The Beginning of Everything

Schneider, Robyn. The Beginning of Everything. 2013. 335p. ISBN 9780062217134. Available at FIC SCH on the library shelves.

When Ezra Faulkner’s car gets hit by a black SUV that then drives off, it shatters not only his perfect life but also his dreams of being recruited to play tennis in college. However, this personal tragedy is only the beginning as Ezra discovers that there is more to life than being at the top of high school’s social pyramid.

Having made the Eastwood High varsity tennis team as a freshman, Ezra rose through the rank and became the captain by his junior year. He started dating the most popular girl, Charlotte. But when he found her with another guy during a late school year party, he stormed off and consequently got into his car accident, ruined his knee, and spent the summer going to physical therapy and wondering why his friends did not come by.

But Ezra believes that everyone must face a personal tragedy. His best friend in elementary school, Toby, had the misfortune to be in Disneyland for his birthday party at age 12. He had the misfortune to sit in the rear of the Thunder Mountain ride. Because, when a Japanese boy stood up in the front and was decapitated, his head landed in Toby’s lap, and Toby acquired instant pariah status as that kid who caught the head. That incident also beheaded Ezra and Toby’s friendship.

Now, at the beginning of his senior year, there’s a new girl at school who is unlike any of the other girls at Eastwood High. Cassidy Thorpe is witty, clever, and dresses differently. A transfuge from a boarding school in San Francisco, Cassidy used to be on her school’s debate team. Ezra is instantly attracted to her, and Cassidy is also attracted to him.

With his sports life in tatters, Ezra joins the debate team, and begins spending time with Toby and his friends. His old friends, his old life, and his old girlfriend still hover in the background, but with Cassidy’s help Ezra comes to see that there is more to life than playing sports and getting in a local state school to play tennis. The world has so much to offer, now that Cassidy is in it.

However, all is not well in their relationship, and Cassidy also has demons in her closet. Since, according to Ezra, everyone suffers a personal tragedy, Cassidy’s must have one too, but her secrets may spell the end of their relationship.

Fans of Eleanor and Park will love Ezra and Cassidy’s growing love for each other and the obstacles life puts in their path.