Popular for her romance and young adult fiction novels, Colleen Hoover is an American writer who has been gaining prominence in the world of writing and reading today. Starting as a self-published writer, she did not achieve fame until the hit of her 2016 novel It Ends With Us. Her work has been picked up by several publishing houses since then and has also been adapted into movies and web series. Hoover’s one of the most buzz-creating works to be adapted includes Verity which will likely be released in the year 2025 or 2026.
While there is so much craze surrounding this contemporary writer, there are aspects of Hoover’s writing that make it hard to stand for many readers and viewers. This article explores those five major reasons that tell us why Hoover’s fans just can’t get enough of her, alongside explaining why she is significantly hated by many. So, let us explore…
Colleen Hoover: A Hit and Why?
Colleen Hoover has cultivated a devoted fanbase that eagerly follows both her existing works and their adaptations, while also staying on the lookout for what’s next in the Hoover-verse. Her novel It Ends with Us became an instant bestseller, resonating deeply with readers for its raw depiction of complex relationships. The upcoming film adaptations have only fueled excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating how the books’ thematic and/or emotional depth will translate to the screen.
As Hoover continues to be a polarizing figure in the contemporary world of literature, below are the top five reasons why her fans are so deeply connected to her works:
Emotional Depth
Hoover’s books often explore complex emotional themes, including love, loss, trauma, and healing. These themes resonate with Generation Z and even the Millenials. Readers appreciate her ability to evoke strong feelings and create relatable, deeply flawed characters that often run parallel with their own experiences. Her characters are often confused in relationships, battling with their inner tumultuous thoughts, curbing their demons in love, and confronting emotional scars that shape their choices. They wrestle with past traumas, insecurity, and self-doubt, creating deeply flawed yet relatable individuals who seek connection and healing. Hoover’s storytelling is reckoned more powerful as she portrays these inner conflicts with the desire for love and acceptance, adding a raw, intense layer to the stories. Her works go on to prove how love is often a battle between emotional chaos and the pursuit of peace.
Engaging Storytelling
Many fans find Hoover’s storytelling compelling and fast-paced, unlike most novels that take their own time to build up the story as well as the characters. Her novels frequently contain unexpected twists and gripping plots that keep readers engaged, making it difficult to put the book down. One of the best parts is that without straining the readers, Hoover’s writing manages to bring out all these elements in a limited page of work.
Realistic Relationships
More often than not, Hoover writes about realistic, relatable relationships, including the challenges and complexities of love. Her character portrayal makes it easy for readers to understand the kind of person and person’s personality she tries to portray. Her characters navigate issues like heartbreak, family dynamics, and personal growth, which many readers find authentic and relatable. For instance, in It Ends With Us, the story follows Lily Bloom, who finds herself caught between love and the cycle of domestic violence. Ugly Love follows Tate Collins and Miles Archer as they navigate a no-strings-attached relationship. Reminders of Him is another poignant tale of a young mother, Kenna, who is trying to reconnect with her child after serving time in prison. All of these problems seem very real worldly and with the emotional depth intact, they become even more powerful as the reading goes.
Thematic Diversity
As you might have gauged through the examples provided in the last point, Hoover tackles a variety of themes in her books. These include mental health, domestic violence, and addiction. This willingness to address serious topics appeals to readers who are looking for literature that reflects real-life issues and encourages conversation. For instance, in her upcoming novel’s adaptation, Verity, Hoover’s ability to inject emotional depth into a suspense-driven plot is projected. The novel follows Lowen, a writer who uncovers disturbing, emotionally charged secrets about an author, Verity Crawford. And the book majorly goes on to uncover issues like psychological and emotional manipulation. Readers believe that these are some of those major issues that no one wishes to talk much about and the audacity with which Hoover portrays them is, thus, appreciated widely.
Strong Character Portrayal and Development
Hoover is recognized as having written some of the best growth stories in today’s time. The story as well as the characters are portrayed as moving towards growth. They not only are struck by the battles of life that their experiences throw at them, but mostly, her characters come out strong, resulting in a ray of hope for most readers. This character-driven approach allows readers to connect more deeply with the narrative and feel invested in the characters’ journeys.
Colleen Hoover: A Miss and Why?
Now that we have discussed why Colleen Hoover is loved so much by the readers, it is time to understand why her works continue to attract a lot of criticism. Below are the five major reasons why her work is hard to stand for most readers:
Controversial Themes
The exploration of sensitive topics, such as abuse or addiction, by Colleen Hoover can get polarizing. Some readers have stated that these themes are handled insensitively or in a way that glamorizes toxic relationships, ultimately, leading to discomfort or disapproval. While most of her books deal with the theme of love and relationships, certain sexual references seem almost unnecessary and out of context.
Easy To Predict
Critics have argued that many of Hoover’s plotlines follow similar tropes and formulas, leading to predictability in her stories. Some readers have also found her novels repetitive or lacking in authenticity, diminishing the overall enjoyment of reading. Recurring themes like emotionally scarred protagonists, childhood trauma, turbulent relationships, and dramatic twists can feel mundane to those seeking more inventive or diverse narratives. While her emotional depth and relatable characters appeal to many, others feel her reliance on familiar plot devices overshadows the potential for fresh and unpredictable storytelling.
Pretty Dramatic
Some readers feel that Hoover’s books can become overly dramatic or even melodramatic. This depends on the emotional manipulation rather than delicateness in the work. This style may not appeal to those who prefer more nuanced storytelling or realism in character interactions. The constantly occurring twists can also feel heavy where the reader is not given proper time to register one incident whilst the other enters the scene.
Character Flaws
While many readers appreciate Hoover’s flawed characters, others find them unrealistic or unlikable. Some critics have argued that Hoover’s characters sometimes make questionable choices, which can be frustrating for many readers, especially the ones who seek relatable or admirable protagonists. Readers have also found out a lot going wrong about her characters. For instance, in Ugly Love, the focus is laid upon an emotionally unavailable toxic man but given the kind of past baggage he holds, his actions are more or less justified.
Writing Style
Not everyone enjoys Hoover’s writing style, which can be perceived as simplistic or lacking literary finesse. Many readers have stated that her language feels more ‘Wattpad-ish’ rather than literature-like and that there is a certain flair of immaturity in the tone she uses to narrate her stories. Critics may feel her prose doesn’t meet their expectations for depth or complexity in literature, leading to a dislike of her work.
In conclusion, Colleen Hoover and her writing undeniably strike a chord with her dedicated fanbase. For many readers, her books are an emotional catharsis, blending romance and heartache in ways that feel realistic. However, her intense focus on drama and the sometimes unbelievable twists can be off-putting to readers who prefer more nuanced or lighthearted narratives. Therefore, whether you see her as a literary hit or miss, passionate responses surrounding her work—whether love or critique—cement her place as one of the most talked-about authors in the world of fiction today.
Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
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