November 9
November 9 is a contemporary romance novel by Colleen Hoover, known for its emotional depth and unexpected plot twists. The story centers on Fallon O'Neil and Ben Kessler, who forge an unusual agreement to meet only once a year on November 9th, a date significant for both their first encounter and a past traumatic event in Fallon's life. As Ben, an aspiring novelist, draws inspiration from Fallon's experiences for his book, their relationship unfolds over several years, tackling themes of love, personal growth, healing, acceptance, and forgiveness. The narrative explores the complexities and imperfections of love, aiming to resonate with adult readers. It is categorized as New Adult fiction.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe book contains explicit sexual content, with scenes described as 'open door.' It features problematic portrayals of consent, including instances of objectification and physical intimacy where consent is disregarded by the male protagonist.
The book is rated with '4 out of 5 - Explicit open door' for 'Steam.' Ben objectifies Fallon through internal thoughts, such as 'Full paragraphs talking about her ass and him wondering if she was going commando.' A highly criticized scene depicts Ben continuing to 'shove his hand up her skirt while saying, “ASK AGAIN”' after Fallon tells him to stop, which was later announced to be edited out by the author due to concerns of romanticizing abuse and 'rape culture.'
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe book contains emotionally intense and disturbing elements, including a disfiguring house fire and a significant plot twist involving betrayal by the love interest. Themes of trauma and psychological manipulation contribute to a high level of intensity.
A core narrative element involves a severe house fire that leaves Fallon with significant burn scars, causing her emotional and physical trauma throughout the story. The plot includes a major twist revealing that Ben was responsible for starting the fire, which is described as 'upsetting' and 'horrendous,' intensifying the psychological impact and creating a sense of betrayal.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book contains a instance of gay-stereotyping in dialogue, but no explicit LGBTQ characters or themes. The stereotypical remark is made by a main character.
In the book, character Ben makes a stereotypical comment on page 28, stating, 'No gay man I know would have left the house looking like you do right now,' which has been criticized by readers as a 'stupidly stereotypical' and 'gross' attempt at humor. This contributes to broader 'gay-stereotyping' noted by reviewers.
Violence
MediumThe narrative features significant elements of past and implied violence, including a disfiguring house fire and a physical altercation. Themes of guilt and parental suicide are also present.
A central plot point revolves around Fallon's severe burn scars from a house fire, which is later revealed to have been caused by the male protagonist, Ben, creating a traumatic backstory. Additionally, the book includes a scene where Ben is punched by Fallon's ex-boyfriend, Kyle. A content warning for 'parent suicide' is also associated with the book's themes.
Profanity
MediumThe book includes strong language, with explicit curse words present in dialogue and descriptions.
A reviewer quotes a line from the book as a 'real fucking line,' indicating the use of the F-word. Fallon uses strong emotional language when expressing frustration to her father, saying, 'Kill me now,' and later 'You make me want to swear off men forever.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe book features instances of significant disrespect and defiance, particularly in the protagonist's interactions with her father and the male lead's controlling behavior towards her.
Fallon demonstrates marked disrespect towards her father, including wishing he would 'Kill me now' when discussing his remarriage and stating, 'I don't have to meet her to know I won't like her. She is marrying you, after all.' Ben exhibits controlling behavior towards Fallon, demanding she wear a specific outfit with 'No. I'm paying for dinner, so I get to choose what to stare at while we eat,' and telling her on page 34 that her scars make it 'your own fault people feel uncomfortable looking at you.'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no actual witchcraft, occult practices, or supernatural elements depicted in the book. A review jokingly uses 'Magical realism?' to describe plot implausibility, but not literal magic.
The book does not feature any elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural themes. A review playfully notes, 'Magical realism? Except not really,' to characterize the unrealistic plot developments, suggesting that an 'extreme level of bombshells and drama and completely senseless actions' might be 'explained away with EVIL MAGIC MADE ME DO IT' if it were a paranormal story, highlighting the absence of such content.
Substance Use
LowThe search results did not provide specific instances of substance use, alcohol consumption, or drug use within 'November 9.' While Colleen Hoover's broader works may address addiction, this book's reviews do not detail such content.
No explicit scenes depicting characters actively using illegal drugs, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption were detailed in the provided information for 'November 9.' While Colleen Hoover's books are broadly noted for dealing with heavy subjects like 'abuse and addiction,' the specific content warnings and reviews for 'November 9' do not highlight substance use as a prominent theme.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThere are no indications of anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious content in the provided reviews and summaries.
The search results do not contain any information suggesting the presence of anti-Christian themes, explicit criticism of Christianity, or disrespectful portrayals of religious figures or practices. The narrative's focus remains on the interpersonal romantic drama and personal challenges of the characters.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
17+ (New Adult). This recommendation is based on the book's mature themes, including graphic sexual content, strong language, discussions of trauma and betrayal, and complex relationship dynamics involving elements of manipulation and forgiveness. The content requires a mature reader to process responsibly.
Additional Notes
Colleen Hoover's 'November 9' is a standalone novel and does not have official sequels or adaptations that would introduce new or intensified content. However, due to its controversial elements, particularly concerning consent and character behavior, parental discretion is strongly advised. The book has generated significant discussion in fan communities regarding the problematic nature of the male lead's actions and the romanticization of toxic traits. Readers should be aware that a scene involving non-consensual touching was announced by the author for editing due to reader feedback.
Related Reviews
Is November 9 right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required