The Guardian

Rating:
Summary: Poor work
Review: This book is very predictable and boring. I've never read a book that is so wordy. Instead of igniting imigination and provoking thought, the author drudges through mundane, descript dialogue.

Waste of reading time.

Rating:
Summary: Sparks Again!
Review: This book, although quite different than most of his others, is another great accomplishment by Nicholas Sparks. Any of his fans should pick up this book--but don't expect his "typical" romantic story. While the romance aspect is central, there is a darker theme and story line. In general, not mind-blowing like Message in a Bottle, or The Notebook (both books much better than their movies) but still a good read. For a first-time Sparks reader, I'd reccommend some of his older books first (such as those I already mentioned) to truly realize the change in this novel.

Rating:
Summary: A great summer read!
Review: This was a great easy read. A little different from the usual Sparks book. Cry at the beginning, suspense in the middle and cry again at the end. With a broken ankle, this book was done in 2 days.

Rating:
Summary: Not his best, but still satisfying
Review: While The Guardian is not my favorite of Spark's books, I found it to be still a satisfying read.

Even Sparks himself acknowledges in the afterward that this book with a plot based half on suspense- was something new for him & that it took a lot of work. I have to say, it was odd reading a book of his where romance wasn't 99% of the book!

In this book we meet Julie, whose husband recently died of cancer. Her life pretty much consists of a few close friends, her job at a hair salon & her quirky dog. Julie, afer a few years of being a loner, decides it's time to get out & date again. And that she does...unfortunately she meets Richard- who turns out to be a little scary. In the meantime her close friend Mike is there to help her pick up the pieces...

Overall I did like the book & loved the characters! I think most Sparks fan will appreciate this book for what it is- his attempt to put a twist into his formula & keep his readers guessing.