November 9

What an awesome concept for a novel. I'm impressed (again) with Hoover's ability to pull me into the story and keep me on pins and needles when it comes to the characters' motivation and outcome.

For various reasons, Ben and Fallon only see each other once a year. On November 9th. It's the anniversary of the house fire that scarred Fallon very visibly. To the point where she thinks that is all people—especially men—when she meets them. But as Ben put it toward the end of the book, “But anyone who sees your scars before they see you doesn't deserve you.”

Ben has a few hidden scars of his own, which threaten to undo the fragile relationship he and Fallon forge during their brief encounters. Both characters are deeply influenced by their own parents. Fallon's mother says Fallon shouldn't fall in love until she's 23. When the book opens, Ben and Fallon are 18. Fallon's father is less than helpful when it comes to helping Fallon overcome the trauma from the fire. Ben's father is really not in his life, but he had brothers who try to help. His mother had a poet's soul with all the joy and tragedy that entails.

So, to one another, they are “Ben the writer” and “Fallon, the transient.” For having spent very little time together, they develop an overwhelming connection that weathers all the days of the year they are apart. Several small impediments, and one HUGE one, prevent them from finally fulfilling what they both want, to be in love with each other.

Overall, it's a touchingly impactful book.