A review by annabananadel
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

“I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.”

It’s a good story to end the duology and I’m so happy that Colleen had written it after IEWU was popularized. To be honest, I was surprised to know that there was a second book because I was very much happy with how it ended but after reading this now, I’m just so grateful. 

I love how they showed how Lily was still traumatized of Ryle even after being divorced. Divorcing/Being separated your abuser does not clear out the trauma that was already in place. A little bit of action or phrases that might be connected to what had happened could easily scare you. Trauma is not that easy to erase and it was evidently seen in this second book. It showed how Lily, as a mother, was always there to protect her daughter. Fighting for her. And I’m so glad to see her support system because everybody who’s going thru the same situation should have had at least one person who supports and be constant. It makes me cheer for Lily because she’s been through so much. 

With Atlas and his new addition family member, I was kind of skeptical with it because why add a step-brother, right? Why not just focus on his love and relationship with Lily? But I later learned that it is a good addition to the story because I was able to see and understand Atlas clearly. How he became the man he came to be. Also, Josh is an amazing character together with Theo. I’m glad LGBTQ+ was added as well and at an early age too. 

Overall, I love this story but less of an impact compared to the first book. If asked if I recommend this book, I would say that it is a good way to end the story once they’ve read the first one. 
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