bestdressedbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I don't really know how to rate this because some of the short stories: I wished there was a longer version of them, and some I didn't actually enjoy at all and ended up skimming, so I'm going to have to sit in the middle I guess.
annie8782's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
A really good collection, thus book really showcases what Australian YA has to offer.
Some stories I liked more than others, but I'm not going to list them because every story had something unique to offer and I enjoyed them all. The theme of 'Begin, End, Begin' is shown clearly in every story.
I think this is a must read for all Australian readers of YA (and although I love many books, I don't call many of them must-reads, as they're not for everyone. So that really shows).
The only thing I'd say is that some stories had rushed endings- the authors are clearly used to writing fleshed-out novels, and having only a short space made it difficult for some of them. For the most part, though, they did really well.
A really good collection, thus book really showcases what Australian YA has to offer.
Some stories I liked more than others, but I'm not going to list them because every story had something unique to offer and I enjoyed them all. The theme of 'Begin, End, Begin' is shown clearly in every story.
I think this is a must read for all Australian readers of YA (and although I love many books, I don't call many of them must-reads, as they're not for everyone. So that really shows).
The only thing I'd say is that some stories had rushed endings- the authors are clearly used to writing fleshed-out novels, and having only a short space made it difficult for some of them. For the most part, though, they did really well.
always_need_more_books's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Harper Collins YA for sending me a copy of this book. This is a collection of short stories by Australian young adult writers. All were good stories. My favourites were probably One Small Step by Amie Kaufman which is set on Mars, I Can See the Ending by Will Kostakis, a love story where the boy is psychic and In a Heartbeat by Alice Pung about a teen pregnancy. Some good quality writing and some imaginative stories.
littleelfman's review against another edition
5.0
This is a delightful collection of short stories that really is a celebration of Australian YA and its diversity. There's some space travel, time travel, magic realism and clairvoyance, but there's also plenty of contemporary realism. But, running through them all there's the precipice of what next, where to now, and new beginnings. Personal highlights are Lili Wilkinson's and Jaclyn Moriaty but each one has its appeal. Love that there's two #AusQueerYA stories too!
fantine's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of short stories showcasing some of Australias best young adult writers, this easy to read anthology has something for everyone. There were a few real standouts that I wish hadn't begun, ended, so soon~
[a:Alice Pung|576550|Alice Pung|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492331365p2/576550.jpg]'s touching letter from a teen-mum to her unborn child, titled 'In a Heartbeat' left me in tears and with the warm fuzzy urge to call my mum.
[a:Jaclyn Moriarty|47290|Jaclyn Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1199066598p2/47290.jpg]'s witty and fresh take on time travel 'Competition Entry #349' just about had me cry laughing.
[a:Will Kostakis|2769254|Will Kostakis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1474237690p2/2769254.jpg]'s 'I Can See The Ending' was so so good, the story of a boy who can see his future and must decide whether to accept it, mistakes and all, left me wanting more.
From tour guides in space, to time travel, to navigating first kisses and first relationships Begin, End, Begin won't dissapoint.
[a:Alice Pung|576550|Alice Pung|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492331365p2/576550.jpg]'s touching letter from a teen-mum to her unborn child, titled 'In a Heartbeat' left me in tears and with the warm fuzzy urge to call my mum.
[a:Jaclyn Moriarty|47290|Jaclyn Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1199066598p2/47290.jpg]'s witty and fresh take on time travel 'Competition Entry #349' just about had me cry laughing.
[a:Will Kostakis|2769254|Will Kostakis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1474237690p2/2769254.jpg]'s 'I Can See The Ending' was so so good, the story of a boy who can see his future and must decide whether to accept it, mistakes and all, left me wanting more.
From tour guides in space, to time travel, to navigating first kisses and first relationships Begin, End, Begin won't dissapoint.
rhi's review against another edition
4.0
liked a lot! one small step; the feeling from over here; and; competition entry #349 = favourites. THE AUSTRALIAN REP THOUGH IM PROUD OF MY COUNTRY
readaroundtherosie's review against another edition
4.0
I really just loved the experience of reading this- coming back to some of my favourite Aussie writers (and discovering new ones) with new short stories to read is such a wonderful time. They're all so creative and fun!
kieralesley's review against another edition
4.0
A nice collection of #LoveOzYA short stories. Mostly sci-fi and contemporary with a lot of LGBTQI+ representation, these stories and voices really represent a good cross-section of unashamedly Australian voices.
My favourites were One Small Step by Amie Kaufman and Sundays by Melissa Keil:
One Small Step for creating an action-y story set on Mars with a lesbian romance subplot that creates such a complete story and world in twenty pages that I am in awe.
Sundays for perfectly capturing the feeling of being at a house party at that age. The petty drama, the feeling of walking around a house for hours, wondering what you’re doing here, running into or after your friends. Spending a hell of a lot of time in strange bathrooms, kitchens and front lawns. The connections between friends and being on the brink of new things and finding that scary, knowing that it won’t ever be like this again and not sure if you’re ready to leave. Off the strength of this I decided I need to read everything Melissa Keil has ever written, right now.
For a collection that aims to showcase the scope and quality of YA writers in Australia Begin, End, Begin delivers.
My favourites were One Small Step by Amie Kaufman and Sundays by Melissa Keil:
One Small Step for creating an action-y story set on Mars with a lesbian romance subplot that creates such a complete story and world in twenty pages that I am in awe.
Sundays for perfectly capturing the feeling of being at a house party at that age. The petty drama, the feeling of walking around a house for hours, wondering what you’re doing here, running into or after your friends. Spending a hell of a lot of time in strange bathrooms, kitchens and front lawns. The connections between friends and being on the brink of new things and finding that scary, knowing that it won’t ever be like this again and not sure if you’re ready to leave. Off the strength of this I decided I need to read everything Melissa Keil has ever written, right now.
For a collection that aims to showcase the scope and quality of YA writers in Australia Begin, End, Begin delivers.
avsfan08's review against another edition
4.0
Just a couple of stories I wasn't quite so fussed on that stopped me from loving it to bits. Enjoyed reading stories from authors I'm already a fan of, and trying out some new ones.
mouwuol's review against another edition
3.0
Loved some stories, hated some but overall, I liked it :)