Nov. 5, 2024
By Gabriella Cerreta
Staff Writer
“It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover is the sequel romance novel to “It Ends with Us.” Diving deeper into the topics of domestic violence, love, personal growth and resilience, the book follows protagonist Lily Bloom as she navigates her evolving feelings and the challenges they bring.
At the start of the novel, Lily is trying to build a new life for herself after divorcing her abusive husband, Ryle Kincaid, who physically harmed her during heated arguments.
Lily not only shows courage by divorcing Ryle but also demonstrates her strength as a mother by protecting their daughter, Emerson. Both parents share custody of Emerson, but Ryle is not allowed to keep her overnight, as Lily is concerned he will harm her too.
“It Starts with Us” maintains continuity with the first book, is packed with action and conveys compelling themes that prevent it from being boring or repetitive.
While Lily focuses on building a stable household for Emerson, she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Lily confides in Atlas, and he informs her that he has recently opened up his dream business, a restaurant called Bibs.
Throughout the novel, Lily questions the consequences of the romantic feelings she is developing for Atlas. While moving on, Lily has to hide this part of her life from her ex-husband, as he becomes increasingly hostile at the thought of Atlas being near her and Emerson.
“It Starts with Us” maintains continuity with the first book, is packed with action and conveys compelling themes that prevent it from being boring or repetitive.
Hoover’s writing is engaging and emotional, prompting readers to become attached to the characters. The dialogue is realistic, making the characters’ experiences relatable and powerful. Hoover’s ability to portray different emotions, such as joy, love and pain, ensures readers’ full immersion into the novel.
Another valuable aspect of the book is its emphasis on family dynamics. It exemplifies that a person’s past does not define their future. For example, Lily’s mother decided to stay with her abusive husband, which affected Lily’s understanding of relationships. However, since Lily divorced Ryle and is focusing on her feelings for Atlas, she is breaking the cycle of abuse.
The novel is easy-to-read and thought-provoking. It contains 336 pages and 37 chapters, which switch between Atlas and Lily’s perspectives every couple of chapters. The chapters vary in length, which can be annoying, with chapters running anywhere from two to 12 pages. Nonetheless, “It Starts with Us” is worth reading because its topics resonate with readers on a personal level.
The novel is impactful and meaningful to anyone who is hoping to find connections between the book and their lives. Readers will feel inspired by Lily’s journey and captivated by the strength she shows amidst hardship.
