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Book Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

Joao Nsita

Sep 20, 2024

7 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2024

Introduction

Imagine the pain of new beginnings, the struggle to rebuild after heartbreak, and the hope that comes with starting anew. Colleen Hoover's "It Starts With Us" is the much-anticipated sequel to her best-selling novel and BookTok sensation, "It Ends With Us." This contemporary romance novel takes readers through the intricacies of life after divorce and domestic abuse, offering a poignant and heartwarming exploration of love, healing, and second chances. If you're a fan of witty banter, charming characters, and feel-good stories, this book is a must-read.

Book Summary

"It Starts With Us" picks up directly after the events of "It Ends With Us," bringing readers into the lives of Lily and Atlas as they navigate the complexities of divorce, found family, and starting a new life after abuse. The story alternates between Atlas's and Lily's points of view, providing a well-rounded perspective on their journey.

Lily, having recently divorced her abusive husband Ryle, is determined to create a better life for herself and her daughter Emerson. She finds solace and support in her relationship with Atlas, her first love, who re-enters her life under unexpected circumstances. Together, they attempt to rekindle the love they felt for each other as teenagers, while dealing with the repercussions their love may have now as adults.

The novel delves into the themes of second chances, the complexity of hate, and the importance of healthy relationships. It explores the idea that love should be a bit naive and that not all romantic love will end. The story is filled with unforgettable moments, clever dialogue, and a perfectly paced plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Author's Style and Craft

Colleen Hoover's writing style is both captivating and emotionally resonant. She employs vivid imagery and emotive language to convey the depth of her characters' experiences. The narrative is told through alternating perspectives, allowing readers to gain insight into both Lily's and Atlas's thoughts and feelings.

The pacing of the novel is perfectly balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with engaging dialogue and character development. Hoover's use of flashback scenes provides background on Atlas, Lily, and Ryle, highlighting the enduring impacts of abuse and the importance of healthy relationships. The author's ability to create relatable and charming characters is a standout feature of her writing style.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

"It Starts With Us" explores several themes that resonate deeply with readers. The concept of second chances is a central theme, as Lily and Atlas attempt to rekindle their love and build a new life together. The novel delves into the complexity of hate, portraying antagonists as victims and enablers rather than one-dimensional villains. This nuanced portrayal of characters adds depth to the story and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding.

The theme of self-discovery is another crucial element of the story. As Lily navigates her new life, she begins to understand her own feelings and desires. This journey of self-discovery is a key part of her character development, as she realizes the importance of healthy relationships and the love she deserves.

The novel also explores the idea that love should be a bit naive, suggesting that sometimes, the best love is the simplest and most innocent. This theme is reflected in the sweet and embarrassing love between Atlas and Lily, which is much healthier than the toxic relationships they both experienced before.

Strengths

One of the standout strengths of "It Starts With Us" is the author's ability to create vivid and relatable characters. Lily's journey of healing and self-discovery is both heartwarming and inspiring. The author's use of vivid descriptions and emotive language enhances the reading experience, making it easy for readers to become invested in the story.

The novel's unique selling point is its blend of contemporary and historical narratives. The historical thread about Violet, a stewardess on the Titanic, adds depth and intrigue to the story. The author's love for flowers and her detailed descriptions create a sensory and emotional impact for the reader.

Areas for Improvement

While "It Starts With Us" is a compelling read, there are a few areas that could be improved. Some readers might find the historical thread to be a bit underdeveloped. Violet's sections are short, and while they work well within the context of the story, a deeper exploration of her character could add more depth to the narrative.

Additionally, the pacing of the story could benefit from a slower, more deliberate pace in certain parts. This would allow for deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and motivations, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Comparative Analysis

"It Starts With Us" fits well within the contemporary romance genre, offering a fresh take on the classic themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Compared to other books in its genre, "It Starts With Us" stands out for its unique blend of contemporary and historical narratives and its focus on the symbolic significance of flowers.

The novel fits well within Colleen Hoover's repertoire, building on the themes and styles explored in her previous works, such as "It Ends With Us." It contributes to her expanding universe of heartwarming and engaging stories.

Target Audience

"It Starts With Us" is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance and historical fiction with a blend of heartwarming and engaging elements. Fans of witty banter, charming characters, and feel-good stories will find this book particularly appealing. The novel's themes of self-discovery, friendship, and healing make it a relatable and engaging read for a wide audience.

Personal Impact

"It Starts With Us" left a lasting impression on me. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and her determination to find healing resonated deeply. The witty banter and playful interactions between the characters made the reading experience enjoyable and memorable. This book is a reminder that love and self-discovery often go hand in hand, and that sometimes, the best secrets are hidden in the smallest treasures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "It Starts With Us" by Colleen Hoover is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. With its engaging plot, charming characters, and witty banter, this contemporary romance novel offers readers a satisfying blend of humor, heart, and heat. Whether you're a longtime fan of Colleen Hoover's work or new to her interconnected universe of romantic stories, "It Starts With Us" is a must-read that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

For more inspiration on personal transformation, check out the Transform Your Life series at That Love Podcast and explore wellness tips at That Blissful Wellness Podcast.

Additional Reading and Resources

More Book Reviews from That Love Podcast

If you enjoyed this review, check out our takes on other fantastic reads:

Romance Community Resources

For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:

Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books - Known for its humorous and insightful reviews, this site also features a podcast and community discussions about romance novels.
Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.

We hope these additional resources enhance your romance reading experience and help you discover your next favorite book!

FAQ Section

What is the central theme of "It Starts With Us"? The central theme of "It Starts With Us" is the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery, explored through the symbolic significance of flowers.
Who is the main character in "It Starts With Us"? The main character is Lily, a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband and finds solace in her work as a florist.
What is the historical thread in the novel? The historical thread in the novel revolves around Violet, a stewardess on the Titanic, and the mystery of who arranged the flowers on board the ship.
What makes "It Starts With Us" unique within its genre? "It Starts With Us" stands out for its unique blend of contemporary and historical narratives and its focus on the symbolic significance of flowers.
What are some of the strengths of "It Starts With Us"? Some of the strengths of "It Starts With Us" include the author's ability to create vivid and relatable characters, the unique blend of contemporary and historical narratives, and the detailed descriptions of flowers.
What are some areas for improvement in "It Starts With Us"? Some areas for improvement in "It Starts With Us" include the underdeveloped historical thread and the need for a slower, more deliberate pace in certain parts.
Who is the target audience for "It Starts With Us"? The target audience for "It Starts With Us" is readers who enjoy contemporary romance and historical fiction with a blend of heartwarming and engaging elements.
How does "It Starts With Us" fit into the contemporary romance genre? "It Starts With Us" fits well within the contemporary romance genre, offering a fresh take on the classic themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
What is the significance of flowers in the novel? Flowers serve as symbols of love, loss, and healing throughout the novel, representing tangible signs of love and connection.
What is the personal impact of "It Starts With Us"? "It Starts With Us" leaves a lasting impression, reminding readers that love and self-discovery often go hand in hand, and that sometimes, the best secrets are hidden in the smallest treasures.

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Episode of the Week

AMERICAN BOLLYWOOD
— EPISODE FOUR

That Love Podcast presents: American Bollywood — Episode 4

Format/Genre: A cinematic coming-of-age audio rom-com and romantic podcast episode where Bollywood dancing, forbidden feelings, friendship and disastrous romantic misunderstandings collide.

Logline: As Izzy Lopez finally begins finding her rhythm alongside Miles Pires Shah, one unforgettable dance brings them closer than ever — until a harmless lie leaves Izzy facing a double date with Miles, his girlfriend and a boyfriend who does not actually exist.

The music begins, Miles Pires Shah takes the floor, and Izzy Lopez finally gets to see what years of dancing have made him capable of. With Gloria Okafor guiding her through every step, Izzy watches the boy she loves move with effortless confidence before deciding she is tired of watching from the sidelines and stepping onto the floor herself.

Then something extraordinary happens. For eleven glorious seconds, Izzy actually dances — her feet land correctly, her body finds the rhythm and Miles begins moving with her until, for one brief moment, they forget to be self-conscious and simply dance together. Naturally, Izzy then falls flat on her face, but even Gloria admits those eleven seconds prove that somewhere underneath the chaos there may actually be a dancer waiting to emerge.

Miles stays to help, and an afternoon filled with teasing, falling and unexpected chemistry leaves Izzy increasingly aware that something between them may be changing. Gloria also makes a life-changing decision: Izzy will become her final student, and the prom performance will be the last chapter of Gloria’s career as a dance teacher.

Outside the studio, Miles waits for Izzy and asks if she would like to go out after school. For one glorious moment, Izzy believes the impossible might finally be happening — until Miles explains that Dina will be coming too and asks Izzy to bring the boyfriend she previously claimed to have. Unfortunately, that boyfriend exists only inside Izzy’s increasingly complicated imagination.

With a double date approaching, six weeks until prom, a dance routine she can barely survive and absolutely no boyfriend, Izzy has managed to transform one impossible romantic plan into several simultaneous emergencies. But after Miles leaves her with an unexpected kiss on the cheek, giving up becomes even harder.

American Bollywood Episode 4 is a funny, heartfelt audio romance about chemistry, confidence, terrible decisions and those dangerous little moments when friendship begins feeling like something else.

Starring Berr Kell and Emerson Peery

Written by Joao Nsita