The Beginning of Everything

The Beginning of Everything

book

2014, Teen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction

WISE
68%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Witty teen reinvention story with Gatsby vibes—just prepare for more sexual content than you'd expect from a book about tennis and philosophy.

Amazon4.4
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid contemporary YA with genuine wit and emotional depth. Schneider can write—the dialogue sparkles, the literary references land, and the journey from superficial popularity to authentic self-discovery feels earned.

The problem? Multiple parent reviews consistently flag that the sexual content feels gratuitous. It's not graphic, but there's enough off-screen sex and sexual discussion that it overshadows what could have been a cleaner, tighter story about identity and resilience. For 16-year-olds? Totally fine. For 13-year-olds? You might want to preview first.

The 'heart-wrenching ending' is real—this isn't a tidy happily-ever-after, which is actually refreshing but could blindside readers expecting typical YA closure. If your teen loved John Green or The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this hits similar notes: smart, funny, emotionally complex, with some mature content baked in. Just know what you're getting.

Age Fit

Best for 14-17 year olds who can handle mature teen content (sexual references, drinking). The emotional complexity and literary references reward older teens, but the sexual content makes it a harder sell for middle schoolers—though plenty of 13-year-olds read this level of YA.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
62

A coming-of-age story about identity and resilience after tragedy, with genuine emotional depth. However, multiple parent reviews flag 'unnecessary sexual content' that detracts from the core story. Features teen drinking (not by the protagonist) and off-screen sexual content. The emotional journey is authentic but the sexual elements feel gratuitous rather than essential to character development.

Imaginative
71

Schneider takes familiar YA tropes (popular kid loses status, finds authentic self) and adds creative flourishes—flash mobs, blanket forts, a poodle that might be Jay Gatsby reincarnated. The literary references (Gatsby, Catcher in the Rye) and witty dialogue show ambition. Not groundbreaking, but executes the contemporary coming-of-age formula with charm and self-awareness.

Safe
68

Standard YA content warnings: teenage drinking, off-screen sex, dating relationships. No graphic violence or gore. The content is age-typical for teen fiction but parent reviews consistently note the sexual content feels excessive for what could have been a cleaner story. A 14-year-old won't be shocked, but parents of 12-year-olds might want to preview. Emotionally, the 'heart-wrenching ending' could hit hard for sensitive readers.

Enriching
74

Solid exploration of identity, authenticity, and reinvention after trauma. The protagonist's journey from superficial popularity to genuine self-discovery offers real insight about playing roles versus being yourself. Literary allusions encourage broader reading. Kirkus gave it a starred review for depth beyond stereotypes. The 'heart-wrenching' ending (per Guardian review) suggests emotional complexity. Good for discussions about authenticity and resilience.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Smart exploration of identity after trauma—what happens when your carefully constructed life falls apart and you have to figure out who you actually are
  • Witty dialogue and literary references (Gatsby, Catcher) that reward readers who like their YA with some intellectual heft
  • Avoids flat stereotypes—even the popular kids and outcasts have depth and complexity
  • The romance with unpredictable Cassidy drives genuine character growth, not just plot
  • Tackles real teen issues: social status, disability after injury, authenticity versus performance
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What to Watch For

  • Multiple parents flag 'unnecessary sexual content'—there's off-screen sex and more sexual discussion than the plot requires
  • Teenage drinking appears (though not by the main character)
  • The ending is genuinely heart-wrenching—one reviewer warns to 'prepare' emotionally, so sensitive readers might struggle
  • Dating and relationship content is central to the plot

Conversation Starters

  • "Ezra had to completely rebuild his identity after his accident. Have you ever felt like you were playing a role that people expected instead of being yourself?"
  • "The book references The Great Gatsby a lot. What do you think Schneider is saying about reinvention and second chances?"
  • "Cassidy is described as 'unpredictable.' What makes someone a good friend versus someone who's just exciting to be around?"
  • "How would you handle losing your status or friend group overnight? What would you learn about yourself?"

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