Chen, Mike--A Beginning at the End informal buddy read starts June 3, 2020

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen.



Synopsis
How do you start over after the end of the world?

Six years after a global pandemic wiped out most of the planet’s population, the survivors are rebuilding the country, split between self-governing cities, hippie communes and wasteland gangs.

In postapocalyptic San Francisco, former pop star Moira has created a new identity to finally escape her past—until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world on behalf of those too traumatized to go outside, determined to help everyone move on—even if they don’t want to. Rob survived the catastrophe with his daughter, Sunny, but lost his wife. When strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city’s eyes by connecting with people again.

Krista, Moira, Rob and Sunny are brought together by circumstance, and their lives begin to twine together. But when reports of another outbreak throw the fragile society into panic, the friends are forced to finally face everything that came before—and everything they still stand to lose.

Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

r

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

r

[Jenny]

Always so quick. Bravo. And thanks.

[Laura]

No problem:-)

[Laura]

Finished chapter 2

I'm listening to the audio book which is a first time for me during a buddy read.
(view spoiler)[
a little bit ironic that the book we could all access fairly quickly is a book that has a similar feel to our current world right now with some countries slowly coming out of lockdown /quarantine/isolation.

So far I'm trying to get a feel for the characters and am interested in what happens with Rob with his situation with Sunny his daughter. I am enjoying my brief listen so far. (hide spoiler)]

[MelanieJoy]

I agree with Laura - it's super ironic that we're reading this right now! "flu epidemic and subsequent rioting and looting"...

[Jenny]

I just took a few minute break from work, and read the first chapter. Wow. Topical.

[Stacey]

Ok. Yes, interesting start. Look forward to seeing what comes of it.

[Jenny]

Not much time to read today, I got about 50 pages in. So far so good. Creepy in the mirror to the real world right now. I do think I will like Rob. Kristi, I am not sure yet.

[Laura]

So many references to (view spoiler)[ "hand sanitizer" (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[ Well, we are doing better than the characters in this book... Rob's last flashback ---quarantine in cells with Sunny. (hide spoiler)]

[MelanieJoy]

Finished all of Strangers part 1

Good set up to the plot. Good character development and set up, can really understand perspectives and motives, and neat ways of connecting the 4 of them. Definitely eerie how our current society mirrors their prologue in some aspects.

One idea stayed with me about how the internet and technology resources broke down and it's not a resource that's as available as it used to be, which was in part a cause of the apocalypse. So, very interesting - coming at the post apocalyptic society from how the internet is a scarcity or is fallible.

Who you guys rooting the most for their story to play out the way they want it to? Rob, Kristi, or Moira? I'm a Rob fan currently but not of (view spoiler)[ the fact that Sunny believes her mom is still alive. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

I am done with Part 1 and a bit into Part 2.
So far, I really like this. I am totally rooting for Rob and Sunny. I agree about your Rob spoiler above though, Melanie.

I am still on the fence about the other two main characters. I am interested in them, but I am not sure I like them yet. Or dislike them.

The creepy Reunion Services thing is...wow. This new society is not one I think I would want to be negotiating. A bit too big brother trying to be benevolent.

[Laura]

I am also rooting for Rob & Sunny and agree with Jenny I 'm just not sure yet about the other two.

Are you all enjoying this so far?

[Jenny]

I am. The writing is comfortable and sort of welcoming, which makes the setting seem even more off key. If that makes sense.

[Stacey]

I just started chapter 3. I like it, it very much feels like it was written earlier this year. Maybe not, but so strange.

I am not sure how I feel about the Metros. The oversight and belief in a 'normal' family is a bit overwhelming, which I am sure it is intended to be. I'm curious about the other area (forget what it is called right now and can't just look up on audio).

I like all of the characters to an extent right now. None are perfect but all have some redeeming qualities.

[Laura]

Jenny wrote: "I am. The writing is comfortable and sort of welcoming, which makes the setting seem even more off key. If that makes sense."

are you reading and not listening? I am enjoying the narration of this audio book.

[Jenny]

I am reading. If I like it enough, I will get the audio later. I tend to listen to books at work, so it is easier to listen to something I have read before. Then I don't get angry at distractions like having a customer come in. Teehee

[MelanieJoy]

Laura, I'm also listening to the narration and I like it for this book. I typically don't do narrations for buddy reads either but I'm glad I did for this one.

The normal family thing was interesting - they say all types of normal families - they didn't care as long as you exhibited normal socially acceptable behaviors instead of being reclusive or things like that.

I agree, all characters currently have redeeming qualities but their interests will clash later it seems, so we'll see what happens. I don't trust any of Moira's and Kristi's friends/family though.

[Jenny]

I am about to start the Quidditch match, so I will not be reading this book over the weekend. Don't wait for me, I will catch up.

If you want to see the craziness that is Quidditch, the match is here...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Stacey]

Jenny, have fun in Quiddich! It looks intense.

I finished last night. Still deciding how I feel. The fact that it feels like it was written right now is eerie. Overall I liked it. I liked the themes and ideas but I felt like a few of them were, well, not subtle.

Look forward to hearing what the rest of you thought.

[Laura]

I'm getting closer, Stacey. I'm somewhere in part 3. I stopped last night because I should have been sleeping but then also I needed a break because it was so eerily similar to our current situation.


Ha, Go Jenny.... you and team are rocking it! Agree, that Quidditch is very intense.

[Laura]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ I actually liked the audio narration. I had to stop several times because it was just so freaking similar to right now it was a little crazy. Constant references to hand sanitizer, quarantine, face masks and then in part 3- 4 references to the "new normal".

I actually liked Rob and Sunny's story and how Moira and Krista connected to them but I didn't like Krista. Even hearing her back story didn't make me like her any better. I liked how Chen weaved the backstories of the three characters into this story.

I like the messages the books seems to be conveying:
1. lies will catch up to you! ( people tend to forget this one)
2. its better to help each other and try to be positive rather than negative ...Moira's character became more interesting once she took a stand and said she needed to help Rob

4 stars from me (hide spoiler)]

[Stacey]

Hope everyone is enjoying there current or upcoming reading challenge! I was curious if any of you would be interested in reading with me. It was on my list before current events, but I think it is even more relevant. I know that wait lists are probably long and I'm willing to wait if there is interest.

[Jenny]

Yes please. It looks good.

I am back to reading The Beginning, and should be done tomorrow.

[MelanieJoy]

I won't get that one any time soon but you guys go ahead.

Still working slowly through A Beginning and I should be done by tomorrow as well.

I have a few books I'd love to buddy read with you guys after you finish A Vanishing Half

[Jenny]

Which ones?

[Jenny]

I just got to the halfway point, and I need to find out what happens now, so I should finish soon as well. (view spoiler)[Does Moira get unmasked? I hope not!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Stacey wrote: "Hope everyone is enjoying there current or upcoming reading challenge! I was curious if any of you would be interested in reading with me. It was on my list ..."

I really want to read this book but I have a 23 week wait. Please don't wait for me.. that's a long wait. I need to get back to She Rides Shotgun. I suspect I 'll just start it over again and read it during Wheels!

[MelanieJoy]

I'm making a shelf for the ones I think would be good buddy reads that I haven't read yet.

Here are a few:



I also would love to read a few of the ones you suggested:

[Jenny]

I have read Mr. Penumbra and All the Birds. I loved the Charlie Anders book, and wouldn't mind rereading that one. The others look good too. I think the one I would be least likely to read (and might end up to be the best of course) is Dragonfly.

I'm good with any of those. How is availability for these with you guys?

[Laura]

I can get in two weeks or less.
Lillian at the end of the month and I put an inter library loan on that- I never know when they come.
I read the 24 hr bookshop.

[MelanieJoy]

Thanks Laura! Do you have a preference? I'm down to wait to schedule any of these. It sounds like is our best bet, and we can schedule it for right after Wheels begins? Stacey would you want to read one of these or wait until you finish the Vanishing Half?

[Jenny]

Stacey, do you have The Vanishing Half on loan or do you own the book? If you want to read it now, I will join you, as well as join the Last Equation. They both sound good.

Oh, and if none of you have read Lovecraft Country, then read it now!!!!!! Or at least before the HBO series starts in August. Go watch the preview. That book is SOOOOOOOO good.

[Stacey]

Jenny, I don't have it but was planning on purchasing an electronic copy so I can get it quickly or can wait while we read something else. I'm getting better at reading but can't keep up with you guys! I can sometimes read 2 at a time. I'm going to have to add Lovecraft County to my to read list as well!

I'm fine with the Last Equation, looks interesting.

[Laura]

Can't keep up? Course you can... you finished first. Gah, I'm still trying to read the last one. I put a hold on the Last Equation. With my library only just reopening I'm not sure when I'll get my copy. Can we try for 8-10 days from now?

[Jenny]

Works for me, Just let us know when you get it!

[Stacey]

Jenny if you want to read Vanishing Half before that let me know

[Jenny]

I am going to hit the bookstore tomorrow or Thursday, so if they have a copy I will grab it. If they don't I'll get it on Kindle. I will let you know when I go.

[MelanieJoy]

almost done with A Beginning at the End. Really intriguing book!

[Laura]

My copy of came in does anyone want to read that? Or mind if I read it myself ? It was one of the books that Jenny had listed earlier.

[Jenny]

If you want company, I have the book and am happy to read it with you. If you want to read without the crowd, go right ahead!

[Laura]

Jenny wrote: "If you want company, I have the book and am happy to read it with you. If you want to read without the crowd, go right ahead!"

Anytime after Saturday works for me, Jenny. Anyone else want to read it with us? This was the one I was looking forward to reading.

[Jenny]

Ha! Both A and Good work for my Wheel spell-out word! Whatever start day works for you I am happy with.

[Stacey]

I can't get it in time and have several I'm planning on purchasing, so I'll have to pass on that one. Enjoy!

Looking forward to the Last Equation. I can also get several of the others without any wait or with little wait.

[Jenny]

Oh, and I finished the Beginning book!
I did really like it. I wish there had been a bit more about the Greenwood incident, but the main characters all ended up being people I was rooting for. It was ultimately a bit simplistic maybe, but satisfying.

[Jenny]

I just ordered The Vanishing Half and the Equation from my bookstore, and I should have the Vanishing in a day or two, and the other in about a week. Or a bit less.

Did we set a date for the last equation yet?

[Stacey]

I don't think that we did since Laura is waiting for her copy to come in.

[Jenny]

I got my copy of the Vanishing Half!

[Stacey]

Jenny wrote: "I got my copy of the Vanishing Half!"

I just requested a thread, should get it soon. I downloaded my copy and will start tonight! I am really looking forward to this one. Did you see there is a giveaway for Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre? Made me think about that one too. It will be out soon!