A review by lovelymisanthrope
November 9 by Colleen Hoover

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This story follows Fallon and Ben over the course of five November 9ths. Fallon is a beautiful young woman who was an up-and-coming teen actress before a devastating fire left her with very prominent scars, particularly on her face. She has always had a strained relationship with her father, but the fire really sealed the coffin on their relationship. Ben is an aspiring writer who is looking for a book idea that will finally inspire him. Ben overhears Fallon and her father at a restaurant and steps in to deflect the negative comments being thrown at Fallon. Fallon is hours away from leaving LA to move to NYC and is not in the place to meet someone that will change her life, but she does. Fallon and Ben decide to meet up every November 9th for the next five years, with no other contact in between, and Ben can use their story to write a novel. 
This book tackles a lot of important issues, and is very dark and possibly triggering for some, so check content warnings! I loved seeing the impact that Fallon and Ben had on each other despite their limited time actually interacting. You can really leave an impact on someone that alters the entire trajectory of their life in a simple moment. I loved seeing Fallon and Ben come into their own and becoming the best versions of themselves so that they could be the best together. They met when they were 18, and they both still had a lot to learn and grow from. 
Colleen Hoover just writes the books I want to read, and I love it! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings