Warning: This article contains mentions of domestic abuse and sexual assault/harassment.
Colleen Hoover‘s name has been a mainstay on BookTok for what feels like years, which is unsurprising considering the author has published more than 20 books and counting.
BookTok has been a trendsetter for many young readers looking for guidance. Hoover found her niche there and hasn’t let go. It Ends With Us, despite its heavy subject material, is easy reading and goes by in a flash. This arguably contributed to Hoover’s massive popularity. The author started self-publishing her books, which only gained traction when It Ends With Us hit the scene in 2016. And naturally when comes success, so too does backlash. Hoover has become quite a controversial figure, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after reading her domestic abuse-themed stories.
Why do people hate author Colleen Hoover?
Hoover’s first book, Slammed, was released in 2012. Around 2019-2020, the author received notoriety on TikTok, especially for It Ends With Us (which is now being turned into a film adaptation). The book is a romance novel, but readers are confronted with domestic abuse within the story, and how the protagonist manages to fight her way out of it.
This subject is a delicate tightrope to walk, and there is no question why Hoover is facing criticism. Fans such as @dani.reads.books on TikTok noted how reprehensible it is to see this book shelved in the romance section.
Though it has romance in it, that is not the main drag of the story. It is about a woman desperately trying to end the cycle of abuse. But the way the relationships in the book are romanticized is a clear problem for readers.
Hoover may not stick the landing in her fiction, but for some readers, there is at least merit in the conversation she is trying to start. By her own admission per ABC News, the author has said this is a response to her own experiences with the subject. Showing an entire cycle of an abusive relationship is not easy to read, but it does happen. And taking a step back to look at the protagonist objectively is a significant thought exercise.
If it was just one book that had this reaction, however, that would be one thing. But controversies have continued to follow Hoover around. Other novels, like November 9, have similar themes. Some characters use physical force and manipulation in order to get their partners to stay, and certain characters easily forgive those with problematic traits. While It Ends With Us at least recognizes the severity of these types of situations, November 9 seems to romanticize toxicity in relationships, which is completely unacceptable. While some argue that it’s just fiction, others believe that some of these books just don’t portray healthy relationships.
Another issue is that since the author gained popularity thanks to TikTok, critics fear that Hoover’s writing might be harmful to a younger audience who might come across the author thanks to readers’ recommendations through the app.
Allegations against Hoover’s son, explained
In addition to the criticisms of her writing, it was revealed around last year that Hoover’s son, Levi, was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. Per Distractify, after the survivor came forward, Hoover blocked her on social media. Given the severity of the allegations, many took to social media to ask Hoover to address them.
According to a statement published to Hoover’s Facebook, she claimed that the two had never met. At the same time, she said that she made her son take accountability for his actions after the victim reached out to the author. The allegations involving her son have caused a divide amongst her fans. Some sided with her when the rumor started gaining traction, claiming that the victim never spoke about the allegations again after Hoover reached out to her. Meanwhile, others claimed that the author was only defending her son.
The It Ends With Us coloring book controversy
The controversy surrounding the author didn’t end there. It was announced late last year that a coloring book based on It Ends With Us would be released sometime in 2023. This announcement caused a fresh wave of backlash, calling the author “tone deaf” because of the book’s themes. Having a coloring book based on a book that is centered around domestic violence is incredibly strange, and it is unclear how this idea was ever cleared in the first place.
Hoover was made aware of the criticism, and took accountability for her actions via a statement on social media. She said that the book was going to focus on “Lily’s strength in mind” but didn’t realize how a coloring book based on a story containing violence isn’t appropriate. She apologized and said that she wouldn’t be moving forward with the book’s release.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced “rape, physical violence, and/or stalking” and domestic violence affects more than 12 million people every year. Hoover’s writing is heavy and sometimes seen as problematic.
With the production of It Ends With Us, critics fear the film may romanticize domestic abuse, rather than dramatize for the audience how dangerous it is.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you believe someone you know is being abused, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE or spoken with online via the hotline’s website, or text “START” to 88788.