November 9
"Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-county move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon's last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the 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."
November 9 by Colleen Hoover is a tale of narrow redemption, love, and self discovery. I found myself commending Fallon's commitment to herself and her own journey, vowing to keep Ben at bay (aside for one day each year) until the ripe age of twenty-three; the age that she dubs oneself to have figured it out and become well-established in life. Having being twenty-three myself, I feel that I agree strongly with this bit of advice. Before this time, I (subjectively speaking, of course) had absolutely no clue what I was doing in life or in love. Fallon displays more self control than I would have, even in the height of her insecurities.
Having been thrown in Ben's path and having his life strike me like lightning; I would not have had the wisdom to resist such an epic love. I would want to swallow it up and make it mine; but Fallon is obviously much wiser than I.
These two bring out the absolute best in one another, encouraging one another to fly with Wright spectacularity. They also encourage each other to open the proverbial closet and yank those skeletons out into the full light of day, challenging the full lengths of their love for one another.
However, this is a Hoover classic, so I found myself in the familiar footpath of slight foreshadowing. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the ultimate twists and turns to unveil themselves.
I was not disappointed.
I let out an audible gasp when the truth reared its head and dug in its heels between these deeply intertwined souls.
The power of fate is strong, and the power of grief ever stronger.
Did these two live happily ever after?
Well, you'll just have to read this rollercoaster yourself (and bring your tissues).