Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us has captivated readers with its powerful exploration of domestic violence and personal strength. Following the novel's success, Hoover announced a film adaptation starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which hit theaters in August 2024. However, a related project—an It Ends With Us coloring book—sparked considerable controversy and was eventually scrapped. Here’s a closer look at the drama surrounding the coloring book and why it garnered such intense backlash.
Source: Instagram | @colleenhoover
What Was the Colleen Hoover Coloring Book Drama?
In 2023, Colleen Hoover revealed plans to release a coloring book based on her bestselling novel It Ends With Us. The book, known for its sensitive depiction of domestic violence, tells the story of Lily Bloom, who, despite her traumatic past, faces a similar toxic relationship dynamic as an adult. Hoover has mentioned that the novel is inspired by her own experiences, adding personal weight to the story.
However, the announcement of the coloring book quickly drew criticism. Fans expressed their concerns that a coloring book—a product typically associated with light-heartedness and creativity—was inappropriate for a story dealing with such heavy themes.
TikTok user @charlsbookshelves voiced these concerns in a viral video that received over 1.8 million views. She questioned the decision to create a coloring book for a narrative centered on abuse and emotional manipulation, arguing that it trivialized the serious issues discussed in the novel. “How can you write a book about domestic abuse, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation, and then think, ‘I should make a coloring book to commemorate this?’” she said. “It completely diminishes the story and the message about domestic violence.”
Colleen Hoover’s Response
In the face of widespread criticism, Colleen Hoover took to social media to address the backlash. She acknowledged the feedback and admitted that the idea of a coloring book might have been "tone-deaf" given the novel’s serious subject matter. “The coloring book was developed with Lily’s strength in mind, but I can absolutely see how this was tone-deaf,” Hoover stated in an Instagram story. She emphasized that she understood the concerns and agreed with the decision to halt the project.
'It Ends With Us' coloring book
Source: Instagram | @colleenhoover
Hoover also reached out to her publisher, Atria Books, requesting that they cancel the release of the coloring book. “Thank you for the respectful discourse and accountability. Nothing but love,” she added, expressing gratitude for the feedback and ongoing conversation.
Publisher’s Statement
Following Hoover’s announcement, Atria Books released their own statement confirming the cancellation of the project. “Atria Books will not move forward with the publication of The Official It Ends With Us Coloring Book. We developed this book to be uplifting and empowering, mirroring Lily Bloom’s story; we appreciate the feedback and discourse and have the greatest respect for Colleen Hoover’s fans,” the publisher said. They acknowledged the importance of the feedback and the need to respect the sensitive nature of the novel’s themes.
Why It Matters
The backlash against the coloring book underscores the broader conversation about how sensitive subjects are handled in media and merchandise. Fans and critics alike are increasingly vocal about the need for thoughtful and respectful treatment of topics such as domestic violence. The swift response from both Colleen Hoover and Atria Books demonstrates a growing awareness of these issues and a commitment to addressing them appropriately.
In the end, the decision to cancel the coloring book highlights the importance of listening to fan concerns and the impact of creative projects on sensitive topics. As discussions around media and merchandise continue to evolve, it’s crucial for creators and publishers to navigate these conversations with care and empathy.
Comments