November 9 – Book Review

 

TITLE: November 9

AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover

GENRE: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

DATE PUBLISHED: November 10, 2015 by Atria Books

DATE FINISHED: November 30, 2015

RATING: 3/5

 

SUMMARY: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

 

REVIEW

I probably wanted to read this book because I wanted to know why these two main characters would decide to meet only once a year. Is it because it’s inevitable? Or did they really agree to it?

Well, let’s just say I found the reason a bit… unreasonable.

At first, I was like, “All right. This is their decision, not mine. Who am I to judge, right? Let’s just see how everything goes from here.” But as I read every chapter, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed whenever I read about how Fallon and Ben clearly want to meet more than once a year, but they keep on reserving themselves because what? They want to focus more on their goals in life?

I mean, sure, I understand. You want to accomplish your dreams before you delve into a romantic relationship. But not even sharing phone numbers? How about snail mail? No? You really want to torture yourselves? Fine, all right. Your life, not mine.

I also couldn’t feel anything when Kyle died. I’ve only read him once, and I didn’t even know if I should have been angry at him then. I was so confused because I kept on wondering if I should feel bad or is it normal that I wasn’t feeling anything at all because I barely knew Kyle as much as Fallon did? Help me out here, I feel like an emotionless French Fry.

I also found the way Fallon left on the third November 9^th a bit overdramatic… or was it just me? I don’t know. I felt like everything was rushed and, again, I couldn’t feel anything.

Oh, and the big news on the fourth November 9^th? I’m sorry, but I find that kind of “news” a bit too cliché, and I swear I almost saw it coming. Maybe it shouldn’t have been Jordyn? Maybe it should have been someone else instead for me? I don’t know. I think that part was kicked in only for the sake of dramatically making Fallon see the effect of her decision at the end of the third November 9^th.

BUT. Although I’ve cited quite a lot of things I didn’t like about November 9, I’ll also be citing ones that I liked. I’m not that mean, guys.

First of all, Ben. He’s so sweet and kind and ugh is there even a guy like him that exists in this world? I hope there is, ‘cause I’ll be snatching the first single Ben in my Earth that I can find for sure. >.>

“Don’t be like that,” he whispers into my ear. “I’ve been through hell today trying to find you.”

SEE? SEE! That’s a keeper right there. A KEEPER.

Second, I found some of the romantic scenes a bit funny. I was debating on whether this was a good thing or not, but I ended up deciding it was a good thing. Here’s an example:

He groans and I freaking lose it. My hands are in his hair and his mouth is all over my neck. Grab my boob, Ben. He totally reads my mind and grabs my boob. Grab the other one. God, he’s so telepathic.

Lmao, I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but laugh. Who wouldn’t?

Third, I liked the plot twist at the near end. Definitely didn’t expect that to happen, especially since I like guessing plot twists while I read a book and screaming AH-HA! KNEW IT whenever I’m right. I admit I felt emotions by that time, and I mean “Oh my god my tears SOMEONE GRAB ME A TISSUE BECAUSE I’M A SAD, SINGLE POTATO” emotions.

Fourth, I know I said I was annoyed at their reason to meet only once a year, but as I reached the near end, I found myself not caring at all anymore. Maybe they’re right – only meeting once a year made Fallon and Ben’s feelings for each other grow even stronger, which is a good thing. But I for sure won’t be asking my future boyfriend to do the same or I’ll throw tomatoes at him.

All in all, I liked November 9, but there are also an equal number of parts in the story that I hated. Some people might like it more than I did though, so I definitely recommend this book to people who like cheesy, contemporary romance. It’s a good read for those who just want to chill and indulge themselves in feels for a day or two. And so, I give November 9  3 Stars.

You can find November 9th here.

 

 

 

Guest review contributed by Mara Was Here. Mara Was Here is a book blog that reviews books–mostly YA–and talks about anything bookish, as well as publishing discussion posts and other features.

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