Do stories start at the beginning?

Start at the beginning, work through the middle, and finish up at the end - that's the way to do it, isn't it? Whatever "it" may be. But do stories really have to start at the beginning?

I've heard a lot of writing coaches suggest we start with the middle - find out where the story's going then we'll know where it began; but of course, for the reader the story still starts at that newly and beautifully rediscovered beginning.

There are others who insist the published tale should start in the mi...