We Begin at the End

By: Chris Whitaker

Narrated by: George Newbern

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

“A vibrant, engrossing, unputdownable thriller that packs a serious emotional punch. One of those rare books that surprise you along the way and then linger in your mind long after you have finished it.”
—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds

Right. Wrong. Life is lived somewhere in between.

Duchess Day Radley is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Rules are for other people. She is the fierce protector of her five-year-old brother, Robin, and the parent to her mother, Star, a single mom incapable of taking care of herself, let alone her two kids.

Walk has never left the coastal California town where he and Star 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. And he's in overdrive protecting Duchess and her brother.

Now, thirty years later, Vincent is being released. And Duchess and Walk must face the trouble that comes with his return. We Begin at the End is an extraordinary novel about two kinds of families—the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

"Heartbreaking, unexpected, and hopeful, this audiobook is a must-listen. Narrator George Newbern's nuanced delivery engages listeners and helps the layers of the story unfold." -- AudioFile Magazine

Moving

I found this novel by Chris Whitaker (my first) to be excellent from beginning to end. All the characters were well developed and gripping. There was always a good storyline that contained both sorrow and humor throughout. I give the highest ratings for this excellent novel. Also, George Newbern was outstanding in his narration.

Loved it

Best story that I have totally enjoyed in quite a while. From the beginning to the end.

Out of all the books I’ve read Miss Duchess Day’s character is one of my favorite!

Miss Duchess’s character, I laughed often at her witty jokes and appreciated how wise she was beyond her 13 years. There were also unexpected twists at the end. Will definitely be recommending it to friends.

Bittersweet

I bought this on sale after listening to the sample. Duchess pulled in my heartstrings from the sample alone. It keeps you guessing with a surprise ending. Very bittersweet.

However, why do authors feel the need to have so much cursing? You can still get the same emotions without it.

wasn't expecting this deep of a connection

it's been awhile since a book made me connect with characters so deeply. I laughed, I ached, I felt. loved this book!