November 9

Unpopular Opinion - It seems like everyone loved this book, but I finished it thinking, "What am I missing?". I picked up this book expecting an amazing read because Colleen Hoover is the belle of the book nerd ball. Her books are all over #bookstagram and receive rave reviews, but for me this was a story filled with coincidences, melodrama, Insta-Love and an unhealthy relationship between the main characters.

The Not So Good: My biggest beef is that Fallon's transformation relied on Ben's perception of her and Ben, the guy we're supposed to swoon over, goes from 'cute fake boyfriend helps Fallon' to 'let me see the colour of your panties' in a hot second. Ben's 'sexy talk', pushing his needs over Fallon's and his obsession early on with Fallon's breasts, panties and deciding what she should wear were cringey.

BEN: “No,” he says. “I’m paying for dinner, so I get to choose what to stare at while we eat.”

I also was uncomfortable with the creepy closet love scene where Ben didn't respect Fallon's boundaries or discomfort. For me, this scene bordered on assault. He kept pushing her until she acquiesced, and I was disappointed that Fallon accepts his misogynistic bullshit which becomes the impetus for her self-discovery.

Fallon doesn't fare any better. She's rather dull but suddenly, with some attention and coaxing from Ben (who is manipulative AF), she throws off her years of insecurity and self-doubt and begins her journey of self-discovery. 

FALLON: "Why would a girl care to find herself when she’ll never be able to make herself feel as good as a guy can? “

 My fear is that some readers will romanticize Ben's behaviour (not unlike Will Smith's 'standing up for his wife' at the Oscars). Ben's behaviour wasn't respectful; it was manipulative, and that message doesn't sit well with me. 

The Good: The book addresses some big, emotional topics (see trigger warnings after my review) and I loved that I didn't predict the twist - but it also confirmed my feelings for Ben as a manipulator. 

Colleen Hoover is known for the emotion she pours into her books, but this book hit me in a different kind of 'feels' - more frustrated and mad at her characterizations and overall message to her readers about what constitutes positive relationship goals. For me, it's not lies, secrets, and manipulation.

Trigger Warnings: Suicide, grief, loss, accident resulting in disfigurement

My Rating: 2 stars

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Publisher: Atria Books

First Published: November 10, 2015

Opening Line: Fallon: I wonder what kind of sound it 

would make if I were to smash this glass against the side of his head.

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.