A Thousand Beginnings and Endings - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Sixteen extraordinary authors--including New York Times bestsellers Melissa de la Cruz, Renée Ahdieh, and Julie Kagawa--reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. This exquisite paperback anthology includes an original bonus story from Ellen Oh. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called A Thousand Beginnings and Endings a "must-read."

A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother's mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place.

Bestselling and award-winning authors explore the timeless themes of East and South Asian lore in sixteen original stories that will appeal to every reader. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. Edited by We Need Diverse Books co-founder Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, this anthology contains stories from sixteen Asian and South Asian authors, including New York Times bestsellers and award-winners. In a starred review, Kirkus called it an "incredible anthology that will keep readers on the edges of their seats, wanting more."

Featuring:

Renée Ahdieh, Elsie Chapman, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, Alyssa Wong, and a new original story by Ellen Oh.

This essential own voices collection reimagines timeless legends and features:

• Asian Mythology and Folklore: Discover reimagined tales from the Philippines, Korea, China, Vietnam, and more, written by celebrated authors from the diaspora.
• Gods, Spirits, and Demons: Meet nine-tailed fox spirits, vengeful ghosts, two sisters who transform into birds, and a mountain who loses her heart in these captivating fantasy and science fiction reimaginings.
• Epic Romantic Retellings: From the tragic star-crossed love of Mirza and Sahiba to the poignant tale of the Butterfly Lovers, explore epic romances that defy fate and family.
• An Exclusive Bonus Story: This paperback edition features a brand-new, original tale by We Need Diverse Books co-founder Ellen Oh, available nowhere else.

Review Quotes

"All of these stories achieve emotional depth and connection while showcasing each storyteller's unique literary voice." - The Horn Book

"Authors Oh and Chapman have created this much-needed anthology of Asian myths and folktales. ...It's a wonderful concept, and the styles and subjects are as diverse as the countries and cultures represented. ...these stories are for everyone." - Booklist

"This collection fills a gap in modern retellings of fairy tales and myths by presenting non-European myths. ...Give to fans of Marissa Meyer's "Lunar Chronicles" or Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. An excellent first purchase for all libraries." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"A collection of Asian myths and legends in which beloved stories of spirits, magic, family, love, and heartbreak are combined with elements from modern teens' lives....With such a variety of emotion and experiences to explore, nearly any teen can find something to relate to...An incredible anthology that will keep readers on the edges of their seats, wanting more." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Fifteen acclaimed Asian and Asian-American authors breathe fresh life into 15 popular Asian folktales and myths, elevating this anthology to a higher level...Oh and Chapman have created a work that celebrates Asian storytelling. It should fill...the reader with wonder." - BookPage

"Oh and Chapman bring together fifteen authors with Asian roots to reinterpret stories from throughout Asia, creating a collection that...explores the traditional folktale motifs of fate, vengeance, goodness, and love. ...an inventiveness on par with Bardugo's folktale revisions in The Language of Thorns." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Outstanding...Each story is followed by a missive from its author, sharing inspiration and background on creative choices and changes. Thoughtfully compiled and written, this compendium is a must-read." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Contrary to our Disney-fied expectations, not every story has a happy ending -- yet another facet to this fine compilation that enhances its ability to surprise, intrigue and delight." - Chicago Tribune