It Ends with Us

"It Ends With Us" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel by Colleen Hoover that delves into the heart-wrenching issue of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Through the story of its protagonist, Lily, the book highlights the devastating impact of such experiences on a person's life, as well as the journey towards healing and recovery.

The author does an excellent job of weaving together elements of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in a way that is both emotional and impactful. From the very first page, the reader is drawn into Lily's world, and her journey of growth and self-discovery.

Lily is a young woman who falls in love with a man named Ryle, who she initially believes to be the perfect person for her. However, as their relationship progresses, Ryle begins to exhibit controlling and abusive behaviors that cause Lily to question the foundation of their relationship. The author does an excellent job of highlighting the subtle ways in which abuse can manifest, and the toll it takes on the victim.

One of the standout quotes in the book is when Lily says, "Love isn't supposed to hurt. Love isn't supposed to be cruel. Love is supposed to heal." This line encapsulates the message that the author is trying to convey throughout the book - that love should never be a source of pain and suffering.

Another important theme of the book is the power of forgiveness and the healing that comes with letting go of past hurts. The author explores the complex emotions that come with forgiveness, and the difficulty of moving forward, but also highlights the importance of letting go of anger and resentment in order to heal and grow.

One of the most poignant quotes in the book is, "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." This line is a reminder that forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past, but also about freeing oneself from the burden of anger and resentment.

The author also sheds light on the importance of a supportive community in the face of abuse. Throughout the book, Lily receives love and encouragement from her family, friends, and a support group, showing the impact that a loving community can have on a survivor's healing process. The author emphasizes the importance of seeking support from loved ones and from resources such as therapy and support groups in the healing process.

Lily reflects on her past experiences with toxic relationships and encourages her daughter to choose love wisely. She wants her daughter to know that she deserves someone who treats her with kindness and respect, and to never settle for anything less.

Lily says, "I want you to know that love is a choice. It's not just a feeling that takes over you. It's a decision that you make every day to put someone else's happiness before your own." She continues to explain that love should never make someone feel small or insignificant.

Throughout the book, Lily learns the hard way that love is not always easy, but it should never hurt. She wants her daughter to understand this and to always choose love that builds her up and makes her feel loved and appreciated.

In the end, Lily's speech is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and self-worth in any relationship. She encourages her daughter to never settle for less than she deserves and to always choose love wisely.

Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern. Sometimes it seems easier to just keep running in the same familiar circles, rather than facing the fear of jumping and possibly not landing on your feet.

My mother went through it.

I went through it.

I'll be damned if I allow my daughter to go through it.

I kiss her on the forehead and make her a promise. "It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.

- Colleen Hoover, It Ends with Us

The ending of the book is hopeful and uplifting, with Lily discovering a new sense of self-love and self-worth, and finally being able to let go of the past and move forward. The ending serves as a reminder that healing is possible, even after the most difficult experiences.

In conclusion, "It Ends With Us" is a powerful and eye-opening novel that tackles difficult and important topics with sensitivity and grace. The author's writing is raw and emotional, and her storytelling is both captivating and impactful. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of abuse and the importance of supporting survivors. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and the power of hope and healing.