Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern authors meet Asian mythology in stellar anthology.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A THOUSAND BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS brings a mysterious guy at a party who seems to know you. A centuries-old vampire trying to pass at a ritzy New York high school. A dark-skinned god who pops up in the passenger seat next to a guy who's feeling sorry for himself in the Oakland hills and promises him a heroic death. This is all just a taste of this collection of stories, based on Asian myths and traditional tales, and given a new spin by modern authors including Melissa de la Cruz, Elsie Chapman, Julie Kagawa, and others, who deliver page-turning plots and lots to think about.
Is It Any Good?
There's a lot to love in this collection of Asian myths and legends, retold, re-imagined, and re-examined by authors delving into their cultural roots. Myths of cosmic battle and love gone awry find surprising new forms in A Thousand Beginnings and Endings. And, as in The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, it's fascinating to watch noted authors spin new stories around old material, and explain what inspired them. With everything from science fiction and high school social woes to doomed lovers in dystopian worlds, different readers will be drawn in by different stories -- but then find plenty more to explore and like.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about myths and legends, such as those referenced in A Thousand Beginnings and Endings. How do they keep their appeal and find fresh forms over the centuries? Do you have any favorites? Is there a version of a legendary tale that you like best?
Do you have friends you know only in an online world? How would you find each other if the online world disappeared?
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings offers a window into many different cultures with Asian roots. Which ones would you like to learn more about?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : June 26, 2018
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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