Do You Need to Read Colleen Hoover Books in Order? And Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

Colleen Hoover, often referred to as CoHo by her fans, is a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged and gripping novels. Her books span various genres, including romance, young adult, and contemporary fiction, often blending heart-wrenching drama with moments of humor and hope. With such a diverse and extensive bibliography, many readers wonder: Do you need to read Colleen Hoover books in order? The short answer is no—most of her books are standalone novels. However, there are nuances to consider, and the debate about reading order can be as polarizing as the question of whether pineapples belong on pizza.

Standalone Novels: The Freedom to Choose

The majority of Colleen Hoover’s books are standalone stories, meaning they can be read in any order without missing out on crucial plot points or character development. For example, It Ends with Us and Verity are two of her most popular works, but they exist in entirely separate universes. This gives readers the flexibility to pick up any book that catches their eye, whether it’s the heart-wrenching romance of All Your Perfects or the psychological thriller vibes of Verity.

However, some readers argue that reading her books in publication order allows you to witness her growth as a writer. Hoover’s earlier works, like Slammed and Point of Retreat, have a more youthful and raw tone compared to her later, more polished novels. If you’re a fan of seeing how an author evolves over time, publication order might be worth considering.

Series and Connected Stories: When Order Matters

While most of Hoover’s books are standalone, there are a few exceptions. For instance, the Slammed series consists of three books: Slammed, Point of Retreat, and This Girl. These books follow the same characters and should be read in order to fully appreciate the story arc. Similarly, Maybe Someday has a companion novel, Maybe Not, which provides additional context and backstory.

Another example is Hopeless, which has a sequel titled Losing Hope. While Hopeless can be enjoyed on its own, Losing Hope retells the story from a different perspective, adding depth to the original narrative. If you’re someone who loves diving deep into character motivations and relationships, reading these connected stories in order is highly recommended.

Themes and Emotional Impact: A Journey Through CoHo’s World

One of the reasons Colleen Hoover’s books resonate so deeply with readers is their exploration of complex themes like love, loss, trauma, and redemption. While the books don’t need to be read in order, there’s something to be said about the emotional journey they take you on. For example, reading It Ends with Us before It Starts with Us (its upcoming sequel) might provide a more satisfying experience, as the latter builds on the events of the former.

Additionally, some readers find that alternating between heavier and lighter books helps balance the emotional intensity. For instance, after the gut-wrenching Ugly Love, you might want to pick up the more lighthearted November 9 to give your heart a break.

The Pineapple on Pizza Debate: A Metaphor for Reading Order

Now, let’s circle back to the pineapple on pizza debate. Just as some people believe pineapples have no place on pizza, others argue that reading Colleen Hoover’s books out of order is a cardinal sin. But here’s the thing: both debates are subjective. Just as pineapple can add a surprising sweetness to a savory dish, reading Hoover’s books in a non-linear order can offer unexpected insights and connections.

For example, you might notice recurring themes or writing styles that you wouldn’t have picked up on if you’d read the books in a specific sequence. Or, you might find that a later book references an earlier one in a subtle way, creating a sense of continuity that enhances your reading experience.

Conclusion: Read What Speaks to You

At the end of the day, whether you read Colleen Hoover’s books in order or jump around is entirely up to you. Her standalone novels offer the freedom to explore her work at your own pace, while her series and connected stories provide a more structured narrative for those who prefer it. And just like the pineapple on pizza debate, there’s no right or wrong answer—only what works best for you.

So, grab a slice of pizza (pineapple optional) and dive into the world of Colleen Hoover. Whether you start with It Ends with Us or Slammed, you’re in for an unforgettable journey.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to read It Ends with Us before It Starts with Us?
A: While It Starts with Us is a sequel to It Ends with Us, the latter can be enjoyed on its own. However, reading them in order will provide a more complete understanding of the characters and their journey.

Q: Are all of Colleen Hoover’s books connected?
A: No, most of her books are standalone novels. However, some, like the Slammed series and Hopeless duology, are connected and should be read in order.

Q: What is the best Colleen Hoover book to start with?
A: It depends on your preferences! If you enjoy emotional romances, start with It Ends with Us. If you prefer something lighter, try November 9. For a thriller, go with Verity.

Q: Does Colleen Hoover plan to write more series?
A: While Hoover is primarily known for her standalone novels, she has written a few series and may continue to explore connected stories in the future.

Q: Why do people compare reading order to pineapple on pizza?
A: It’s a playful way to highlight the subjective nature of both debates. Just as some people love pineapple on pizza and others don’t, some readers prefer a specific reading order while others enjoy jumping around.