Title: We Begin at the End
Author: Chris Whitaker
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: March 9, 2021
There are two kinds of families: the ones we are born into and the ones we create.
Walk has never left the coastal California town where he grew up. He may have become the chief of police, but he’s still trying to heal the old wound of having given the testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison decades before. Now, thirty years later, Vincent is being released.
Duchess is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Her mother, Star, grew up with Walk and Vincent. Walk is in overdrive trying to protect them, but Vincent and Star seem bent on sliding deeper into self-destruction. Star always burned bright, but recently that light has dimmed, leaving Duchess to parent not only her mother but her five-year-old brother. At school the other kids make fun of Duchess―her clothes are torn, her hair a mess. But let them throw their sticks, because she’ll throw stones. Rules are for other people. She’s just trying to survive and keep her family together.
A fortysomething-year-old sheriff and a thirteen-year-old girl may not seem to have a lot in common. But they both have come to expect that people will disappoint you, loved ones will leave you, and if you open your heart it will be broken. So when trouble arrives with Vincent King, Walk and Duchess find they will be unable to do anything but usher it in, arms wide closed.
Chris Whitaker has written an extraordinary novel about people who deserve so much more than life serves them. At times devastating, with flashes of humor and hope throughout, it is ultimately an inspiring tale of how the human spirit prevails and how, in the end, love―in all its different guises―wins
I’ll be an OUTLAW, sorry meant an OUTLIER and say it: The story felt short for me. I do believe the author had great characters especially Duchess and Walk but something was missing for me to rate it higher.
What did I like about We Begin at the End?
-I liked how much Duchess loved her brother, Robin. She was willing to do anything for him.
-Walk being there for his best friend Vincent, Star, Star's kids and his town despite what was happening in his personal life.
-Hal's patience with Duchess.
-Dolly being there when she was needed.
-Martha bringing spice to Walk's life.
What did I learn from We Begin at the End?
If you have been born into a bad life, you will live a bad life and you will probably die because of your bad life too.
In my opinion, this novel didn't have much hope, redemption or forgiveness.
The ending frustrated me. I don't need to read rose-colored glass stories but if a story is having an against all the odds type of feeling, then I want more from it.
Take my opinion for what it is, my opinion. I know so many of my book friends truly loved it and I'm glad they did.
Lastly, I switched back and forth from the ebook to the audio. The audio narrator did a good representation of the characters and kept the flow of the story.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
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