A review by vickyd_08
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

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

3.75

Tw: Domestic abuse and death

**Spoiler warning

For more information about domestic abuse go to https://www.domesticshelters.org

“Therein lies our issue, though. Ryle can be angry but that doesn’t mean I deserve everything that accompanies his anger.

First I would like to acknowledge that Colleen Hoover is a problematic person for normalizing abuse.

Atlas and Lily’s relationship. I wasn’t the biggest fan of their relationship especially since it started when he was an adult and she was a minor. If it they were the same age I would have enjoyed more. I just couldn’t move past it, but I did like the way their backstory’s were written. I did grow to love their adult relationship though. It made me happy to see Lily have a healthy relationship.

I also didn’t like how Lily would write to Ellen. I know this was written before she was labeled as “problematic” but I wish a different inspiration was chosen.

Something that really bothers me is how Marshall still considers Rule his best friend even after this abuse with Lily. I do like him generally but it makes me mad how forgiving they are about this. 

Also that part about being a ride or die friend is kind of weird because just because you are loyal doesn’t mean you have to approve or stay silent when your friend does something wrong.

Lastly, it pissed me off when Allysa tried to justify her cheating on Marshall. I love her but that was so unnecessary.

Overall, I liked this book a lot more than the first.
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