The Beginning of Everything

Robyn Schneider
61 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2013

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Book Brief

Robyn Schneider

The Beginning of Everything

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Southern California • Contemporary

Theme
Friendship

•

Grief

•

Guilt
Topic
Bullying

•

Disability

•

Education
First Publication Year

2013

Publisher

Katherine Tegen Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

930L

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Super Short Summary

In The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider, high school golden boy Ezra Faulkner experiences a life-altering tragedy after a car accident leaves him with a permanent injury, leading him to lose his social status and reevaluate his relationships. As he navigates his senior year, he befriends quirky new girl Cassidy and rediscovers old friends, while confronting personal growth and harsh truths. This book includes sensitive topics such as physical disability and emotional trauma.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Humorous

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

65,319 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything offers a compelling coming-of-age narrative with wit and emotional depth. Readers appreciate its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of high school life. However, some critics note that the plot feels somewhat predictable. Despite this, the novel's engaging writing and poignant themes make it a worthwhile read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Beginning of Everything?

The reader who would enjoy Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything likely appreciates young adult contemporary fiction with an emotional and thought-provoking narrative. Similar to the audiences of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park, they seek relatable characters, poignant themes, and a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

3.8

65,319 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Ezra is a tall, dark-haired, and athletic high school student who lives in a California gated community and faces life-changing events following a car crash. Known for his humor and sociability, he navigates high school life with his loyal poodle, Cooper, by his side.

Cassidy is the new girl at Eastwood High with long dark hair and unique fashion, who transfers from a San Francisco boarding school. She's a smart and mysterious force in Ezra's life, often seen riding a bike and breaking social norms.

Toby is a witty, articulate, and supportive best friend to Ezra, known for his retro style and dark hair. Captain of the debate team, he embraces his nerdy persona while driving an old burgundy minivan called the "Fail Whale."

Charlotte is a stereotypical popular high school cheerleader with coiffed blond hair and expensive outfits. She is known for her shallow nature and tendency to date the most popular boys, often mocking those outside her social circle.

Luke is a self-assured hipster who leads the Film Club and the floating movie theater. He is an arrogant and controlling figure within the debate team who struggles to accept Ezra into their group.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Southern California • Contemporary

Theme
Friendship

•

Grief

•

Guilt
Topic
Bullying

•

Disability

•

Education
First Publication Year

2013

Publisher

Katherine Tegen Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

930L

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