There’s no denying that Colleen Hoover has had an incredible year. Still, despite the relentless appetite for her novels, it seems that the people do not, in fact, want a coloring book based on her number-one bestselling book It Ends With Us, which centers on an abusive relationship faced by protagonist Lily Bloom (yes, she is a florist).
Huh!
The coloring book, which was set to be published by Atria, was, according to the publisher, “Vividly drawn and charmingly relaxing.”
Favorite quotes come alive with charming illustrations that will make you want to frame them on your wall. Everything’s better when you’re coloring The Official It Ends with Us Coloring Book!
Despite its charm, the book was withdrawn the day after it was announced, following swift, predictable backlash, both in the context of Hoover’s Instagram announcement of the book and on Twitter.
coho releasing a COLORING BOOK for it ends with us, a book about *checks notes* domestic abuse..this is so ??????????
— Aamna Qureshi (@aamnaqureshi_) January 10, 2023
“We developed this book to be uplifting and empowering, mirroring Lily Bloom’s story,” Atria said in a statement announcing the cancellation of the book. “We appreciate feedback and discourse and have the greatest respect for Colleen Hoover’s fans.” Hoover made a statement on her Instagram as well, in which she, too, cited her appreciation for “respectful discourse.”
Discourse: An unexpected winner in all of this!
[h/t The Mary Sue]