Lively Critiques Baldoni's "It Ends With Us"

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Lively Critiques Baldoni's "It Ends With Us": A Reader's Raw Take

Okay, so, I just finished Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us," and wow. What a rollercoaster. I've seen so many TikTok reviews and discussions – it's like the book equivalent of a cultural phenomenon. And honestly, a lot of what I've read online is pretty spot-on, but I wanted to add my two cents. I'm not a professional literary critic, just a huge reader who loves a good cry (and a good rant).

The Hype is Real (Mostly)

Let's be real, the hype around this book is massive. It's everywhere. And for good reason. Hoover's writing style is captivating. She has a way of pulling you into the story, making you feel everything Lily Bloom feels. The emotional intensity is undeniable, and I literally couldn't put it down. I mean, I stayed up until 2 am to finish it – that's dedication, right? The romance? Swoon. At least, in the beginning. Those early chapters? Pure magic. The chemistry between Lily and Ryle is electric. You're totally rooting for them. Hoover really knows how to build that tension and create those unforgettable romantic moments.

Where It Fell Short For Me

But here's where things get tricky. While I appreciated the raw honesty and the exploration of difficult topics like domestic violence and trauma, I struggled with some aspects of the plot. The whole "bad boy" trope, even with the abusive twist, felt a little tired. I wanted more depth to the secondary characters, especially the supporting female characters, who often felt underdeveloped compared to the emotional rollercoaster that defines Lily and Ryle.

I know, I know – a lot of people love Ryle, but his character felt too conveniently redeemed near the end of the book. It felt rushed, like the author needed a satisfying ending without genuinely resolving the core issues of his character arc and problematic behaviour. It's almost as if Hoover was trying to appease everyone while not really facing the difficult realities of abuse and recovery head-on.

The Problematic Romance

This brings me to my biggest issue: the glorification of a toxic relationship. Yes, the book deals with abuse, but it also, at times, romanticizes the unhealthy dynamic between Lily and Ryle. It's a fine line, and I think Hoover stumbles a bit. The constant push and pull, the emotional manipulation – it's all there, and while I understand the intention is to show the complexity of abuse, it felt too close to glorifying it for my liking at times.

It's like, you root for Lily to escape, absolutely! But those early scenes were almost too romantic, making the turn into abuse feel slightly jarring, almost unbelievable. I think it could have been handled more subtly and realistically. The depiction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could also benefit from more nuance in future works.

What I Learned (Besides Never Staying Up Until 2 AM Again)

Despite my critiques, I learned something valuable from "It Ends With Us." It's a conversation starter. It brought to light the often-hidden realities of domestic violence and encouraged discussions about the nuances of healthy relationships. We need to continue talking about these complicated issues, and perhaps this book, despite its flaws, plays a role in that process.

Practical tips for reading: Go in with a critical eye, okay? Don't let the hype blind you to potential issues. Discuss the book with friends; different perspectives can enrich your understanding. And if you're sensitive to depictions of abuse, it might be wise to go into this book with a support system in place. You might need it! This book is intense.

For the author: Perhaps adding more resources or trigger warnings might be a beneficial addition for future editions. It would have helped manage the intensity of some of the heavier subjects.

Ultimately, "It Ends With Us" is a complex and emotionally charged novel that sparked a lot of conversation. While I have my reservations, it undeniably holds power. I just hope future readers approach the book critically, recognizing both its strengths and weaknesses. And, yeah, maybe don't stay up until 2 am reading it. You'll thank me later.