It Ends With Us Book Review: Is it Worth Reading?

Character Development: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Plot and Narrative Technique: 4.5/5
Language and Writing Style: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Theme: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

“And as hard as this choice is, we break the pattern before the pattern breaks us.” – Colleen Hoover, It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, relationships, and the cycle of abuse. This book exceeded all my expectations and made it to my top 10 reads of the year, leaving a lasting impact on me.

The Story

Lily, a small-town girl with big dreams, leaves her hometown in Maine to pursue her ambitions in Boston. Despite a difficult past, she’s determined to make a better life for herself. She attends college and starts her own business in the city. Soon, she meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome and successful neurosurgeon. Despite his arrogant demeanor and ‘no relationships’ policy, he seems to make an exception for Lily.

As their relationship blossoms, Lily can’t help but think about her first love, Atlas, who truly understood her. When Atlas reappears in her life, Lily’s relationship with Ryle is put to the test. Who will she choose – Ryle or Atlas?

The Writing

Colleen Hoover’s writing in It Ends with Us is exceptional. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is evident. The narrative is engaging and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. The plot tackles the sensitive topic of abuse, providing insights from various perspectives and shedding light on the complexities of such situations.

The book offers a deep understanding of domestic abuse from the viewpoint of a mother, a daughter, and a wife. It challenges the reader’s preconceived notions about abuse and its victims, revealing that the situation is far more complicated than it seems.

The Characters

The characters in It Ends with Us are relatable and well-developed. Lily is a strong, determined protagonist who faces difficult choices and learns to stand up for herself. Ryle is a complex character with a dark past, which makes it difficult for the reader to decide whether to root for him or not. Atlas is a caring, supportive figure who genuinely loves Lily and wants the best for her.

The Impact

It Ends with Us is a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it. It forces the reader to question their own judgments and assumptions about abuse and its victims. It also highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and making difficult choices for the sake of one’s own well-being and happiness.

The Verdict

It Ends with Us is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve into a powerful, emotional story that tackles important social issues. Colleen Hoover’s writing is captivating, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. This book will leave you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of love, relationships, and abuse, making it a truly unforgettable read.

If you haven’t read any Colleen Hoover books yet, I highly recommend starting with It Ends with Us. It sets the tone for her other works and will leave you eager to explore more of her writing. With a sequel on the horizon, there’s much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see how the author continues to develop these memorable characters.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book that truly capture its essence are:

• “There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
• “All humans make mistakes. What determines a person’s character aren’t the mistakes we make. It’s how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”
• “Just because someone hurts you doesn’t mean you can simply stop loving them. It’s not a person’s actions that hurt the most. It’s love. If there was no love attached to the action, the pain would be a little easier to bear.”

Don’t wait any longer to read this powerful and emotional novel. Get your copy of It Ends with Us and embark on this unforgettable journey.