“Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going.”
As a kid, I lived for books. I was even in a reading club in elementary school and couldn’t wait for the next story to dive into. But somewhere along the way (between school, family, and, well, life) I stopped reading regularly.
This year, I decided to change that. I started using the Hoopla app to read eBooks (free through the library and I highly recommend!) and have been slowly rediscovering my love for reading again.
One of the first books that really pulled me back in was The Beginning at the End by Mike Chen, and it was everything I didn’t know I was missing.
This post is not sponsored. I read A Beginning at the End completely on my own through the Hoopla app and wanted to share my honest thoughts because I truly enjoyed it.
About the Book
Six years after a devastating global pandemic wiped out large parts of the world, survivors are trying to rebuild society. In postapocalyptic San Francisco, three main characters’ lives intersect:
- Moira (formerly a pop star) is trying to hide from her past
- Krista works as an event planner for those too scared to step outside
- Rob is a widower trying to raise his daughter Sunny, while keeping secrets in a fragile world
Their stories converge as society faces new threats, buried secrets, and the question: Can we build something new when everything has changed?
It’s not your typical end-of-the-world story. Instead of chaos and monsters, Mike Chen focuses on people, emotions, and the quiet moments of rebuilding.
The book isn’t about nonstop action or shock-value thrills. Instead, it’s deeply human. It shows the strain, hope, loss, and growth that come with trying to heal amid chaos. It’s less “fight for survival” and more “survive so we can hope again.”
What Stuck With Me
This book hooked me from the very beginning. The pacing felt just right, and every character had depth and heart.
- The characters felt real – flawed, hopeful, and easy to relate to.
- The story balanced tension and tenderness without being depressing.
- The ending wrapped up perfectly, giving closure while leaving space for reflection.
- And most importantly, it reminded me that even when life feels uncertain, connection and love can pull us through.
I finished the book feeling emotional but hopeful and immediately started looking up more by the same author.
“Every time she thought she was done hiding, a shadow from her past would remind her that some things you can’t run away from – not when they’re part of your bones.”
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been meaning to pick up reading again but aren’t sure where to start, A Beginning at the End is the perfect choice. It’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and reminds you that even in a broken world, there’s always room for hope.
This book reignited my love of reading, and it just might do the same for you.
Where to Read or Buy It
I read mine through Hoopla, which I highly recommend if you want to rediscover reading without spending money.
If you’d rather grab a physical or Kindle copy, you can find it here: A Beginning at the End on Amazon (affiliate link)
When you purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – thank you for supporting my blog!
Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom 
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