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Table of Contents
About The Book
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Starts with Us and All Your Perfects, a “brave and heartbreaking novel that digs its claws into you and doesn’t let go, long after you’ve finished it” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author) about a workaholic with a too-good-to-be-true romance can’t stop thinking about her first love—soon to be a major motion picture.
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
An honest, evocative, and tender novel, It Ends with Us is “a glorious and touching read, a forever keeper. The kind of book that gets handed down” (USA TODAY).
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
An honest, evocative, and tender novel, It Ends with Us is “a glorious and touching read, a forever keeper. The kind of book that gets handed down” (USA TODAY).
Reading Group Guide
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It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Topics and Questions for Discussion
1. Lily’s feelings for Ryle are conflicting at times; she has a deep love and understanding for him despite his actions. A recurring expression in their relationship is, “There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.” Do you agree with that sentiment or do you think there are bad people?
2. Lily denies the severity of Ryle’s abuse toward her by comparing it to her father’s abusive actions toward her mother. What similarities can you draw between Lily’s father and Ryle? What differences?
3. Do you think Lily made the right choice by allowing Ryle to be a part of Emmy’s life? What would you have done?
4. Love is an undeniably complex aspect of humanity. Lily is loved differently yet intensely by both Ryle and Atlas. Compare their love for her.
5. Have you ever forgiven someone you wish you hadn’t? Is there someone you have yet to forgive?
6. Lily did not understand the complexity of abusive relationships until she found herself in one. How did her own experience and her conversation with her mother change her mind?
7. Lily holds many common misconceptions about the nature of abuse throughout her relationship with Ryle. How did your own perceptions of abusive relationships change after reading the novel?
8. How does family and feminine support play a role in Lily’s decision to walk away from Ryle?
9. At the beginning of the novel, Lily describes her mother’s willingness to accept blame for problems that aren’t her fault. Why do you think her mother does this?
10. What do you think is the significance of the disconnected heart symbol as a representation of Lily and Atlas’s love?
11. Compare the kinds of space for gardening Ryle and Atlas have to offer Lily. What does it say about each of them and their perception of Lily?
12. Grief comes in many forms. For Lily, it’s brought on by the loss of the relationship she thought she had with Ryle. What is an unexpected situation in which you’ve experienced grief like Lily did?
13. The idea of developing a successful career is a desire for Lily, Ryle, and Atlas, one they’re each able to achieve. How does success look different for each character? How does this reflect each of their personalities?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. Lily and Atlas turn their passions into their careers. Share your passions or hobbies and discuss what kind of business you could dream of creating.
2. Get to know the resources in your area designed to aid victims of domestic abuse. Talk about ways you might be able to participate. Visit sites like www.thehotline.org, www.ncadv.org, or www.nomore.org to learn more.
3. Have an honest discussion about love. What does love look like to you? How do you show it and how do you receive it?
Topics and Questions for Discussion
1. Lily’s feelings for Ryle are conflicting at times; she has a deep love and understanding for him despite his actions. A recurring expression in their relationship is, “There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.” Do you agree with that sentiment or do you think there are bad people?
2. Lily denies the severity of Ryle’s abuse toward her by comparing it to her father’s abusive actions toward her mother. What similarities can you draw between Lily’s father and Ryle? What differences?
3. Do you think Lily made the right choice by allowing Ryle to be a part of Emmy’s life? What would you have done?
4. Love is an undeniably complex aspect of humanity. Lily is loved differently yet intensely by both Ryle and Atlas. Compare their love for her.
5. Have you ever forgiven someone you wish you hadn’t? Is there someone you have yet to forgive?
6. Lily did not understand the complexity of abusive relationships until she found herself in one. How did her own experience and her conversation with her mother change her mind?
7. Lily holds many common misconceptions about the nature of abuse throughout her relationship with Ryle. How did your own perceptions of abusive relationships change after reading the novel?
8. How does family and feminine support play a role in Lily’s decision to walk away from Ryle?
9. At the beginning of the novel, Lily describes her mother’s willingness to accept blame for problems that aren’t her fault. Why do you think her mother does this?
10. What do you think is the significance of the disconnected heart symbol as a representation of Lily and Atlas’s love?
11. Compare the kinds of space for gardening Ryle and Atlas have to offer Lily. What does it say about each of them and their perception of Lily?
12. Grief comes in many forms. For Lily, it’s brought on by the loss of the relationship she thought she had with Ryle. What is an unexpected situation in which you’ve experienced grief like Lily did?
13. The idea of developing a successful career is a desire for Lily, Ryle, and Atlas, one they’re each able to achieve. How does success look different for each character? How does this reflect each of their personalities?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. Lily and Atlas turn their passions into their careers. Share your passions or hobbies and discuss what kind of business you could dream of creating.
2. Get to know the resources in your area designed to aid victims of domestic abuse. Talk about ways you might be able to participate. Visit sites like www.thehotline.org, www.ncadv.org, or www.nomore.org to learn more.
3. Have an honest discussion about love. What does love look like to you? How do you show it and how do you receive it?
About The Author
Photograph © Captured By Cayson
Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-three novels, including It Starts with Us, It Ends with Us, All Your Perfects, Ugly Love, and Verity. Colleen lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. For more information, please visit ColleenHoover.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (August 2, 2016)
- Length: 384 pages
- ISBN13: 9781501110375
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Raves and Reviews
"Colleen Hoover reminds readers that love is a fragile thing, built from courage, hope, and tears. Every person with a heartbeat should read this book."
– Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"It Ends with Us isn't an ordinary love story. It will break your heart while filling you with hope, and by the end of this gripping, pulse-pounding novel, you'll be smiling through your tears."
– Sarah Pekkanen, International bestselling author of Perfect Neighbors
"It Ends With Us is a brave and heartbreaking novel that digs its claws into you and doesn't let go, long after you've finished it. No one delivers an emotional read like Colleen Hoover."
– Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author of the After series
"What a glorious and touching read, a forever keeper. The kind of book that gets handed down."
– USA Today
“It Ends with Us tackles [a] difficult subject…with romantic tenderness and emotional heft. The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty, and the author's note at the end that explains Hoover's personal connection to the subject matter is a must-read. Packed with riveting drama and painful truths, this book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of the survivors.”
– Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW
"Fans of Hoover's emotional stories, conflicted characters and intense romances will gleefully devour her new novel. If you're a Hoover newbie, this is a great place to start. It Ends with Us is a perfect example of the author's writing chops and her ability to weave together uplifting, romantic and somber plotlines. No matter your level of fandom, readers will love and respect protagonist Lily and learn something from her struggles."
– RT Book Reviews (4 starred review)
“Best-selling Hoover’s latest valiant and compelling…novel packs her trademark emotional punch… The power and pain of the relationship will stay with readers even as Hoover offers hope.”
– Booklist
“Colleen Hoover brilliantly tackles a very tough subject matter with brutal realness and honesty that left us stripped completely raw… Confidently a 2016 Top Recommendation and Must Read.”
– Rockstars of Romance
"It Ends With Us is one of the most powerful books of 2016 and one of the most raw, honest, inspiring, and profoundly beautiful stories I’ve ever read. It’s one of those books that EVERYONE should read.”
– Aestas Book Blog
“emotional, unforgettable and extraordinary…Colleen Hoover deserves all the accolades this story will bring…. remarkable, different, honest, heartbreaking and at times agonizing reading. This is not an easy book to get through but by God, it’s rewarding…one of the best reads of this year,”
– TOTALLY BOOKED BLOG
"tackles tough subject matter with a deft and confident hand"
– Huffington Post
"her most daring novel to date…one hell of a story.”
– NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
“[an] epic summertime read. With complex characters, a heartbreaking premise and drama aplenty, it’s the perfect companion for a day at the beach.”
– Brit + Co
“The BEST book this author has ever written. It’s so incredibly deep, and sincerely explores a complex struggle between what you feel, and what is real. 5++++++ STARS. Favorite book of the year!!!! <— Yes. I said it. 5 PLUS STARS!”
– Maryse's Book Blog
Colleen Hoover may have written her best novel yet. Hoover's latest novel, It Ends With Us---is a heartrending and powerful exploration of the different sides of domestic abuse. It is one of the most honest and inclusive novels written about the issue that I have ever read. It was an emotional rollercoaster that kept me reading past my bedtime.
– Joni Andersen (Librarian)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): It Ends with Us eBook 9781501110375
- Author Photo (jpg): Colleen Hoover Photograph © Captured By Cayson(0.1 MB)
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