It Starts With Us

This book was brilliant. This is a book that carries on the tale of Lily's life with Emmerson, and gives a more in-depth look into Atlas's life, in the past, and the present; if you've not read It Ends With Us, you should read that before this, or this review.

The story was told from the points of view of both Lily and Atlas, which I thought really enhanced the detail of the story, and I enjoyed seeing both of their perspectives. Learning more about the life of Atlas really intrigued me and helped me to understand his character much better, and by the end of the book, it made me appreciate his actions more. The presence of Emmerson in Lily's life also got me really interested as we learn how she copes with the stress of a baby, (and her ex🤢).

Theo and Josh have to be my favourite characters in this book though. Theo for his funny therapy sessions with Atlas (P.S. It is my wish for you to be my fish) and Josh for his unexpected arrival, but still managing to build a proper connection with his brother and learning about how he and Atlas have had similar early lives.

The storyline, although at some points predictable, was interesting and at times amusing, and the emotional scenes were written well with good detail. There is, however, something that I did not enjoy.

The letters to Ellen. When I was reading, a few of these popped up and although there were not as many as in the first book, they were still annoying. I guess they had to be continued for continuity, but they really got on my nerves.

Overall, I loved this book. I definitely prefer it over the first book and am a big fan of the new characters introduced, I think they enhanced the already good story. I doubt there would be another book in this set, but if there was, I would definitely look forward to it.

★★★