It Starts With Us - By Colleen Hoover

“Sometimes the right person for you was there all along. You just didn’t know it yet.”

What an ending to the book “It Starts with Us”! You simply can’t help but get emotional while reading it- just like its connected novel, “It Ends with Us”.

I had heard that “It Starts with Us” wasn’t as impactful as “It Ends with Us”, but honestly, I enjoyed both equally (even though I read them with a gap of one year).

I absolutely loved the characters Atlas and Lily.

“It Starts with Us” follows the events of “It Ends with Us”, so it’s best to read “It Ends with Us” first. I bought both together and followed the recommended order. I finished “It Ends with Us” in January 2025 and picked up the second book almost a year later(February 2026).

While “It Ends with Us” is intense and heartbreaking, “It Starts with Us” feels softer and more hopeful. The story is subtle, focusing on emotional healing and growth rather than crisis.

After leaving her abusive marriage with Ryle, Lily reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. The strength and individuality both Atlas and Lily carry; and the way they try to build a life together while being mindful of each other after years apart is deeply emotional. You can’t help but become invested in their journey and, in some way, live it with them.

Unlike the emotional turbulence of the first book, this story explores what happens when love feels safe, steady, and intentional.

Colleen Hoover’s writing style is beautiful, she allows each character to take you through their own perspective, helping you see the same situation through different lenses. I especially loved how she weaves together the past and the present, bringing old emotions alive through journal entries. It reminds me of the way Imtiaz Ali makes his films- nostalgic and emotionally indulging.

I’m in love with the world and emotional universe the author has created.

If you love this genre, both books are a must-read.

AS: Happy Reading! 😀

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