Inside The Making Of 'It Ends With Us'

Colleen Hoover is in a league of her own. In the twelve years since she self-published her first novel, 'Slammed', Hoover has written 23 more books and novellas, which have spent 120 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

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Hoover was the top-selling author in 2022 and 2023 and has sold over 20 million books worldwide. It's safe to say she's taken the publishing world by storm. With the first film adaptation of her blockbuster hit 'It Ends with Us' becoming one of the most successful films of 2024 at the global box office, it is safe to say that she has now taken over Hollywood as well.

'It Ends with Us' is a story about love, perseverance, and overcoming generational trauma. It revolves around the complicated relationship between entrepreneur Lily (Blake Lively) and the charming yet broody neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin Baldoni). It is a deeply personal story for Hoover, loosely based on the relationship between her mother and father. "I wrote it to understand her more," says Hoover, who asked her mother for permission before she wrote the book. "So many people who've never experienced [abuse] think, 'That will never happen to me,' but I don't think you take into consideration how many layers there are and how much you do love the person who has hurt you. Stepping into my mother's shoes to write this book helped me understand her more and appreciate her strength and courage."

ELLE: How would you describe the journey so far?

Colleen Hoover (CH): Overwhelming is a good word, but overwhelming can also be a good thing. I had nothing in mind when I first wrote 'It Ends with Us'. I thought a few people would read it. I probably would have had a panic attack if I knew what it would've turned into because that was never my ultimate goal. It's incredible to see how many people it's touched and, sadly, how many people connect to the subject matter.

ELLE: What have you enjoyed most about the adaptation process?