. Of course, if that's how you would like to view it, and then move on with your life, I can understand where you are coming from, and respect your decision. But I do think you have to dig a little deeper on this one, and pull out your backhoe (that you just happen to have lying around) instead of your shovel. When I did this, I discovered a world where Ezra Faulkner had a big head on his shoulders, and brushed off all the folks who could have helped him make a difference. But then his leg was shattered in a tragic accident, and he was forced to reinvent himself. Rather than crying over his iPhone, and watching House reruns, he got his crap together, and took the racket off his shoulder. And I respected and admired his decision. Cassidy Thorpe might have more than a few pairs of boy shorts and button down shirts in her possession, but she's beautiful on the inside and out, even if she has a slightly different perception of herself in the bathroom mirror. And, yes, I may have looked at her with a bit more than just fond affection. I sucked this novel up through a straw in three days' time, and the teenager inside of me (and all of us) was more than happy with my decision. The romance was beautiful and thrilling, even if it kicked me in the pants at the end, the dialogue was intriguing and spot-on, the pace proved to be both intriguing and interesting and just about right, and the characters were just odd and awkward enough to help me reminisce my high school years. If you'd like to rediscover your teenage self, then you might want to take a peek behind the curtain, and see what this particular book has in store for you. You might just be glad you did. Robert Downs Author of Falling Immortality: Casey Holden, Private Investigator

I picked this book up because Kirkus Reviews compared Schneider's characters to John Green's. And I adore John Green. I am so glad I did! The characters are very 3-D and jump off the page into your heart and your head. The story is about the evolution of Ezra Faulkner after a tragic car accident shatters his leg and his life. The golden boy suddenly loses everything that he thought made him, well, him. But what he discovers is that he never really was himself. He played the roles he was given, but he was just existing instead of living. There's fantastic humor woven in and there are a few tragic moments too. There are a couple plot twists I didn't see coming, and yet, when they came it felt like they were always meant to happen. The writing is extremely smooth and creates a very fast, compelling read. The ending was very satisfying. I look forward to more books by this author!

I will be rereading this book. It was a great story line. I loved how for once the teenagers in this book didn't talk like they were in their 30's and 40's or drop F bombs every other word. While there is some profanity, it's so minuscule that you barely notice. I LOVED how the mom was actually a mom and taught her son manners! I love how there was no ridiculously over the top sex scenes, in fact there is only a reference to one or two moments that are written nicely. I love how realistic it was because not every happy ending has to end the same way as every other book you read. This story had a bittersweet happy ending and it left you wanting to know more about what happens to everyone and yet satisfied for now. I really hope to see more from this author. So, if you're looking for a decent, clean book that you can feel good about reading, this is my recommendation.

Such a great read my daughter loves it. Thanks

worth for money

El envio llegó rápido y en perfecto estado. Muy recomendable. El libro en sí es para adolescentes, para un nivel intermedio-alto de inglés está bien para aprender.

Ich kann coming of age Geschichten eigentlich nicht besonders leiden, aber diese hat mich sehr berührt. Die Charaktere haben eine ungewöhnliche Tiefe und die Story entwickelt sich unvorhergesehen. Endlich eine Erzählung, die versteht und beschreibt, dass auch junge Menschen ein Schicksal haben - lesen!

Reçu rapidement et c'est un très bon livre qui permet de bien réfléchir sur soi même et les autres. Cependnant, le contenu était très mature et inattendu.