Baldoni, Lively's "It Ends With Us" Outtake Issue

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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The "It Ends With Us" Outtake Fiasco: Colleen Hoover, My Disappointment, and What We Learned

Okay, so, Colleen Hoover. Huge name, right? I mean, everyone seems to be reading her books. I’d been meaning to read It Ends With Us for ages, and finally got around to it… then BAM! The whole outtake debacle hit. I felt, like, totally betrayed. This post is about that, and what I learned from the whole messy situation.

<h3>The Hype, the Hope, and the Huge Letdown</h3>

First off, let me say I loved It Ends With Us. The writing was good, the characters felt real (even if, you know, a little problematic… more on that later). I was completely engrossed. I devoured it in, like, two sittings. The emotional rollercoaster? Whoa. I cried. A lot. I felt every single thing Lily went through. Seriously, the ending wrecked me. I needed a hug (and maybe some chocolate). I was ready for more.

Then came the news about the outtakes. Apparently, there were additional scenes, supposedly crucial scenes, that were cut from the original publication. I’d seen people saying things like, “This changes EVERYTHING!” And I’m a sucker for extra content, honestly. I’m a total completionist when it comes to stories. The idea of missing essential scenes really bummed me out.

This whole "outtake issue" turned the already intense emotional experience of reading the book into something… different. It felt kinda manipulative, you know? Like they dangled this extra content to keep people invested. I was immediately suspicious.

<h3>Dissecting the Drama: What the Outtakes Actually Added</h3>

So, I got the outtakes. And…honestly? I was underwhelmed. They added some background, sure, but nothing that dramatically changed my understanding of the plot or the characters. It felt… tacked on. Like an afterthought. A cash grab, even.

The extra scenes provided some additional context about Ryle's behavior, some more insight into Lily's vulnerabilities and insecurities. But it didn't alter the core narrative or give me a new appreciation of the relationship dynamics. Honestly? It just stretched the story out. In retrospect, I think the original ended perfectly where it did.

This whole experience taught me something really important about trusting authors and publishers: don’t just blindly accept the hype. Read reviews, don't fall for marketing tactics. It's important to consider whether these “extras” actually add value to the overall story.

<h3>Beyond the Outtakes: Dealing with Triggering Content in Fiction</h3>

Let's be real, It Ends With Us is heavy. It deals with some seriously intense themes like domestic violence, abuse, and trauma. And that's okay! Important issues need to be addressed in fiction. But it's vital to remember that trigger warnings are vital, and that readers might have different reactions. I know I had to take several breaks, and the outtakes made it a little harder to process it all.

It's also important to note that many readers (myself included) were uncomfortable with the romanticisation of an abusive relationship, even if the overall message was ultimately about breaking free. This is a complex conversation that should be approached with sensitivity and awareness.

<h3>My Advice: Proceed with Caution</h3>

Looking back, my experience with the It Ends With Us outtakes was a lesson in managing expectations. Don't automatically assume that extra content will enhance your reading experience. Sometimes, less is more. And that’s fine. I think the core story of It Ends With Us stands on its own, without the additional material. However, it's important to be a critical reader and aware of the marketing and publishing world before taking the plunge on any extra material.

If you’re thinking of reading It Ends With Us, go ahead. But be aware of the triggers. And don't feel pressured to buy the outtakes. The original story still packs a punch. Trust your gut feeling on these additional materials. Often times, the original is the best version. You'll be okay. And maybe, grab some chocolate. You'll probably need it.