Melissa ~ Bantering Books's Reviews > We Begin at the End
We Begin at the End
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A month has passed since I turned the final page of Chris Whitaker’s glorious novel, We Begin at the End, and I can’t shake the memory of it. It’s a monkey on my back, ever present in my mind, refusing to leave me be.
And I don’t want it to leave me be.
Because the novel changed me. It reshaped me. Whitaker’s tragic story of thirteen-year-old Duchess and her five-year-old brother, Robin, caused me to reshuffle my priorities and be more present in my own life. And for this, I will be forever grateful.
I know the novel is not flawless. It certainly has its critics. Duchess is a bit overwritten, and the depiction of both children is not always age appropriate. The supporting characterization feels a bit flat. I also found it difficult to immerse myself in the California setting, and I would lose my sense of place when the story shifted back to the West Coast from Montana.
But my quibbles are insignificant in comparison to the novel’s beauty. We Begin at the End is masterfully written with stunning, literary prose. The mystery at its core is complex and surprising, and the story, while emotionally devastating, has moments of warm humor and hope.
I sobbed. I laughed. I sobbed some more.
And then I hugged my two boys. Tightly. (To their grumbling dismay.)
Because Duchess and Robin – these two kids broke my heart. Even now, my eyes burn for them as I write this.
For the unfairness of their lives. For their pain. For their resilience and strength of spirit.
For Robin’s undying optimism and willingness to try, try again. For Duchess’s selfless, protective love for her brother.
Mr. Whitaker, thank you. I have been touched, profoundly, by your words and your story.
Bantering Books
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A month has passed since I turned the final page of Chris Whitaker’s glorious novel, We Begin at the End, and I can’t shake the memory of it. It’s a monkey on my back, ever present in my mind, refusing to leave me be.
And I don’t want it to leave me be.
Because the novel changed me. It reshaped me. Whitaker’s tragic story of thirteen-year-old Duchess and her five-year-old brother, Robin, caused me to reshuffle my priorities and be more present in my own life. And for this, I will be forever grateful.
I know the novel is not flawless. It certainly has its critics. Duchess is a bit overwritten, and the depiction of both children is not always age appropriate. The supporting characterization feels a bit flat. I also found it difficult to immerse myself in the California setting, and I would lose my sense of place when the story shifted back to the West Coast from Montana.
But my quibbles are insignificant in comparison to the novel’s beauty. We Begin at the End is masterfully written with stunning, literary prose. The mystery at its core is complex and surprising, and the story, while emotionally devastating, has moments of warm humor and hope.
I sobbed. I laughed. I sobbed some more.
And then I hugged my two boys. Tightly. (To their grumbling dismay.)
Because Duchess and Robin – these two kids broke my heart. Even now, my eyes burn for them as I write this.
For the unfairness of their lives. For their pain. For their resilience and strength of spirit.
For Robin’s undying optimism and willingness to try, try again. For Duchess’s selfless, protective love for her brother.
Mr. Whitaker, thank you. I have been touched, profoundly, by your words and your story.
Bantering Books
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Reading Progress
Comments Showing 1-50 of 90 (90 new)
message 1:
by
Holly
(new)
Mar 21, 2021 07:25AM
looking forward to your review!!
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Stacey wrote: "I was torn on this one. Cant decide if I should read it.
Hurry and finish it. :)"
Ha ha, Stacy! Well, even though I'm not very far into it, I already know that you should read it. I don't think you will regret it. :)
Hurry and finish it. :)"
Ha ha, Stacy! Well, even though I'm not very far into it, I already know that you should read it. I don't think you will regret it. :)
I loved this one, Melissa, and I am also looking forward to your review, but am so happy to see your five stars for it in the meantime!
Cheri wrote: "I loved this one, Melissa, and I am also looking forward to your review, but am so happy to see your five stars for it in the meantime!"
Thank you, Cheri! I feel like I may start writing reviews again next month. If/when I do, I will definitely be coming back and writing one for "We Begin at the End." :)
Thank you, Cheri! I feel like I may start writing reviews again next month. If/when I do, I will definitely be coming back and writing one for "We Begin at the End." :)
Sue wrote: "On your recommendation I’ll get this😁"
I don't think you will regret your purchase one single bit, Sue. "We Begin at the End" is wonderful. :)
I don't think you will regret your purchase one single bit, Sue. "We Begin at the End" is wonderful. :)
Stellar review, Melissa. I’m glad you both cried and laughed and the characters stole your heart. ♥️
Wonderful review, Melissa! I can really tell how much this book meant to you, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! :)
Terrific review, Melissa! This is going to remain one of my favorites for this year. I agree, it was a wonderfully written story.
Beautiful review. I know this book holds a special place in your heart, and that definitely came across. xo
NILTON wrote: "Great review! And to think that I almost gave up!"
I know, Nilton. I actually thought of you as I was reading it. I was so glad you didn't give up on it because it's such a beautiful novel. :)
I know, Nilton. I actually thought of you as I was reading it. I was so glad you didn't give up on it because it's such a beautiful novel. :)
MarilynW wrote: "Wonderful review, Melissa! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this book, too."
Thank you, Marilyn! :)
Thank you, Marilyn! :)
Kat (Books are Comfort Food) wrote: "Stellar review, Melissa. I’m glad you both cried and laughed and the characters stole your heart. ♥️"
Thank you, Kat! I see that you've added "We Begin at the End." I hope that you respond to it as I did. :)
Thank you, Kat! I see that you've added "We Begin at the End." I hope that you respond to it as I did. :)
Sandra wrote: "Wonderful review Melissa- so looking forward to this one. Sounds a special read 💖"
Thank you very much, Sandra. "We Begin at the End" IS a special read. At least, it is for me. I hope you love it when you read it. :)
Thank you very much, Sandra. "We Begin at the End" IS a special read. At least, it is for me. I hope you love it when you read it. :)
Michael wrote: "Wonderful review, Melissa! I can really tell how much this book meant to you, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! :)"
Thank you, Michael! :)
Thank you, Michael! :)
Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill wrote: "I am so glad you loved it too! Love your review!"
Thanks, Kim! And I'm happy you loved it, as well. :)
Thanks, Kim! And I'm happy you loved it, as well. :)
Pat (not getting friend updates currently) wrote: "Excellent review Melissa, I love that you loved it so much 💕"
Aww. Thank you very much, Pat! :)
Aww. Thank you very much, Pat! :)
Zoeytron wrote: "Can't wait to read this one. Excellent review, Melissa."
Thanks so much, ZT! I can't wait to see what you think of "We Begin at the End." :)
Thanks so much, ZT! I can't wait to see what you think of "We Begin at the End." :)
Laurie wrote: "Terrific review, Melissa! This is going to remain one of my favorites for this year. I agree, it was a wonderfully written story."
You and I sure do have similar tastes in books, don't we? Thank you . . . and I'm glad "We Begin at the End" is one of your 2021 favorites, too. :)
You and I sure do have similar tastes in books, don't we? Thank you . . . and I'm glad "We Begin at the End" is one of your 2021 favorites, too. :)
Regina wrote: "Beautiful review. I know this book holds a special place in your heart, and that definitely came across. xo"
Thanks, Regina! I'm glad my fondness for "We Begin at the End" came across in my review. :)
Thanks, Regina! I'm glad my fondness for "We Begin at the End" came across in my review. :)
Jayme wrote: "Lovely review! Glad you found one which will stick with you! 💕"
Thanks so much, Jayme! :)
Thanks so much, Jayme! :)
Such a beautiful and heartfelt review Melissa! If I wasn’t convinced to read it before, I definitely am now! 😊❤️