Book review- It ends with us by Colleen Hoover

 

"It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover is a story packed with fast-paced, riveting drama and the painful truths of a woman’s struggle to break the cycle of abuse and rise above to create a safe life for herself and her child. As claimed by the writer, some of the incidents mentioned in the book are based on the relationship between her mother and father…which was indeed a shock-enhancer.

This book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of the survivors.

This story is all too common and familiar… yet kind-off forbidden to be discussed and addressed; it is a brave attempt by the author to bring forth an honest and unbiased picture of people who do and of people to whom these things happen. We often hear incidents like the ones discussed in this book, but how many times does anyone truly understand the inner struggles of the people involved and their helplessness to get out because they don’t have support from friends, family, and society?

Without revealing the plot, I will say that Colleen Hoover takes up two major social issues (i.e. childhood trauma and domestic violence) and brings them to light from a new perspective. After reading the book, it struck me so profoundly that it is so easy to comment on the violence survivors, and yet it is so challenging to be in their shoes and experience it first-hand, which I did while I read this book.

A tearjerker, this book is inspiring and one of those reads which leave a mark on a reader’s heart. With an epic ending that is not-to-be-missed, I shall recommend this small book for sure.

My favourite quotes from the book

"Life is a funny thing. We only get so many years to live it, so we have to do everything we can to make sure those years are as full as they can be. We shouldn’t waste time on things that might happen someday, or maybe even never."

"Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern. Sometimes it seems easier to keep running in the same familiar circles rather than facing the fear of jumping and possibly not landing on your feet."

"Maybe love isn’t something that comes full circle. It just ebbs and flows, in and out, just like the people in our lives."

"All humans make mistakes. What determines a person’s character aren’t the mistakes we make. It’s how we turn those mistakes into lessons rather than excuses."

"There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things."