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A review by jerica
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
First I want to say that I don't know if or when I will read the next book in this series. It's not because I didn't like this book. On the contrary, it has made me feel all of the things to the point that I'm struggling to process it and I don't know if I'll be ready to get back on the rollercoaster any time soon. I feel seen, heartbroken, hopeful, triggered, and inspired. For the first time in years, maybe longer, I feel like I've found a book that does it all. It even managed to surprise me a little, which is not a simple feat.
Somehow, I thought this book was going to be nothing more than a cutesy love story. Despite the shattered glass flower on the cover, the somewhat ominous title, and a hint of turmoil in the description, I thought this book would be fluffy. Maybe it's because the masses love it, and I often avoid things that the masses love because they are usually surface-level and disappointing. I digress.
Part of me wishes I read reviews and sought content warnings before reading. More of me is thankful I didn't. If I knew that this book contained domestic violence and rape I probably wouldn't have read it. But here we are. I couldn't stop reading it. The writing is compelling, the storyline has many layers, and the characters are fairly complex. They feel like real people. People I know or have known.
This book is important. It breaks down the cycle of abuse in many ways and shows it from different perspectives. It is so descriptive and well written that I think even those who are lucky enough to have not experienced these things will be able to understand some of their complexities. This author is probably the only one I have read that provides such an accurate glimpse of what it's like to live in a violent home. Love vs. hate. Hope vs. fear. The ripple effect. The lies and manipulation. The shame and guilt or sometimes lack thereof. The excuses. The attempts at repair. The brokenness. The fact that it's not as simple as just leaving. The fact that people who endure abuse aren't weak, but rather they are immeasurably strong. They often not only face abuse from a loved one or loved ones, but also face consistent disbelief, misunderstanding, and judgment from others.
Please remember that you never truly know what is going on in someone else's life. You don't know what demons they fight behind closed doors or in their minds. No matter how close you are to someone, everyone has secrets. Everyone has pain. Everyone suffers. Be kind. Exude love and light. Help others when you can. Ask for and accept help when you need it. The only way out is through, and no one should have to go through alone.
Here is my content warning. If you are not feeling mentally healthy, please wait to read this book; it isn't going anywhere. I have come a long way on my healing journey, but I still experienced anxiety, physical illness, nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation that seemed to be directly related to reading this. Clearly I was meant to read it at this time in my life, and I think I know why, but now I need to focus on self care again and continue healing everything that this book stirred up for me. If you do choose to read now, be mindful along the way. Think about what you're reading. Feel the feelings. Learn, grow, and know that you are worthy of happiness and healthy love, not only from others but from yourself.
Somehow, I thought this book was going to be nothing more than a cutesy love story. Despite the shattered glass flower on the cover, the somewhat ominous title, and a hint of turmoil in the description, I thought this book would be fluffy. Maybe it's because the masses love it, and I often avoid things that the masses love because they are usually surface-level and disappointing. I digress.
Part of me wishes I read reviews and sought content warnings before reading. More of me is thankful I didn't. If I knew that this book contained domestic violence and rape I probably wouldn't have read it. But here we are. I couldn't stop reading it. The writing is compelling, the storyline has many layers, and the characters are fairly complex. They feel like real people. People I know or have known.
This book is important. It breaks down the cycle of abuse in many ways and shows it from different perspectives. It is so descriptive and well written that I think even those who are lucky enough to have not experienced these things will be able to understand some of their complexities. This author is probably the only one I have read that provides such an accurate glimpse of what it's like to live in a violent home. Love vs. hate. Hope vs. fear. The ripple effect. The lies and manipulation. The shame and guilt or sometimes lack thereof. The excuses. The attempts at repair. The brokenness. The fact that it's not as simple as just leaving. The fact that people who endure abuse aren't weak, but rather they are immeasurably strong. They often not only face abuse from a loved one or loved ones, but also face consistent disbelief, misunderstanding, and judgment from others.
Please remember that you never truly know what is going on in someone else's life. You don't know what demons they fight behind closed doors or in their minds. No matter how close you are to someone, everyone has secrets. Everyone has pain. Everyone suffers. Be kind. Exude love and light. Help others when you can. Ask for and accept help when you need it. The only way out is through, and no one should have to go through alone.
Here is my content warning. If you are not feeling mentally healthy, please wait to read this book; it isn't going anywhere. I have come a long way on my healing journey, but I still experienced anxiety, physical illness, nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation that seemed to be directly related to reading this. Clearly I was meant to read it at this time in my life, and I think I know why, but now I need to focus on self care again and continue healing everything that this book stirred up for me. If you do choose to read now, be mindful along the way. Think about what you're reading. Feel the feelings. Learn, grow, and know that you are worthy of happiness and healthy love, not only from others but from yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Violence