A review by capybooks
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love the sibling relationship that develops throughout the book, and that’s honestly what made it a good read for me. There were times where I felt I couldn’t read on, purely because I was so uncomfortable when reading about Ryle, and because I was reminded that this happens to thousands of women every single day. I’m glad this prequel to It Ends With Us focuses on healing, recovery and a headstrong protagonist, rather than romanticising abuse. I’m grateful that Hoover didn’t use the book to say that once you leave an abusive relationship, life is easy and goes back to normal; it shows the ups and downs of recovery, dealing with past trauma, and shows that it isn’t always sunshine and daisies (or shall I say lilies). It focuses on how every woman/man/person should be treated in a romantic and/or familial relationship. And I love that.

Still hate how cringe the Finding Nemo references are though lmao

Ryle kinda reminds me of Hardin from After, and that’s another no from me
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