A First Time for Everything Summary, Characters and Themes | KL Walther

A First Time for Everything by KL Walther is a coming-of-age story that follows Madeline “Mads” Fisher-Michaels, a teenager dealing with the challenges of growing up, navigating family dynamics, and finding her place in the world.  Mads lives in rural Pennsylvania with her two dads and her older brother Austin, whose upcoming wedding to Katie brings new complexities to her life.

As Mads grapples with feelings of exclusion, personal growth, and the evolution of her relationships, the story explores themes of family, friendship, and love.  Mads’ journey toward self-discovery, spurred by her involvement in her brother’s wedding preparations, reveals the beauty and messiness of life’s transitions.

Summary

Madeline “Mads” Fisher-Michaels is a teenager growing up in a tight-knit family in rural Pennsylvania.  She lives with her two dads, Harry and Lee (known as Da), and her older brother, Austin, who is about to get married to Katie.

The story begins with Mads watching a video of her brother’s proposal to Katie in Paris, a moment that leaves her feeling excluded, especially since her family wasn’t involved in the proposal.  Though Mads is happy for Austin, she can’t help but feel left out, particularly by the grand gesture in Paris, which holds no personal significance for their family.

As the wedding preparations move forward, Mads finds herself struggling with her relationship with Katie, her future sister-in-law.  Katie has become an increasingly important part of the family, and with the wedding approaching, Mads’ emotions become more complicated.

She feels a growing distance between herself and Katie, as if she doesn’t belong in the group of women bonding over wedding plans.  However, things take a turn when Katie unexpectedly asks Mads to be a bridesmaid.

Mads is initially reluctant to accept the role, unsure of where she fits into the wedding and the broader family dynamic.  After receiving a heartfelt package from Katie, Mads decides to accept and reluctantly becomes involved in the wedding festivities.

At the engagement party, Mads feels out of place and awkward among the other bridesmaids and guests.  However, her family encourages her to bond with Katie and the bridal party.

Over time, Mads starts to warm to the idea of being a bridesmaid, even if she’s unsure of how to navigate her evolving relationship with Katie.  This also brings her into conflict with the pressures of romance, as Katie and the bridesmaids push Mads into participating in a matchmaking game meant to set her up with a date.

Reluctantly, Mads agrees to take part in a “Bachelorette-style” dating game, even though she feels her life is already busy enough with school, field hockey, and family.  Katie and her friends, particularly Meredith, push Mads to explore dating.

This leads to her agreeing to meet Davis, a cousin of Katie’s, for coffee.  Initially skeptical, Mads agrees to a date with Davis, who has recently broken up with his ex-girlfriend.

Their first meeting is awkward, but as the conversation develops, Mads begins to see a different side to Davis.  However, the evening takes a turn when Davis’ ex, Natalie, unexpectedly shows up.

The situation becomes uncomfortable, and Mads realizes that Davis might have used her as a way to make his ex jealous.  Disappointed by the turn of events, Mads leaves the prom before it even begins, understanding that Davis’ intentions were not as genuine as she had hoped.

Following the disappointing date, Mads turns to her long-time friend Connor for comfort.  They spend time together watching movies, and Mads finds solace in his company.

Throughout the wedding preparations, Mads is also dealing with the complexities of her relationship with her brother Austin.  She feels left out of Austin’s life as he grows closer to Katie and their family’s dynamics shift.

As the wedding approaches, Mads reflects on how her family is changing, and the bond between her and Katie slowly deepens.

Throughout the process, Mads confronts her feelings of being overshadowed by her brother and her struggle to understand her place within the family.  She begins to open up to Katie, acknowledging that her perception of her future sister-in-law had been limited.

Mads realizes that Katie, too, is dealing with her own insecurities about fitting into the family.  As the wedding approaches, their relationship grows stronger, and Mads finds herself more involved in the planning and festivities.

Meanwhile, Mads’ personal journey continues as she navigates her feelings for Marco, a friend from high school.  Marco has recently broken up with his girlfriend Shelly, and Mads begins to question whether there is potential for something more between them.

Despite the confusion surrounding her feelings for Marco and Connor, Mads realizes that her emotional connection with Marco is something worth exploring.

Mads’ self-discovery journey continues as she faces the emotional and physical challenges leading up to Austin and Katie’s wedding.  A mishap leaves Mads with a broken ankle, which changes the course of her wedding preparations and personal growth.

Her family, particularly Katie, offers support during this difficult time, which solidifies Mads’ growing appreciation for Katie.  As the wedding nears, Mads confronts her emotions about her relationship with Marco, realizing that she has developed deeper feelings for him.

As the day of the wedding arrives, Mads finds herself at peace with her relationships.  She understands that her bond with her brother and Katie is evolving in unexpected ways, and she begins to embrace the changes in her life.

During a heart-to-heart conversation with Katie, Mads comes to terms with the changes in their family dynamics, recognizing that her relationship with Katie is now one of mutual understanding and affection.

In the end, Mads’ journey of self-discovery comes full circle as she navigates the complexities of family, love, and personal growth.  The story concludes with Mads finding her place not just within her family but also in her own heart, having learned that growth is often messy but ultimately rewarding.

Characters

Madeline “Mads” Fisher-Michaels

Mads is the central character of A First Time For Everything and her journey of self-discovery is at the heart of the narrative.  A teenager navigating the complexities of her family dynamics and personal growth, Mads feels the weight of being overshadowed by her brother Austin’s life events, especially his upcoming wedding.

Her relationship with her family is tight-knit, but the addition of her future sister-in-law, Katie, complicates her sense of belonging.  Throughout the story, Mads struggles with her place in her family and her personal identity.

Her initial reluctance toward Katie transforms into a deeper understanding as they navigate the wedding preparations together.  Mads is also exploring romantic relationships, particularly with Connor and Marco.

While she maintains a close friendship with Connor, she starts to question her feelings for Marco as their bond deepens.  Ultimately, Mads learns that growth often comes with discomfort, and she starts embracing her changing relationships with both her family and romantic interests.

Austin Fisher-Michaels

Austin, Mads’ older brother, plays a significant role in her journey, although he isn’t at the center of the emotional struggles.  His impending wedding to Katie becomes a source of both pride and frustration for Mads.

Austin’s relationship with Mads is affectionate but somewhat overshadowed by his growing independence, especially as he prepares for his life with Katie.  His engagement, while exciting, forces Mads to confront her own feelings of being left out, and it triggers her struggle with finding her place in the family.

Austin is supportive but mostly absent in terms of guiding Mads through her emotional turmoil, which causes Mads to seek her own path to understanding and growth.

Katie

Katie, Mads’ future sister-in-law, starts off as an outsider in Mads’ eyes, someone who has come into the family and is altering its dynamics.  Initially, Mads is resentful of Katie’s role in Austin’s life and the wedding preparations, especially when she feels excluded from intimate family moments.

However, as the story progresses, Mads discovers a more vulnerable and relatable side to Katie.  Katie struggles with her own insecurities, particularly about fitting into Austin’s family and meeting the expectations of her own.

Her relationship with Mads evolves as she genuinely cares for her, even going as far as inviting Mads to be a bridesmaid despite the awkwardness.  By the end of the story, Mads and Katie’s relationship blossoms into a deeper sisterly bond, as Mads recognizes Katie’s own struggles and begins to accept her role within the family.

Marco Álvarez

Marco is a complex character who presents himself as a supportive and understanding friend to Mads.  He plays a pivotal role in Mads’ journey, particularly as she navigates her feelings about relationships and self-identity.

Marco’s friendship with Mads deepens over time, and they share intimate moments that blur the line between friendship and something more.  He provides Mads with emotional support when she struggles with her family dynamics, and his presence becomes a source of comfort.

While Marco’s past relationship with Shelly adds some tension to his connection with Mads, his growing affection for her becomes clear.  By the end of the story, Marco and Mads’ relationship matures into something more meaningful, with Marco openly expressing his deep feelings for her.

Their connection is based on mutual understanding, and it ultimately helps Mads realize the type of relationship she’s been searching for.

Connor

Connor is Mads’ long-time friend, someone she feels comfortable with but doesn’t experience romantic chemistry.  Their friendship is built on years of shared experiences, and while they care deeply for each other, their relationship doesn’t evolve beyond platonic boundaries.

Mads struggles with her feelings for Connor as she grows more curious about her potential for romance.  Throughout the story, she finds solace in his companionship, especially when navigating her awkward interactions with Davis and the bridesmaids.

However, Mads comes to the realization that her feelings for Connor might be more about the familiarity and comfort he provides, rather than actual romantic attraction.  Connor plays a role in Mads’ growth, showing her that sometimes the best relationships are the ones that stay in the realm of friendship, providing emotional stability without the complications of romance.

Reese

Reese is one of Katie’s bridesmaids and plays a significant role in pushing Mads out of her comfort zone, particularly in the realm of romance.  Reese encourages Mads to embrace dating and takes part in setting up a “Ready-Set-Date” scheme to help Mads find someone to connect with.

Although Reese’s pushiness initially frustrates Mads, she also provides a sense of guidance and direction, particularly when Mads is unsure about her romantic future.  Reese’s encouragement ultimately leads Mads to attend a prom with Davis, marking a turning point in her exploration of romantic relationships.

Reese represents the part of Mads’ journey where she is encouraged to step outside her comfort zone and explore new possibilities, even if they come with awkwardness and uncertainty.

Davis

Davis is a character who enters Mads’ life through the matchmaking efforts of the bridesmaids.  Initially, Mads is unsure about him, but as they go on a coffee date, she begins to see a more thoughtful side of him.

Davis, who is dealing with the fallout of a recent breakup, invites Mads to prom as a way to move on from his past.  However, his motives are called into question when his ex, Natalie, shows up at their dinner, creating an uncomfortable situation.

Mads realizes that Davis may have used her to make his ex jealous, and the date turns out to be a disappointing experience.  Despite the initial spark of connection, Mads decides to leave before the prom begins, signaling a lesson in recognizing when romantic gestures are not as sincere as they may seem.

Davis represents the sometimes disappointing nature of first dates and the realization that not all relationships are meant to be.

Themes

Family Dynamics and Relationships

The theme of family dynamics and relationships is central to A First Time For Everything, particularly through Madeline “Mads” Fisher-Michaels’ complex relationship with her family.  Mads’ story begins with her feelings of exclusion as she watches her older brother Austin’s engagement unfold without her involvement.

Despite being close-knit, her family’s moments of joy, such as Austin’s proposal in Paris, seem to take place without her, leaving her with feelings of isolation.  Mads’ struggle with feeling like an outsider, both within her immediate family and the expanding circle due to Austin’s upcoming wedding, drives much of her internal conflict.

The presence of Katie, her future sister-in-law, and her evolving relationship with Mads adds to the complexity of familial roles.  Throughout the story, Mads learns that family dynamics are not static; they evolve with new relationships, changes in roles, and the integration of new members.

The emotional growth she experiences alongside her family, especially with Katie, marks her gradual acceptance of the changes and the recognition that love and family support can come in unexpected forms.  This evolving bond with Katie, despite initial discomfort, showcases the theme of how relationships within a family can be redefined and strengthened over time, even in the face of misunderstandings or jealousy.

Self-Discovery and Identity

Mads’ journey of self-discovery is another prominent theme in A First Time For Everything.  From the very beginning, Mads grapples with understanding who she is, particularly in relation to her brother’s engagement and her role as a bridesmaid.

She feels torn between the expectations placed on her by family and friends and her desire to remain true to her own identity.  This conflict is further complicated by her discomfort with the pressure to date and her uncertainty about her feelings for boys like Connor and Marco.

As Mads navigates these complex emotional landscapes, she is forced to confront her insecurities, such as her lack of romantic experience, and the fear of stepping into unknown territory.  The story is a portrait of how growing up involves recognizing and embracing uncomfortable truths about oneself, learning to accept vulnerability, and finding one’s place amidst evolving personal and social roles.

Mads’ internal conflict about her romantic relationships, from awkward first dates to deeper connections, mirrors the larger process of self-exploration that young adults undergo as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.  Ultimately, Mads’ journey is about reconciling her fears, insecurities, and desires, and understanding that self-identity is a fluid process shaped by relationships, experiences, and growth.

Love and Romantic Relationships

In A First Time For Everything, love and romantic relationships are explored in various forms, providing a rich backdrop to Mads’ personal development.  At the start, Mads is unsure of her romantic feelings, as she has no real experience with dating or relationships.

Her interactions with Connor, her best friend, provide a sense of comfort, yet there is no romantic spark between them, which creates a sense of confusion about what she truly wants from love.  Meanwhile, Marco’s presence in Mads’ life complicates things, as she begins to develop feelings for him, despite their history of miscommunication.

The awkwardness of first dates, the uncertainty of intentions, and the tension between genuine affection and past misunderstandings all come to a head in Mads’ interactions with Marco and Davis.  These romantic entanglements emphasize the messiness of young love and the emotional growth that comes from navigating romantic relationships, particularly when expectations are unclear, and feelings are unspoken.

Mads’ realization that love is not always simple—sometimes messy, complicated, and full of moments of vulnerability—reflects the theme of emotional maturity.  As Mads learns, love is not just about perfect timing or romantic ideals but about being open to the unexpected and allowing oneself to grow through the experiences that shape one’s heart.

Friendship and Support Systems

The theme of friendship is a cornerstone of Mads’ emotional development in A First Time For Everything, with her friendships playing a significant role in helping her navigate the challenges she faces.  The connection she shares with her long-time friend Connor provides a foundation of stability and understanding, even as they both wrestle with their respective feelings of uncertainty.

However, it is Mads’ evolving relationship with Katie, the bride-to-be, that stands out as a major element of her growth in friendship.  Initially, Mads feels alienated by Katie’s increasing importance in her family and struggles to connect with her.

Yet, as the story progresses, Mads opens up to Katie, learning more about her vulnerability and struggles, which leads to a deeper, more supportive bond between the two women.  The wedding planning process, which brings together Mads and Katie, highlights the complexities of friendship, especially when navigating new social roles and expectations.

Additionally, Mads’ interactions with the bridesmaids, particularly Reese and Meredith, reflect the pressures that friendships can place on individuals, especially when it comes to social events like dating and weddings.  These relationships, though initially awkward and full of pressure, ultimately teach Mads that friendship is not just about comfort but also about challenge, support, and mutual growth.

The theme of friendship in the novel shows how supportive relationships can become the anchor that helps individuals face personal challenges and navigate the unpredictable tides of life.

The Complexity of Expectations

A First Time For Everything also delves into the theme of expectations—both external and internal—and how they shape the lives of its characters, especially Mads.  As a bridesmaid for her brother’s wedding, Mads is burdened with the societal and personal expectations tied to the role.

There’s the financial strain of attending the bachelorette weekend, the pressure to conform to the expectations of the bridal party, and the unspoken rules that come with being a part of such a significant event.  These external pressures collide with Mads’ internal struggle to define her own identity outside of her family and her role as a sister.

The expectations placed on her, from family obligations to social roles, leave Mads feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to meet others’ desires while staying true to herself.  This conflict becomes especially evident as she is pushed into dating scenarios, like the “Ready-Set-Date” game, that she does not want to participate in, highlighting the pressure to conform to societal norms.

As Mads learns to navigate these challenges, she comes to understand that part of growing up is learning how to balance and sometimes reject these expectations in favor of personal authenticity.  The theme of expectations in the novel underscores the tension between the roles people are assigned by society, family, or friends and the personal freedom to make choices that reflect one’s true self.