Can love truly blossom again after navigating the complexities of abuse and divorce?
Colleen Hoover’s sequel, It Starts With Us, revisits Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan. It offers a hopeful exploration of second chances and healing.
Picking up where It Ends with Us concluded, this novel delves deeper into Atlas’s past while following Lily’s journey. As she embraces newfound independence and tentatively rediscovers love with her first flame, she must also navigate the turbulent waters of co-parenting with a jealous ex-husband, Ryle.
Journey through Lily and Atlas’s perspectives with these 50 key quotes from It Starts With Us.
Each quote includes the speaker, verified page number from the Atria edition, and analysis. Explore themes of resilience, the weight of the past, the strength required to break cycles, and the enduring power of a love that started long ago.
Navigating New Beginnings & Lingering Fears
As Lily steps tentatively into a new chapter, embracing her independence and the possibility of rekindling her connection with Atlas, she must simultaneously confront the fear and complications stemming from her past relationship with Ryle.
“My choice helped me realize that sometimes the hardest decisions a person can make will most likely lead to the best outcomes.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 1, Page 12)
Lily reflects on her difficult decision to leave Ryle, acknowledging the painful necessity of prioritizing her and her daughter’s safety and well-being, finding strength in the positive consequences of that choice.
“Thank you. What is it?”
“Our weekend special, ” Atlas says. “It’s called why are you avoiding me pasta.”
(Dialogue: Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 6, Page 35)
Atlas uses humor and directness (naming a pasta special) to gently confront Lily’s avoidance, creating an opening for honest communication about their rekindled connection amidst external complications.
“You’re stressing over things that haven’t even happened yet.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 8, Page 52)
Atlas offers a grounding perspective, reminding Lily (and perhaps himself) to focus on the present reality rather than succumbing to anxiety about potential future conflicts with Ryle.
“It’s not the first time he’s mentioned I saved him back then, but every time he says it, I want to argue with him. I didn’t save him. All I did was fall in love with him.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 8, Page 56)
Lily minimizes her past actions, attributing them solely to love, while Atlas views her kindness as a life-altering intervention, highlighting their different perspectives on the significance of their shared history.
“Don’t think about where we used to be, just think about where we are.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 9, Page 64)
Atlas encourages Lily to focus on their relationship’s potential, urging her to move beyond past hurts or missed opportunities and embrace their current chance at happiness together.
“I may not be perfect, but I don’t deserve to fear for my life every time I make a mistake.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 12, Page 107)
Lily asserts her fundamental right to safety and acknowledges the disproportionate fear Ryle’s reactions instill, recognizing the inherent injustice in living under the constant threat of abuse for minor imperfections.
“Here comes the gaslighting. He’s attempting to make me feel crazy for being scared, even though my fear is more than warranted.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 12, Page 108)
Lily demonstrates crucial self-awareness by identifying Ryle’s manipulative tactic, recognizing his attempt to invalidate her justified fear as a means of control, a common pattern in abusive dynamics.
As Lily navigates her present fears, she and Atlas must confront the weight of their pasts to understand their current identities and claim their inherent worth.
The Weight of the Past & Finding Worth
Both Lily and Atlas grapple with their histories – Atlas with a childhood defined by neglect and abandonment, and Lily with the trauma of her marriage to Ryle. Their journey involves confronting these pasts to understand their present selves and affirm their inherent worth.
“I’ve spent my life not making bold moves when it comes to her. I wanted to make sure she knew where I stood this time.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 7, Page 44)
Atlas acknowledges his past hesitation regarding Lily, likely stemming from insecurity, but expresses his firm resolve to be direct and unambiguous about his feelings this time around, signifying personal growth.
“We finally reached the beach, my little whale.”
(Speaker: Theo (likely relaying Atlas’s sentiment or an inside joke), Chapter 7, Page 47)
This seemingly lighthearted quote, likely referencing an earlier, more vulnerable moment from their past, subtly hints at the enduring connection and shared history between Lily and Atlas, even through intermediaries like Theo.
“I had fallen in love with her long before our first kiss, though. I loved her more than I had ever loved anyone before that moment. I think I loved her more than I’ve ever loved anyone after that moment.
I think I still might.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 11, Page 84)
Atlas reveals the profound depth and enduring nature of his feelings for Lily, dating back to their teenage years, suggesting that his love for her is a defining, perhaps lifelong, aspect of his identity.
“I open the Notes app and click on the most recent one. As soon as I see the two words at the top, I drop the phone, pressing it facedown on my thigh. “Atlas.” “Lily.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 12, Page 88)
Lily’s visceral reaction to seeing their names together signifies the potent mix of hope, fear, and overwhelming emotion associated with Atlas, demonstrating the profound impact he still holds on her.
“But then I met you, Lily. And even though I was nothing, when you looked at me, you somehow saw something. Something I couldn’t see. You were the first person in my life to show an interest in who I was as a human. No one had ever asked me questions about myself the way you did. After those few months I spent getting to know you, I stopped feeling like I was nothing. You made me feel interesting and unique. Your friendship gave me worth.
Thank you for that. Even if this date leads nowhere and we never speak again, I will always be grateful to you for somehow seeing something in me that my own mother was blind to.
You’re my favorite person, Lily. And now you know why.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 12, Page 96)
Atlas articulates the transformative power of Lily’s past kindness, crediting her genuine interest with fundamentally altering his self-perception from worthlessness to value, establishing the deep roots of his enduring gratitude and affection.
“We’re impressionable when we’re younger, and when you’re told you are nothing for years on end by everyone you should mean something to, you start to believe it. And you slowly start to become nothing.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan (implied, continuing from previous quote context), Chapter 12, Page 96)
This quote provides the crucial context for Atlas’s previous statement, explaining the devastating impact of childhood neglect and verbal abuse on developing self-worth, making Lily’s simple act of seeing him profoundly significant.
“Paris. Rome. London. I have no desire to sit on a hot beach somewhere. I want to see all the romantic places in Europe and make love in every city and take pictures kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower. I want to eat croissants and hold hands on trains.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 12, Page 99)
Lily expresses her specific, romantic dreams of travel and shared experiences, establishing her vision for a future filled with connection, exploration, and intimacy—a stark contrast to her past constraints.
“I was jealous of anyone who had ever loved something enough to experience losing it.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 318)
Atlas reveals the profound depth of his past emotional isolation, where even the pain of loss seemed preferable to the emptiness of never having experienced deep love or connection at all.
Understanding their pasts illuminates the incredible strength needed to break harmful cycles, often found through the validation and support of trusted allies.
Strength, Support & Breaking Cycles
Leaving an abusive situation requires immense strength, often bolstered by external support. Lily and Atlas navigate the challenges of breaking free from past traumas and toxic patterns, finding validation and courage in allies who recognize the difficulty of their choices.
“Anyone who has ever left a manipulative, abusive spouse and somehow stayed that course deserves a medal. A statue. A freaking superhero movie.
Society has obviously been worshipping the wrong heroes this whole time because I’m convinced it takes less strength to pick up a building than it does to permanently leave an abusive situation.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 12, Page 112)
Lily powerfully articulates the often-underestimated strength required not just to leave, but to stay away from an abusive relationship, reframing true heroism as the quiet endurance needed to break harmful cycles.
“When I think about Ryle hitting you… I get absurdly angry. Because I love him. I do. He’s been my best friend since we were kids. But I also hate him for not being better. Nothing you have done and nothing you could do would excuse any man’s hands on you out of anger. Remember that, Lily. You made the right choice by leaving that situation. You should never feel guilty for that. Pride is the only thing you should feel.”
(Speaker: Marshall, Chapter 12, Page 114)
Marshall’s validation is crucial; acknowledging his complex feelings for Ryle while unequivocally condemning the abuse provides Lily with vital external support, affirming her decision and countering potential self-doubt or guilt.
“You’re going to drive five miles just to give me a hug?”
“I’d run five miles just to give you a hug.”
(Dialogue: Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 14, Page 122)
This tender exchange highlights Atlas’s unwavering support and the depth of his affection, showcasing his willingness to offer simple, physical comfort and presence as a source of strength for Lily.
“Divorce is difficult. I knew it would be, but it’s so much harder than I anticipated. And navigating divorce with a child in the mix is a million times trickier… You can’t snap your fingers and be done with the person you married and divorced. You’re stuck with them. Forever.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 16, Page 143)
Lily confronts the harsh, enduring reality of co-parenting after divorce, especially following abuse, acknowledging the inescapable lifelong connection and the complex emotional and logistical challenges it presents.
“I prefer honesty over loyalty any day, because with honesty comes loyalty.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 18, Page 168)
Lily defines her value system, prioritizing truthfulness as the foundation for genuine loyalty, likely shaped by her experiences with Ryle’s manipulation and contrasting it with the straightforwardness she values in others.
“She’s not a ride-or-die friend, nor is she a ride-or-die sister. That’s what I love the most about her, because I’m not ride-or-die, either. If you do something stupid, I’m going to be the friend who tells you you’re doing something stupid. I’m not going to join you in your stupidity.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom about Allysa, Chapter 18, Page 168)
Lily values constructive honesty over blind loyalty in friendship, appreciating Allysa’s willingness to challenge her rather than enable potentially harmful decisions, reflecting a mature approach to relationships.
“I’m getting a new therapist who doesn’t bully me.”
(Speaker: Theo, Chapter 19, Page 176)
Theo’s characteristic blend of humor and vulnerability highlights the importance of finding supportive mental health resources, subtly contrasting with the unhealthy dynamics present elsewhere in the narrative.
“Atlas is so angry, but this is an anger I’m not afraid of. I realize the significance of this moment. I’m alone with an angry man in my apartment, but I’m not in fear for my life, because he isn’t angry at me.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 20, Page 182)
This profound realization marks a critical step in Lily’s healing; she distinguishes between Atlas’s protective anger directed *outwardly* and Ryle’s abusive anger directed *at her*, recognizing the possibility of healthy anger within a safe relationship.
“He’s a broken man, but he isn’t broken because of me. He was broken before he met me. Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom about Ryle, Chapter 24, Page 207)
Lily demonstrates significant insight into the dynamics of abuse, recognizing Ryle’s inherent brokenness pre-dated her and rejecting the damaging myth that love alone can fix deep-seated trauma or abusive tendencies.
“No matter what you decide to do, you are not an awful mother. Precisely the opposite.” She releases my hand and grips the chains, staring at Emmy. “I admire the choices you’ve made for her. Sometimes I get sad that I couldn’t be that strong for you.”
(Dialogue: Jenny Bloom (Lily’s Mother) to Lily, Chapter 24, Page 212)
Lily’s mother offers crucial validation, affirming Lily’s difficult choices as acts of strength and good mothering, while simultaneously acknowledging her past regrets, highlighting the intergenerational impact of breaking abusive cycles.
Amidst the challenges of healing and co-parenting, the enduring connection between Lily and Atlas offers a powerful opportunity for a second chance at the love story that started years ago.
Rekindled Love & Second Chances
Despite the obstacles and lingering pain from their pasts, Lily and Atlas find their way back to each other. Their rekindled relationship represents a powerful second chance, built on shared history, deep understanding, and a mutual desire for a happy, healthy future together.
“Thank you for being the most comforting part of my life right now. Thank you for always being the beacon I need every time I feel lost. Whether you mean to shine on me or not. I am grateful for you. I’ve missed you. I absolutely should have kissed you.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 16, Page 151)
Lily expresses profound gratitude for Atlas’s consistent, calming presence, acknowledging him as a source of stability and guidance (“beacon”) amidst the turbulence of her life, culminating in regret over a missed moment of intimacy.
“If it takes a million kisses for her not to think about the scars that surround her heart tattoo, then I’ll kiss her there a million and one times.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 21, Page 187)
Atlas demonstrates profound empathy and patient devotion, expressing his commitment to helping Lily heal from past trauma (symbolized by the scars near her heart tattoo) through consistent affection and unwavering support.
“Oh, are you at Lily’s?” Theo says, moving closer to the phone screen.
He’s grinning. “Did you finally kiss her? Can she hear me? What line did you use to get her to invite you in? Lily! We watched people wed, let’s hop into—”
(Dialogue: Theo interrupting Atlas’s call, Chapter 21, Page 189)
Theo’s humorous, unfiltered interruption provides comedic relief while also highlighting the external anticipation and support surrounding Lily and Atlas’s potential romantic reunion from Atlas’s chosen family.
“I’m exactly where I belong, being loved by Atlas Corrigan.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 22, Page 207)
Lily declares a profound sense of belonging and acceptance within Atlas’s love, finding a place of emotional safety and genuine affection that contrasts sharply with her past experiences and affirms their connection.
“I’m so happy you’re happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. But I will say, nothing beats knowing I’m the one you get to be happy with now.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 24, Page 210)
Atlas expresses selfless joy for Lily’s well-being alongside his personal happiness in finally being with her, showcasing a love that prioritizes her happiness while cherishing their shared present.
“She’s my person, and I am hers, and that’s something I’ve known since the first week we met.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 25, Page 221)
Atlas affirms the deep, enduring certainty of his connection with Lily, framing their bond not as a recent development but as a fundamental truth recognized almost immediately upon meeting years ago.
“You could have fifty ex-husbands who try to make our lives hell, but as long as I have you, I will be absolutely unaffected by anyone else’s negativity. That’s a promise.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 25, Page 221)
Atlas offers unwavering reassurance, promising Lily that their bond provides an unshakeable foundation capable of withstanding any external negativity or attempts at sabotage from her past.
“It was the exact moment I realized that I loved you.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 34, Page 296)
Lily pinpoints a specific, past moment of profound realization, affirming the depth and history of her love for Atlas, suggesting it predates the turmoil with Ryle and has always been present.
“I saw your tattoo. I can’t tell you what that means to me, knowing that you have our heart placed in the very spot where I once secretly buried the words I love you”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan (implied context), Chapter 34, Page 299)
Atlas connects Lily’s symbolic heart tattoo directly to a secret declaration of love he buried years ago, revealing the profound, almost fated significance this shared symbol now holds for him.
With their love rekindled, Lily and Atlas look toward the future, determined to build a new life together defined by hope, honesty, and a redefined sense of family.
Facing Forward: Hope, Family & Forever
Looking towards the future, Lily and Atlas embrace the complexities of their situation, choosing hope and commitment. They navigate external pressures and internal doubts, focusing on building a new kind of family grounded in honesty, resilience, and unwavering love.
“And every time I kiss you there, I want you to remember why I kissed you there the first time.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 34, Page 300)
Atlas imbues their physical affection with deep historical meaning, linking present intimacy directly back to their foundational moment, reinforcing the enduring nature and significance of their connection.
“I realize in this moment that the hardest part about ending an abusive relationship is that you aren’t necessarily putting an end to the bad moments. The bad moments still rear their ugly heads every now and then. When you end an abusive relationship, it’s the good moments you put an end to.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 26, Page 231)
Lily offers a poignant, counterintuitive insight into the lingering pain of leaving abuse, recognizing that escaping the bad also means sacrificing any potential good moments, complicating the healing process.
“There isn’t a single human in history with a past misfortunate enough to excuse beating the person you’re suppose to protect.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 27, Page 235)
Atlas states an unequivocal moral boundary, rejecting any justification for Ryle’s violence based on past trauma and affirming the absolute responsibility one has to protect, never harm, their partner.
“My loyalty is to the people who bring positivity into my life. My loyalty is to the people who want to build me up and see me happy. Those are the people I’m going to make decisions about my life for.”
(Speaker: Lily Bloom, Chapter 28, Page 257)
Lily defines her new standard for relationships, prioritizing reciprocal positivity and genuine support over obligation or history, firmly centering her decisions on those who contribute to her well-being.
“It blows my mind that this man has you for a son, and you want to be in his life, yet he still hasn’t made an effort. You’re a privilege, Josh. Believe me, if I’d known you existed, I would have knocked over buildings to find you.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan to Josh, Chapter 31, Page 277)
Atlas validates Josh’s worth while simultaneously expressing fierce paternal protectiveness, contrasting his own deep desire for connection with the neglect Josh faces, affirming Josh’s value unconditionally.
“I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.”
(Speaker: Josh Corrigan, Chapter 31, Page 278)
Josh proposes a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings, envisioning a future where he and Atlas can create their own family lineage, untainted by the neglect of their biological parents.
“one that starts with us.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 31, Page 278)
Atlas’s quiet repetition of Josh’s hopeful phrase signifies his deep resonance with the idea and his implicit commitment to building this new, healthier family foundation together.
“But even monsters can’t survive without a heart beating inside their chest.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 33, Page 290)
Atlas acknowledges the humanity, however damaged, even within someone who has caused immense pain (referencing Ryle), suggesting a complex understanding that rejects simple demonization while still condemning the actions.
“We don’t focus too much on what isn’t working out in our lives. We focus on what is, and there’s a lot to be grateful for.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 35, Page 304)
Atlas articulates a philosophy of gratitude and positive focus as a coping mechanism and a path forward, choosing to acknowledge hardships without letting them overshadow the good aspects of their lives.
“If we trusted everyone to keep their word, vows wouldn’t be necessary. People would fall in love, and they’d stay in love, faithfully, forever, the end. But that’s the issue, I guess. We’re people. We’re human. And humans can sometimes be disappointing.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 317)
Atlas offers a realistic perspective on human fallibility and the necessity of conscious commitment (like vows) precisely because love and faithfulness aren’t automatic guarantees, acknowledging imperfection within relationships.
“Maybe the idea of love ending being a negative thing is simply a matter of perspective. Because to me, the idea that a love came to an end means that, at some point, there was love that existed. And there was a time in my life, before you, when I was completely untouched by it.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 319)
Atlas reframes the ending of love not as pure failure, but as evidence of love having existed, a perspective born from his own history of lacking love, allowing him to cherish even past experiences.
“If it’s my destiny to end up a statistic, there’s no one else I’d rather become a statistic with than you.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 319)
Atlas embraces the potential challenges and societal judgments (“statistic”) associated with their complex situation, framing his commitment to Lily as outweighing any external perception or potential failure.
“Sometimes you’re going to need me to hold your hand down the hills, and sometimes I’ll need you to lead me up the mountain, but everything, from this point forward, we’re going to face together.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 319)
Atlas defines their partnership as one of mutual support and reciprocity, acknowledging that they will face future challenges together, alternating roles based on individual need and shared strength.
“In the past and for forever, you are my favorite person. Always have been. Always will be. I love you. Everything that you are.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 319)
Atlas delivers a powerful, encompassing declaration of love, affirming Lily’s central importance throughout his past and into their indefinite future, accepting and loving all facets of her being.
“It is my wish for you to be my fish”
(Speaker: Theo, Chapter 37, Page 315)
Theo’s quirky, recurring line, likely part of Atlas’s proposal plan, injects humor and signifies the completion of their circle, referencing an inside element of their shared past and hopeful future.
“P.S. It is my wish for you to be my fish.”
(Speaker: Atlas Corrigan, Chapter 37, Page 320)
As the novel’s final line, this callback solidifies the playful yet profound commitment between Atlas and Lily, ending their story not with a definitive statement but with a uniquely personal expression of enduring love and shared history.
Choosing each other despite past scars and future uncertainties, Lily and Atlas commit to building a new life together, defined by mutual support, honest communication, and a love story that finally gets its chance to truly begin.
Conclusion: Where Love Truly Starts
These 50 quotes from It Starts With Us trace the delicate and determined path Lily and Atlas carve toward a shared future.
Navigating the shadows of past abuse, the complexities of co-parenting, and the vulnerability of second chances, their journey highlights the immense strength required to break cycles and choose hope.
Colleen Hoover masterfully portrays the nuances of healing, the power of unwavering support, and the realization that true love isn’t about fixing someone; it’s about loving them through their imperfections.
Lily and Atlas’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the enduring possibility of finding light and belonging, even after profound darkness. Ready to revisit where it all began? Explore the pivotal moments in It Ends With Us Quotes.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
Just as Lily sought clarity amidst Ryle’s gaslighting, these page numbers reference a specific source: the Atria Books 2022 paperback edition of It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover, ISBN-13: 978-1668001226. Like memories, page numbers might shift in different printings! Always check your copy to ensure the quote anchors your understanding accurately.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.