IT ENDS WITH US

This book by Colleen Hoover came highly recommended by one of my work team members. When I started reading it, my initial impression was that it’s for a younger set of readers. It is a light read- simple plot and relatable characters. The story moves along just fast enough that I was able to finish it in a few hours.

Yes it’s light but it's raw and upon closer introspection, you would realize that it tackles painful subjects such as domestic violence, traumatic childhood and difficult but necessary choices. It forces us to confront the painful choices we make in the name of love. It is not just a tale; it holds up a mirror to the parts of our hearts we're afraid to examine. 

Lily's story is achingly relatable. Haven't we all, at some point, loved someone who hurt us? Whether in romance, friendship or family, we've excused pain because "they didn't mean it" or "they'll change." Lily's struggle with Ryle is a devastatingly familiar dance between hope and heartbreak. Truly, there are no bad people. There are only wrong choices. That’s why there are people who are great most of the time. They make us happy and loved but there are occasions when they lose control of themselves. No matter if it's because of some traumatic past they haven’t gotten over. Still there’s no excuse for violence. So the only way to end it is to let go and build a new life.

What touches me most in this story is the reminder to never forget your limits. For when you forego those limits is when you start making the wrong choices. This book made me question my own boundaries: What have I tolerated in the name of love? Where have I confused passion for poison? Actually, Lily's strength isn't in leaving but in finally recognizing her worth- something so many of us delay until the damage is deep.

It Ends With Us ultimately will remind you that no matter the situation, you always have a choice. It might be painful, difficult and unimaginable but the alternative would simply mean the end of you, your happiness, your peace of mind. 

Life is about change and moving on. Sometimes, walking away is the bravest act of love- for ourselves and even for the person we're leaving.