A review by gissell
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

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

1.5

I’m going to be completely honest. When I first read this, I rated it 5 stars. It’s been a couple months now, and I am rating it 1.5 stars. When I read it, I was just starting to pick up reading again and thought this was a literary masterpiece. It’s not. I can understand people’s attachment to it due to the subject matter, but it just misses the mark. This book is marketed as a romance book and that was Hoover’s intent. The addition of Atlas into this story just felt off. I also found his age and Lily’s age at the beginning of their relationship to be a little concerning. My main problem with this book is the Hoover’s reasoning for the lack of trigger warnings. It’s gross and irresponsible. I get what she was trying to do, but it felt as if a serious topic was used as shock value instead. Personally, I felt as if the ending of the book contradicts the title (and thesis) of this book. I also just don’t care for Hoover’s writing. It feels like fanfic sometimes or as if she’s trying to add as many things to make characters seem quirky (Lily’s name and her business, Ellen, etc.) This book is tricky because you don’t want to disregard Hoover’s real experience, but also don’t want to belittle how badly this book discusses important topics .
I was so uncomfortable with the fact that most of the sex scenes are between Lily and her abuser. Also, Ryle’s sister? She tried to excuse Ryle’s behavior. I understand that eventually she tried to help Lily, but some crimes can’t be forgiven. I hate that this book is getting a sequel and that Ryle is still involved.
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