Colleen Hoover has become a household name for avid readers, especially those active on TikTok. While she began her self-publishing journey in 2012 with “Slammed,” it was her 2016 novel, “It Ends With Us,” that catapulted her to global fame, largely fueled by the #BookTok community. By December 2022, this impactful novel had sold a staggering 4 million copies, solidifying Hoover’s position as a literary powerhouse, holding multiple top spots on the New York Times bestseller list. The subsequent release of its sequel, “It Starts With Us,” in 2022, further cemented her popularity. You can find her books readily available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
“It Ends With Us” centers around Lily Bloom, who embarks on a passionate relationship with Ryle Kincaid after a chance rooftop meeting. Their connection deepens, and they fall in love, seemingly building a perfect romance. However, the narrative takes a dark turn as Ryle’s abusive tendencies surface. Lily finds herself trapped in a cycle of abuse, clinging to the hope of his change, until she discovers she is pregnant. The novel culminates in a powerful hospital scene post-childbirth, where Lily declares, “It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.” This poignant line signifies her resolute decision to leave Ryle, breaking the cycle of abuse for herself and her child, choosing a path towards a happier future. “It Starts With Us” then explores Lily’s journey of second chance love with her childhood sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan. The sequel follows their rekindled romance as they navigate the complexities of co-parenting with Lily’s abusive ex-husband, Ryle.
“It Ends With Us” has resonated deeply with countless readers, leaving a lasting impression. The reading experience is often described as an emotional rollercoaster, evoking a spectrum of feelings from anger and sadness to happiness and giddiness. Prior to its release, the complexities of leaving a domestic abuse situation were perhaps less widely understood. While some critics have argued that the book “romanticizes red flags,” many interpret its narrative purpose differently. The initial romantic portrayal of Lily and Ryle’s relationship is crucial to highlight the agonizing dilemma faced by individuals in abusive relationships – the profound difficulty of leaving someone they love, even amidst repeated hurt. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to make readers empathize with Lily’s perspective, even mirroring her internal justifications for Ryle’s behavior and her reasons for staying, despite the escalating abuse.
However, “It Starts With Us” has been met with a more lukewarm reception. Many readers found that it lacked the impactful depth of its predecessor. While intended to focus on Lily and Atlas’s second-chance romance, the sequel often reverts to Ryle’s unresolved abusive patterns. Instead of character development, Ryle’s behavior arguably regresses, becoming even more unlikeable. Furthermore, some stylistic choices, such as contemporary pop culture references like “gen z” and “pop socket,” have been criticized for potentially dating the novel and diminishing its timeless quality. Overall, “It Starts With Us” is often perceived as less compelling, lacking the twists and nuanced writing characteristic of Hoover’s other works. Some view it as a commercially driven project capitalizing on the success of “It Ends With Us.” Despite these criticisms, the sequel does offer a sense of closure with Lily finding her “happy ending” and the epilogue provides a redeeming vow that resonates with readers seeking resolution.
Despite reservations about the sequel, the profound impact of “It Ends With Us” remains undeniable. Its narrative style distinguishes it from Hoover’s other books, making it a truly moving and relatable story. Many readers connect with its themes on a personal level, reflecting experiences shared by both the author and her audience. The novel offers a valuable perspective shift on domestic abuse, underscoring the intricate challenges involved in leaving such relationships and fostering greater empathy for survivors. “It Ends With Us” is widely recommended for readers seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of domestic abuse and the emotional complexities faced by those affected.
