The Last Beginning
#2 of 2 in The Next Together Series
on Goodreads (1,827)
What’s inside...
The epic conclusion to Lauren James's debut The Next Together about true love and reincarnation. Sixteen years ago, after a scandal that rocked the world, teenagers Katherine and Matthew vanished without a trace. Now Clove Sutcliffe is determined to find her long lost relatives. But where do you start looking for a couple who seem to have been reincarnated at every key moment in history? Who were Kate and Matt? Why were they born again and again? And who is the mysterious Ella, who keeps appearing at every turn in Clove's investigation? For Clove, there is a mystery to solve in the past and a love to find in the future, and failure could cost the world everything.
Character compass
Clove Sutcliffe
Ella
Katherine Finchley
Jen Sutcliffe
Bill Sutcliffe
Matthew Galloway
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to time travel? How would you feel if you were in their situation?
If you had the power to change one event in history, what would it be and why?
How do the characters evolve throughout the story? Can you relate to any of their changes or challenges?
What lessons did the characters learn about trust and friendship? How important are these qualities in your life?
What did you think about the book's representation of time and its impact on people's lives? How does this make you think about how you use your own time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to think deeply about the themes and characters.
Relate the time travel aspect to real-life decision making. Discuss with your child how decisions can lead to different outcomes.
Connect discussions to personal experiences. For example, ask if they’ve ever wished to change a past action, like a character in the book.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the characters’ feelings and experiences can relate to your child’s life.
Highlight the importance of learning from both good and bad outcomes, as demonstrated by the characters’ journeys through time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Last Beginning', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continues to strive towards her goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling difficult tasks at school or home without giving up, learning that persistence is key to achieving objectives.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate to solve complex problems, highlighting the strengths of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or group activities, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Ethics of decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are faced with tough choices, which illustrates the complexities of ethical decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children learn to evaluate the consequences of their actions and make thoughtful decisions, important for their personal development and interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for knowledge drives much of the plot, showing how curiosity leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious and actively seek knowledge, whether through reading, exploring, or asking questions in everyday life.