It Starts with Us Book Summary: Diving Deeper into the Sequel
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| It Starts with Us Book Summary |
Hey, lovely readers! If you’ve been following my book reviews for a while, you already know that I previously did a full review of "It Ends with Us"—a story that hit us all right in the feels with its raw emotions, heavy themes, and heart-wrenching romance. That book was a total rollercoaster! Well, buckle up again because today, we’re diving into "It Starts with Us," the much-anticipated sequel by Colleen Hoover.
If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know that it left us with a lot of questions. Colleen Hoover teased us with a glimpse of a hopeful future for Lily, and now we’re about to dive into what happens next. And trust me, Hoover did not hold back. This sequel connects every dot, answers some burning questions, and gives us even more to think about.
In this summary, I’ll take you through the key moments of the book (with some spoilers, because I can’t help but get into the juicy details), so get comfy! If you haven’t read my previous summary on It Ends with Us, I recommend checking it out first so you’re all caught up.
Let’s dive into this emotional journey once again, shall we?
Recap of It Ends with Us
Before we jump into It Starts with Us, let’s do a quick recap of where we left off. It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom, a young woman who moves to Boston, opens her flower shop, and falls in love with the charming neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid. But their relationship quickly spirals as Ryle's dark side and violent tendencies emerge, revealing a troubled past and a history of trauma. Lily finds herself trapped in a toxic cycle of abuse, torn between her love for Ryle and the desire to protect herself.
Throughout the novel, Lily reflects on her first love, Atlas Corrigan, the boy who was there for her during her toughest moments as a teenager. By the end of It Ends with Us, Lily makes the brave decision to leave Ryle after she becomes pregnant with their daughter, Emerson. The final scene leaves us with a hopeful glimpse of Lily reuniting with Atlas, sparking the question: What will happen next?
Where It Starts with Us Picks Up
It Starts with Us picks up immediately where the first book ended, giving us that much-needed continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story. And right from the first chapter, Colleen Hoover does not waste time in pulling us back into the emotional whirlwind.
Lily is now navigating life as a single mother, co-parenting with Ryle, and still dealing with the trauma of their relationship. Her world is complicated, but she’s determined to make it work for the sake of her daughter, Emerson. But of course, Ryle is still very much in the picture. He’s not just her ex-husband—he’s the father of her child, and that connection makes things difficult, to say the least.
Just when Lily thinks she’s settling into a routine, Atlas re-enters her life. He’s the one that got away, the first love she never truly let go of. Their reunion brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially given the history of pain and heartache both have endured.
Exploring Lily and Atlas’s Relationship
The core of It Starts with Us revolves around Lily and Atlas as they finally get their second chance at love. Atlas has always been the steady, compassionate presence in Lily’s life, even when they were apart. But now, as adults with complicated lives, their reunion is far from simple.
One of the major themes in this book is healing—both individually and together. Lily is still recovering from her abusive marriage with Ryle, and the trauma is deeply ingrained in her. She’s cautious, especially with a young daughter to protect. Meanwhile, Atlas has his own challenges. He’s now a successful restaurant owner, but his past haunts him, especially when it comes to his estranged family.
As they slowly rebuild their relationship, we see a deep emotional connection between them. Unlike Ryle, who was unpredictable and controlling, Atlas is patient and understanding. He respects Lily’s boundaries, especially when it comes to her co-parenting arrangement with Ryle. There’s a stark contrast between the two men in Lily’s life, which highlights the importance of healthy love.
Ryle’s Role in the Sequel
Now, let’s talk about Ryle because, let’s face it, his presence looms large throughout the story. He’s still the father of Lily’s child, which means he’s a permanent figure in her life. But even though Lily has left him, his controlling tendencies and jealousy are still very much a part of the narrative.
Ryle’s reaction to Lily and Atlas rekindling their relationship adds a layer of tension throughout the book. He can’t stand the idea of Atlas being in Lily and Emerson’s life, and his resentment creates friction. This is where we see Lily’s growth—she’s much stronger now, and while Ryle’s behavior is difficult to manage, she handles it with grace and determination.
The co-parenting dynamic between Lily and Ryle is one of the most realistic and relatable aspects of the story. It’s messy, it’s hard, and there’s no easy solution. But Lily’s focus is on doing what’s best for her daughter, even if it means making uncomfortable compromises with Ryle.
Atlas’s Family Drama
While It Starts with Us gives us the romance we’ve been waiting for between Lily and Atlas, it also dives deeper into Atlas’s backstory, which was only touched upon in the first book. We learn more about his troubled childhood, his experiences with homelessness, and the strained relationship with his mother.
In this book, Atlas reconnects with his younger brother, Josh, who he didn’t even know existed until now. This subplot adds a new layer to Atlas’s character, showing his vulnerabilities and his deep desire for family, something he was deprived of growing up. The relationship between Atlas and Josh is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as Atlas tries to make up for lost time while dealing with the scars of his past.
Themes of Forgiveness and Growth
One of the most powerful themes in It Starts with Us is forgiveness—not just of others, but of oneself. Lily struggles with forgiving herself for staying with Ryle as long as she did, while also grappling with the idea of forgiving Ryle for his abusive behavior. It’s not easy, and Hoover doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities of this emotional journey.
Atlas, too, is on a path of self-forgiveness. He carries guilt for not being there for Lily sooner and for the mistakes he made in his own life. But as they both heal, we see the beauty of growth and the possibility of a future built on love, trust, and mutual respect.
Emerson: Lily’s New Hope
At the heart of this story is Emerson, Lily’s daughter, who represents hope, innocence, and the future. Lily’s decisions are heavily influenced by what’s best for her child, and her love for Emerson gives her the strength to move forward. The relationship between Lily and Emerson is tender and pure, providing a sense of warmth and optimism amidst the heavier themes of the book.
Atlas’s relationship with Emerson also grows as he becomes a more permanent part of their lives. His gentle and caring nature makes him an ideal father figure, and their interactions are some of the most touching moments in the book.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Hope and Healing
It Starts with Us is a beautiful continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story. It’s a tale of second chances, healing from trauma, and the power of love that’s built on respect and trust. Colleen Hoover masterfully weaves together the messy realities of life—abuse, forgiveness, co-parenting, and personal growth—into a narrative that feels authentic and deeply moving.
For fans of It Ends with Us, this sequel provides closure while also opening up new possibilities for the characters we’ve come to love. The story comes full circle, showing us that even after the darkest moments, there is always the potential for light, love, and a better future.
So, if you haven’t picked up It Starts with Us yet, what are you waiting for? This book is everything we hoped for and more. Get ready to laugh, cry, and root for Lily and Atlas as they finally get the happiness they deserve.
And if you haven’t read my previous summary of It Ends with Us, make sure to check that out for a deeper understanding of the journey that led to this beautiful sequel!