Reviews

A Beginning at the End: a novel of hope and recovery after pandemic by Mike Chen

dannycakez8808's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this story. Going through a pandemic now myself may make this read more relatable. It also was impactful since I live in the SF Bay Area. It was a realistic forward of what the world could like after experiencing the trauma of a pandemic. The characters were relatable and just trying trying move forward with life. I really enjoyed the characters and their unique back stories.

vsrkive's review against another edition

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this sounds so cool

clarisreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

joxertd's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

schmidnj's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced

3.75

kifkathleen's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

dianefw's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

pennym_'s review against another edition

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made it more than a quarter of the way through and its just not hooking me. however, in the aftermath of covid, it is hilarious to read about how people are "too afraid to gather" in this

alexdangerg's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

hc9's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was well-paced and refreshing. Prior to the rise of COVID-19, I read a slew of post/during-apocalyptic fiction in advance of a Tucson Festival of Books panel that I was set to escort the authors to and from (Mike Chen, Kimi Eisele, Chuck Wendig), and this stood out for sure.

The plot is well-organized and I enjoyed navigating this new world with such a developed group of characters. Though some could fall into stereotype (rock star that's moved on with her life, over-controlling dad-ager, precocious child), each of our central figures are complex beyond their immediate wants. Chen did a wonderful job subverting expectation, which can be a difficult feat in a genre that usually follows a predictable storyline.

The audio book was pleasant, as well. I switched between listening to it (download Libby by Overdrive if you have not done so already) and reading the hard cover. Though I'm sad that TFOB was cancelled, I am glad that it led me to this book and this author.