Think of how much better the world would be if everyone took the conflicts they have had to overcome and let it change them for the better. In the book The Beginning of Everything, author Robyn Schneider explores ideas of overcoming tragedy and moving beyond the past. The protagonist, Ezra, experiences many different conflicts, or “personal tragedies” (Schneider 272) as he refers to them, that he has a very difficult time coping with. Through reconnecting with old friends and some new friends, Ezra is able to overcome his struggles and achieve personal growth. After losing his girlfriend and getting into a severe car accident, Erza’s high school athletic career ends and he has to find who and what really matters in his life, leading to his
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One person that had a great impact on his life following his “personal tragedy” (Schneider 272) was Cassidy. She introduces him to a new activity that he can do instead of tennis, debate team. This is a positive thing for Ezra because he needs to be involved with a group of friends while he recovers to keep him positive and motivated. Cassidy proves to be instrumental in rebuilding Ezra’s life and helping him stay positive while he is recovering. Besides introducing him to debate team, Cassidy also shares lots of inspiring words and advice with Ezra. “‘There is this poem,’ Cassidy finally said, ‘by Mary Oliver. And I used to write it in all of my school notebooks to remind myself I did not have to be embarrassed of the past and scared of the future. And it helped. So I am giving it to you. The line is, ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do/ with your one wild and precious life?’’ . . . ‘Well [Cassidy], what are my options?” (Schneider 114). This is another step by Ezra to move towards the future positively and let go of the fact that he cannot do everything he used to. In this moment Ezra finds out that good friends can help him grow to become a better person through his
One person that had a great impact on his life following his “personal tragedy” (Schneider 272) was Cassidy. She introduces him to a new activity that he can do instead of tennis, debate team. This is a positive thing for Ezra because he needs to be involved with a group of friends while he recovers to keep him positive and motivated. Cassidy proves to be instrumental in rebuilding Ezra’s life and helping him stay positive while he is recovering. Besides introducing him to debate team, Cassidy also shares lots of inspiring words and advice with Ezra. “‘There is this poem,’ Cassidy finally said, ‘by Mary Oliver. And I used to write it in all of my school notebooks to remind myself I did not have to be embarrassed of the past and scared of the future. And it helped. So I am giving it to you. The line is, ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do/ with your one wild and precious life?’’ . . . ‘Well [Cassidy], what are my options?” (Schneider 114). This is another step by Ezra to move towards the future positively and let go of the fact that he cannot do everything he used to. In this moment Ezra finds out that good friends can help him grow to become a better person through his