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A Beginning to an End

A Beginning to an End

by C.A. Blake
Young Adult - Coming of Age
309 Pages
Reviewed on 02/13/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

A Beginning to an End is a moving coming-of-age drama by C.A. Blake. Valerie Dale is a seventeen-year-old teenager with a tumultuous home life due to an abusive father and a neglectful mother. In addition, Valerie struggles with her self-esteem and body image due to weight issues and the bullying and ridicule she suffers from her schoolmates. Valerie doesn't believe in soulmates and thinks no one will ever love her. But the new guy in school, Ruel Diego, seems to have his eyes set on her. After rebuffing his advances for a while, Valerie finally opens her heart and gives in to her feelings for Ruel. However, her parents' broken marriage and getting expelled from school soon takes a toll on Valerie. Will she be able to trust again? Or is her future somewhere else?

A Beginning to an End is a beautiful story about a teenager who navigates family, friends, school, love, and more to discover herself. Full of heartache, romance, and drama, this coming-of-age tale will resonate with young adults and adults alike. Author C.A. Blake touches upon a few vital social issues in this book that many teens have to face in their everyday lives, including abusive home environments, separation of parents, body image issues, and bullying. Valerie is someone you can't help but root for. She tries her best at home and school, yet circumstances always stack the odds against her. I adored her relationship with Ruel. The ending is somewhat bittersweet, but it also feels satisfying. Overall, it's a fantastic book for young adult readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and you should too!

Luwi Nyakansaila

A Beginning to an End by C.A. Blake is an emotional teen drama that follows Valarie Dale, a high school student who feels unloved and insecure. Her lack of self-esteem stems from her weight and her abusive home life. She does not feel beautiful, and the constant bullying at school only makes things worse. One day, she meets Ruel, a handsome new student who instantly likes Valarie. At first, she feels his attention to her is a joke, but gradually she realizes his affection is genuine, and she begins to rely on him. However, life continues to throw challenges at Valarie that test her newfound confidence and her relationship with Ruel. Will she be able to overcome her insecurities and live a more confident life, or will the difficulties she faces drag her back into a dark place?

A Beginning to an End tackles themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Valarie's struggles are relatable and will resonate with many readers who feel burdened by societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards. C.A. Blake addresses serious issues like domestic violence, bullying, and self-harm, providing a raw and honest portrayal of the hardships that many teens endure today. I appreciate that Valarie demonstrates self-awareness and the courage to seek help from a counselor, which can be challenging for many in her situation. Her family dynamics reveal how our environment can deeply impact self-worth and mental health. Additionally, her friends highlight the lack of understanding and support that often exists in social circles. This engaging story sheds light on the importance of empathy and understanding among teenagers. It is insightful and has a surprising ending that challenges readers to reflect on the harsh realities of life. Overall, this is a compelling read with a meaningful message about self-acceptance and overcoming adversity.