The Beginning of Everything

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a sudden life change, such as a sports injury or a social fallout, that has left them questioning their identity. It is a poignant exploration of how we rebuild ourselves when the future we envisioned is suddenly off-limits. The story follows Ezra Faulkner, a former golden boy whose life is upended by a car accident, and his journey toward finding a new community and a different definition of success. This novel is ideal for high schoolers who feel like outsiders or are grieving the loss of a former version of themselves. It deals with complex themes of social hierarchy, friendship, and the 'tragedy' of the mundane with a sharp, intellectual wit. While it touches on the pain of physical disability and social isolation, its resolution is deeply realistic and provides comfort by validating that life does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.