Books, Writing/Motif

Hoover weaves the motif of books and writing through the novel as Fallon and Ben discuss books they have read, the book Ben will write, and their relationship. Ben’s claim to Fallon that he will never write a romance novel because he has never experienced romance prompts her to assign him a list of books to read so they can discuss them. As the relationship deepens, it becomes obvious that Fallon and Ben have different opinions about the book Ben is writing. Because their lives are connected by books, Fallon and Ben often flirt using references to books and reading.

One of Fallon’s requirements for Ben's kiss is the kiss must be romance novel worthy. Ben asks Fallon: “On a scale of one to ten, how book-worthy was our first kiss?” (69). Fallon gives him a seven on a scale of one to...