It Starts with Us -A Novel (It Ends with Us)

Introduction: Revisiting Lily’s Journey

"It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover is a highly anticipated sequel to the emotionally gripping novel "It Ends with Us." While the first book dealt with the themes of domestic abuse, difficult choices, and the painful end of a toxic relationship, this sequel shifts its focus to themes of healing, love, and the possibility of a fresh start. The novel continues the journey of Lily Bloom, a character who has already captured the hearts of many readers, as she navigates her life after ending her relationship with Ryle Kincaid, the father of her child. The book explores how Lily moves forward while balancing her new life as a single mother, her lingering connection with her past, and the possibility of rekindling her first love with Atlas Corrigan.

Plot Overview:

Beginning: Life After Ryle

The story picks up where "It Ends with Us" concluded, with Lily Bloom having finally separated from Ryle Kincaid. Lily is now a single mother, fully devoted to raising her daughter, Emerson. Despite her determination to keep her life stable and healthy for Emerson’s sake, Lily finds herself frequently interacting with Ryle due to their shared custody arrangement. Ryle’s presence is a constant reminder of the love they once shared, as well as the pain he inflicted upon her.

Lily’s life has become a delicate balancing act. She is trying to create a stable and loving environment for Emerson while managing the emotional turmoil that comes with co-parenting with an ex-partner who still holds feelings for her. Despite Ryle’s attempts to be a good father, the trauma of their past relationship makes it difficult for Lily to fully move on. The tension between them is palpable, with Lily often struggling to navigate her emotions and maintain her boundaries.

Rekindling the Past: Atlas and Lily

Amidst this turmoil, Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s first love, re-enters her life. Atlas has always been a figure of comfort and safety for Lily, someone who understood her in ways Ryle never could. Now a successful restaurateur, Atlas is more settled in his life, yet his feelings for Lily have never waned. Their reunion is filled with a mix of nostalgia and longing, as both characters realize that their connection has endured the test of time.

As Lily and Atlas begin to spend more time together, their old feelings resurface, and they start to explore the possibility of rekindling their romance. However, their journey is far from straightforward. Both Lily and Atlas carry the weight of their pasts—Lily with her traumatic experiences with Ryle, and Atlas with his own troubled childhood and past relationship wounds. Their relationship is a delicate dance of vulnerability and trust, as they slowly open up to one another about their fears and hopes for the future.

Challenges and Conflicts: Navigating Co-Parenting with Ryle

A significant portion of the novel deals with the challenges Lily faces in co-parenting with Ryle. Despite their separation, Ryle is determined to be an active part of Emerson’s life, which forces Lily to interact with him regularly. This interaction brings a complex dynamic into Lily’s life. Ryle’s attempts to redeem himself and be a better father are genuine, but they are also fraught with the tension of his past abusive behavior. Lily is constantly on guard, wary of letting Ryle too close emotionally while also trying to ensure that Emerson has a positive relationship with her father.

Ryle’s character in this sequel is more complex than in the first book. He is not depicted as a one-dimensional antagonist, but rather as a flawed individual trying to make amends. However, his efforts to change do not negate the harm he caused, and the novel explores the difficulty of co-parenting with someone who has a history of abuse. Lily’s internal conflict is palpable—she must balance her desire to protect herself and Emerson with the recognition that Ryle, despite his flaws, is still her daughter’s father.

The novel does not shy away from depicting the emotional toll this takes on Lily. She experiences moments of doubt and fear, questioning whether she can truly move forward while Ryle remains a part of her life. At the same time, she is resolute in her commitment to ensuring that Emerson grows up in a healthy and loving environment, even if that means maintaining a cordial, albeit distant, relationship with Ryle.

The Evolving Relationship between Lily and Atlas

As Lily and Atlas continue to explore their relationship, the novel delves into the challenges of starting anew with someone who was once a part of your past. Atlas is patient and understanding, knowing the emotional baggage Lily carries. He is willing to take things slow, allowing Lily to dictate the pace of their relationship. This patience is contrasted with Ryle’s impulsiveness and controlling behavior, highlighting the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.

Atlas's backstory is further developed in this book, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his character. His childhood was marred by neglect and abuse, much like Lily’s, which is part of what drew them together in the first place. Now, as an adult, Atlas has built a successful life for himself, but he still carries the scars of his past. His relationship with Lily offers him a chance at healing as well, as they both learn to trust and love again after their respective traumas.

Their relationship is not without its challenges, though. The presence of Ryle looms large, creating moments of tension and uncertainty. Lily’s fear of Ryle’s reaction to her relationship with Atlas is a constant undercurrent in their interactions. Despite these challenges, Lily and Atlas work towards building a future together, one that is based on mutual respect, understanding, and love.

Themes:

1. Resilience and Healing

One of the central themes of "It Starts with Us" is the resilience required to heal from past trauma. Lily’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to rebuild one’s life after experiencing abuse. Her story is not just about surviving but thriving—finding joy and love again despite the pain of the past. The novel explores how healing is a gradual process, one that requires patience, support, and self-compassion.

2. Love and Forgiveness

The theme of love is explored in various forms—romantic love, familial love, and self-love. The novel examines the complexities of love, particularly the idea of second chances. Lily’s relationship with Atlas represents a second chance at love, one that is healthier and more supportive than her relationship with Ryle. At the same time, the novel grapples with the idea of forgiveness—whether it is possible or even necessary to forgive someone who has caused deep harm. Lily’s interactions with Ryle raise important questions about the nature of forgiveness and its role in healing.

3. Family and Co-Parenting

Family dynamics are a significant focus of the novel, particularly the challenges of co-parenting in a situation where there is a history of abuse. Lily’s efforts to co-parent with Ryle while protecting herself and her daughter from further harm highlight the difficulties many individuals face in similar situations. The novel also explores the idea of chosen family—how the people we choose to surround ourselves with can provide the love and support we need to heal and grow.

4. Empowerment and Self-Love

Throughout the novel, Lily’s journey is one of empowerment. She learns to prioritize her own needs and well-being, recognizing that she deserves to be treated with respect and love. The novel sends a strong message about the importance of self-love—how it is essential for building healthy relationships and moving forward from past trauma. Lily’s decision to pursue a relationship with Atlas is rooted in her newfound sense of self-worth and her belief that she deserves to be happy.

Conclusion: A New Beginning

"It Starts with Us" is a story of hope, love, and second chances. Colleen Hoover masterfully continues the story of Lily Bloom, providing readers with a deeper understanding of her character and the challenges she faces. The novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of relationships, the impact of past trauma, and the possibility of healing and new beginnings.

Lily’s journey is one that many readers will find relatable and inspiring. Her resilience, strength, and capacity for love serve as a reminder that it is possible to rebuild and find happiness even after the most difficult of experiences. The novel leaves readers with a sense of hope, showing that while the path to healing is not easy, it is always worth it.

Through Lily’s story, Hoover highlights the importance of making choices that align with one’s values and the necessity of surrounding oneself with people who support and uplift you. "It Starts with Us" is a beautiful continuation of a story that began with pain but ultimately finds its way to love and healing. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, the importance of forgiveness, and the strength that comes from choosing to start anew.