November 9
8.2 / 10 1.4M ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2022
- Publisher
- Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company
- Pages
- 463
- ISBN
- 9781432897291
On the day before she moves across the country, Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist. Their immediate and intense attraction leads them to spend her last day in Los Angeles together. This chance encounter becomes the creative inspiration Ben has been searching for, and they make a pact: to meet on the same date, November 9, every year, with no contact in between their annual meetings. As the years pass, their connection deepens, entwined with the pages of the novel Ben is writing about their story.
What begins as a unique romantic arrangement evolves into something far more complex. Amidst their separate lives and relationships, the line between love and fiction begins to blur. Fallon is forced to question whether Ben is telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist. This story explores the weight of secrets and the lasting impact of trauma, questioning if a love story can survive when its foundation might be a lie.
What begins as a unique romantic arrangement evolves into something far more complex. Amidst their separate lives and relationships, the line between love and fiction begins to blur. Fallon is forced to question whether Ben is telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist. This story explores the weight of secrets and the lasting impact of trauma, questioning if a love story can survive when its foundation might be a lie.
Subjects
Original edition
9-Nov A NovelOriginally published in 2015 English Simon and Schuster
Other editions (9)
What other readers say
Liked
"November 9" garnered significant praise for its unique and unexpected storyline, which many readers found compelling and deeply emotional. Reviewers highlighted the author's ability to create a captivating narrative that evokes a wide range of feelings, keeping them engrossed from beginning to end. The unconventional structure, focusing on a relationship built around annual meetings, was appreciated for its originality and for allowing a strong connection between the characters to develop despite limited interaction. Fans of the author also noted the book's humor, memorable quotes, and special elements designed to resonate with existing readers, ultimately delivering an unforgettable and thought-provoking story about love, mistakes, and forgiveness.
Disliked
However, a substantial portion of the reviews expressed strong negative reactions, primarily concerning the male lead, Ben, and the problematic dynamics of the relationship. Many found Ben's initial actions intrusive and non-consensual, criticizing his objectification of the female lead, Fallon, and his inappropriate comments about her appearance and body. Instances of controlling behavior, such as dictating her clothing choices, demanding to see her scars, and physically preventing her from leaving, were frequently cited as disturbing. Reviewers also pointed out a lack of consent in several intimate scenes, where Fallon's discomfort or verbal refusal was disregarded. The female lead's perceived lack of agency and compliance, often coupled with what some saw as harmful messaging about virginity and relationships, contributed to the book being labeled as toxic, unrealistic, and perpetuating problematic romantic ideals.
In short
Overall, "November 9" is a divisive read. Those who appreciate emotionally intense, unconventional romance stories with unexpected twists may find themselves captivated by its unique premise and the author's engaging writing style. However, readers sensitive to themes of non-consensual behavior, objectification, and potentially harmful relationship dynamics, particularly within contemporary romance, may find the male protagonist's actions and the narrative's portrayal of their relationship deeply problematic and difficult to overlook.
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