"It Ends With Us": Lively-Baldoni Outtake Row

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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"It Ends With Us": The Colleen Hoover Outtake Row – A Reader's Perspective

Okay, so you guys know I'm obsessed with Colleen Hoover. Like, seriously obsessed. I've read everything she's written, multiple times. So when this whole "It Ends With Us" outtake kerfuffle happened, I was ALL OVER IT. It was like a rollercoaster of emotions, let me tell you.

First off, for anyone living under a rock (lol, seriously, where have you been?), Colleen Hoover released some outtakes from It Ends With Us. These weren't just minor edits; they were substantial additions to the story, changing Ryle and Lily's relationship dynamics. Some people were thrilled, others were…well, let's just say less than pleased.

<h3>My Initial Reaction: Total Chaos</h3>

My initial reaction was pure, unadulterated joy. More Ryle and Lily? Sign me up! I devoured those outtakes like a starving person at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Seriously, I couldn't put my Kindle down. The extra scenes gave so much more depth to their already complex relationship. I finally understood some of Ryle's behavior better, though I still don't condone his actions!

But then…the backlash hit.

<h3>The Backlash: A Rollercoaster of Opinions</h3>

I started seeing posts all over BookTok and Goodreads – people were pissed. Some felt the outtakes contradicted the original narrative. Others felt it somehow justified Ryle's abusive behavior. And some…well, some just didn't like the extra content. I get it. Some readers were very attached to the original and the changes made them upset.

Honestly? It was kinda stressful reading all the negativity. I mean, we're talking about a fictional story here, right? Why the intense reaction? But I also understood where some of the criticisms were coming from. It felt like a rewriting, perhaps one that was done without sufficient thought.

<h3>My Take: A Necessary Addition (Mostly)</h3>

Look, I'm not saying the outtakes were perfect. There were definitely parts that felt a little…off. A little rushed, perhaps? But overall, I thought they added a lot of nuance to the characters and their motivations. For me, it enhanced my understanding of the novel's core themes, including the complexities of trauma and healing and domestic violence. And for sure, it deepened my emotional connection to both Lily and Ryle.

There is so much discussion on the internet about the meaning of the outtakes and their impact on the original work. Did it ruin the story for some people? Perhaps. But for me, it brought new layers and created more of a deep dive into the psychological aspects of the characters. I also appreciated the author's attempt to add more context.

<h3>Tips for Navigating the "Outtake Debate"</h3>

• Remember it's fiction: It's easy to get emotionally invested in fictional characters, but it's important to remember they're not real people.
• Respect different opinions: Not everyone will share your viewpoint, and that's okay! It's fine to disagree respectfully, but there's no need for hate or unnecessary drama.
• Consider the author's intent: Colleen Hoover has been very open about her reasons for releasing the outtakes. Try to understand her perspective before forming your own judgment. It's important to remember that the release of these outtakes was a complex decision with many factors at play. The timing, and the decision itself, likely involved significant deliberation from both the author and her team. It's not as simple as a single writer's snap decision, as many believe.
• Decide for yourself: Ultimately, whether you enjoy the outtakes is a matter of personal preference. Don't let online discussions dictate your opinion.

This whole thing was a wild ride, guys. A true example of the power and passion of the Colleen Hoover fanbase. I mean, some of this book's fanbase was completely bonkers and intense. Even I, a huge fan, was stunned by the level of reaction. But hey, at least it gave us something to talk about, right? Let me know what you thought of the outtakes in the comments below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!