Graffiti and Croutons Mystery

Atlas Corrigan, a successful restaurateur, finds his restaurant vandalized with graffiti and missing croutons, a peculiar theft that stirs memories of his own troubled youth. This incident coincides with a chance meeting with Lily Bloom, his past love, reigniting old feelings and hopes for a renewed connection. As Atlas reflects on his past and the possibility of a future with Lily, he decides against involving the police, understanding the desperation that might drive such acts.

Awkward Encounters and Lingering Feelings

Lily Bloom, a single mother and florist, is caught off guard by a chance encounter with Atlas, which revives emotions she thought were buried. Despite her chaotic life and the shadow of her ex-husband, Ryle, Lily finds a spark of happiness in seeing Atlas again. This meeting prompts her to reflect on their shared past and the potential for a future together, even as she navigates the complexities of her current life.

Texting Etiquette and Teenage Memories

Unsure of how to reconnect with Lily, Atlas turns to his young friend Theo for advice. Encouraged by Theo's insights, Atlas sends a simple text to Lily, which leads him to reminisce about their teenage years and the unspoken bond they shared. This nostalgia fuels his desire to rekindle their relationship, despite the years that have passed and the changes in their lives.

Boundaries and Unwanted Flirtations

Lily's life is a balancing act between her responsibilities as a mother and her career as a florist. Her interactions with Ryle, her ex-husband, are fraught with tension as he struggles with boundaries and lingering feelings. Determined to maintain her independence, Lily confronts Ryle about his overstepping, prioritizing her and her daughter Emerson's well-being despite the challenges of their co-parenting arrangement.

Vandalism and Family Secrets

The mystery of the vandalism deepens when Atlas discovers a young boy, possibly the culprit, sleeping outside his restaurant. This boy's actions and appearance remind Atlas of his own past. A call from his estranged mother reveals the boy is his younger brother, Josh, who has run away. This revelation prompts Atlas to seek out Josh, determined to provide him with the stability he never had.

First Date and Unexpected Sleep

Eager to reconnect, Lily and Atlas plan a date, but exhaustion overtakes Lily, leading her to fall asleep in the car. Understanding her fatigue, Atlas cancels their dinner plans and lets her rest, using the time to read her journal and reflect on their shared history. This unconventional date strengthens their bond, as Atlas's patience and understanding reassure Lily of their potential future together.

Brotherly Revelations and Custody Concerns

After their date, Atlas learns more about Josh's difficult life on the streets, a result of their mother's neglect. Determined to help, Atlas takes Josh in and faces the challenge of gaining custody. This situation brings Atlas and Lily closer, as they support each other through their respective challenges and consider the possibility of a shared future.

Confrontations and Unspoken Tensions

Lily's relationship with Atlas becomes a point of contention with Ryle, whose anger resurfaces upon learning about it. Despite the tension, Lily remains resolute in protecting her daughter Emerson from Ryle's volatility. This confrontation underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain civility for Emerson's sake while ensuring her own safety and stability.

Unexpected Allies and New Beginnings

Lily finds unexpected support from her friends Allysa and Marshall, who stand by her during a tense intervention with Ryle. Their presence empowers Lily to set firm boundaries and demand respect, marking a turning point in her journey. This support allows Lily to envision a future where she can thrive without fear, reinforcing her decision to prioritize her and Emerson's well-being.

Family Ties and Difficult Choices

Confronted by his estranged mother, Sutton, Atlas must navigate the complexities of family loyalty and responsibility. Determined to provide a better life for Josh, Atlas seeks custody, offering Sutton a chance to remain in Josh's life. This decision reflects Atlas's growth and commitment to breaking the cycle of neglect, as he reconciles with his past while focusing on building a stable future for Josh.

Love Letters and Life Changes

Atlas writes a poignant letter to Lily, reflecting on their shared history and his enduring love. This letter captures the essence of their relationship and solidifies their connection, prompting Lily to embrace the possibility of a life with Atlas. The letter becomes a symbol of their commitment, paving the way for significant life changes as they consider moving in together.

Vows and Promises of Forever

The culmination of their journey is celebrated in a heartfelt wedding ceremony, where Atlas and Lily exchange vows that reflect their deep love and commitment. Surrounded by friends and family, they promise to support each other through life's challenges, embracing the future with optimism and gratitude. The wedding symbolizes the strength of their bond and the fulfillment of their shared dreams, as they embark on a life together filled with love, hope, and endless possibilities.

Characters

Atlas Corrigan

Atlas is a successful chef and restaurant owner, haunted by his troubled past. His encounter with Lily reignites old feelings, and he is determined to rekindle their relationship. Atlas's compassionate nature is evident in his decision not to report the vandalism, understanding the desperation behind it. The revelation of his younger brother, Josh, motivates him to provide a stable environment, reflecting his deep-seated desire to protect and nurture those he cares about.

Lily Bloom

Lily is a strong, independent woman juggling motherhood and her flower shop. Her unexpected reunion with Atlas stirs emotions she thought were long buried. Despite her complicated relationship with her ex-husband, Ryle, Lily is determined to create a stable life for her daughter, Emerson. Her past with Atlas provides a sense of hope and possibility, as she navigates the challenges of co-parenting and the potential for new love.

Ryle Kincaid

Ryle is Lily's ex-husband and Emerson's father. His lingering feelings for Lily complicate their co-parenting relationship. Ryle's struggle with anger and control issues creates tension, as he grapples with the reality of their divorce. Despite his flaws, Ryle's love for his daughter is evident, though his actions often blur the lines of appropriate boundaries.

Josh

Josh is Atlas's younger brother, who has been living on the streets due to their mother's neglect. His anger and distrust are evident, yet beneath his tough exterior lies a vulnerable child seeking stability. Josh's actions, though misguided, are a cry for help, and his relationship with Atlas offers a chance for redemption and a better future.

Sutton

Sutton is Atlas and Josh's mother, whose neglect and manipulation have left deep scars on her children. Her reappearance in Atlas's life brings turmoil, as she seeks to maintain control over Josh. Sutton's actions are driven by self-interest, and her inability to provide a stable environment for Josh highlights her shortcomings as a parent.

Plot Devices

Vandalism as a Catalyst

The repeated vandalism of Atlas's restaurants serves as a catalyst for uncovering family secrets and driving the narrative forward. It reveals the existence of Atlas's younger brother, Josh, and highlights the desperation and neglect he has faced. The vandalism prompts Atlas to take action, leading to a deeper exploration of his past and a commitment to providing a better future for Josh.

Journals as a Connection

Lily's journals serve as a powerful connection between her and Atlas, offering insight into their shared past and deepening their emotional bond. The entries provide a window into Lily's thoughts and feelings, allowing Atlas to understand the impact of their relationship. The journals act as a narrative device, bridging the gap between their teenage years and their present lives, and highlighting the enduring nature of their connection.

Letters as Emotional Bridges

The use of letters in the narrative serves as a powerful tool to bridge past and present emotions. Atlas's heartfelt letter to Lily captures the essence of their relationship, offering insight into his feelings and hopes for the future. The letters act as a narrative device, allowing characters to express their deepest emotions and solidify their connections, ultimately driving the story forward.

Custody as a Catalyst for Change

The struggle for custody over Josh serves as a catalyst for Atlas's personal growth and development. It forces him to confront his past and make difficult decisions for the sake of his brother's future. This plot device highlights the themes of family, responsibility, and redemption, as Atlas navigates the complexities of his relationship with Sutton and his commitment to providing a stable environment for Josh.

Analysis

"It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover delves into the complexities of love, resilience, and healing. Through the intertwined lives of Atlas, Lily, and their families, the narrative explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the enduring power of love. The story highlights the importance of confronting one's past to build a better future, emphasizing the strength found in vulnerability and the courage required to embrace change. Hoover's portrayal of complex relationships and emotional struggles offers readers a poignant reflection on the challenges and triumphs of navigating life's uncertainties, ultimately conveying a message of hope and the transformative power of love.

Last updated: November 18, 2024