The Beginning of Everything

I think I picked this up when it was a Kindle Daily Deal and held onto it until I needed a quick portable read. I've seen it on some John Green-readalike lists, and yeah, it's got the Quirky Smart Kids with Tragic Happenstances down pretty pat. Reading this kind of felt like a rollercoaster (as pictured on the cover!) Or really, a reverse roller coaster. I started off high, because I do love that John Green-y quirky kids thing, and this starts off strong. Then in the middle I got a little weary of it and felt like it was getting pretty predictable. Then, high note ending!! Not what I predicted!

Not necessarily groundbreaking YA fiction, but if you (or your teens) like This Kind of Thing, I'd recommend it.

Diversity note: casually-but-definitely Jewish protagonist.

PS I FORGOT TO MENTION: THE DOG DIES