Rating: 
Summary: Bitter Sweet
Review: I don't believe it's possible for Nicholas Sparks to write a bad book. Some authors just know how to tell a good story and Nicholas Sparks is one of them.Although "The Notebook" was written before "The Rescue", this is my second book I've read by him and again, without fail, he has written a masterful story. Unlike some other authors who try to fill their books with unnecessary words and pages (as if they're getting paid by the page), Nicholas Sparks doesn't fill his book with anything but good story telling, cover-to-cover. Just like if you were to feed your pet food full of fillers, in the end all you get is a whole lot of s**t. Not here. No fillers, no s**t!! Simply short and sweet. It's easy to finish this book in a day, but what a book. It's a sweet tale between two people who managed to keep their love despite the pull of time. This is simply a heart-warming, tear-jerking book filled with the bitterness of life, but overshadowed by the sweetness of True Love. What can I say, it may be short, but a good story is a good story, no matter how long. And this was, without a doubt, and excellent story. PERIOD.
Rating: 
Summary: Good story, but left a bad taste in my mouth.
Review: I don't normally read romance or romantically-inclined novels, so for me to pick up The Notebook at all was a personal victory...And as engaging as it was--the imagery is as powerful and dynamic as in any story I've ever read, and the narrative's simplicity helps it flow smoothly--this story simply left a bad taste in my mouth... The overall idea of the story, a man's undying love for his wife and her inability to reciprocate as they get older, is one that tugged at me...This wasn't simply sweet and swoony, it was heartfelt and tender...But about midway through the book, when it was apparent how things were going to go, I lost most of my sympathy for Allie and Noah...Allie's mother's appearance in New Bern is bad enough (I'm not telling you what to do dear, BUT...), but we never do find out what happens to poor Lon...My sympathy lies with him in the end... A quick-reading book, it can be easily finished in one afternoon...
Rating: 
Summary: The First Classic
Review: This is the fourth book I've read by Nicholas Sparks and it is one of the best. This book has all the emotion that sparks is known for plus the little twist that will make you reach for the tissue. In this story we have two young lovers that cannot live with out each other, however they don't discover this until later on in their lives when they both have to make a decision of which path to take. A true classic, I can't wait until the movie comes out in June!
Rating:
Summary: Forever Yours
Review: Beautiful story of love that lives forever. Nicholas Sparks once again writes a little quick read story about love in a fairly common situation. Unlike "A Walk to Remember" the author gives the characters and the story a lot more depth. Sparks has the ability to describe scenery and characters to my satisfaction. He doesn't get bogged down in useless characterizations or drawn out plots. He doesn't overwhelm the reader with excess research. He keeps his stories easy to read and not too complicated. As with his other books this is a couple hour read that allows the reader a little escapism without much thought. I really enjoyed meeting Noah the local country boy who kept his past summer love in his heart and Allie who returned the love. It was also enjoyable to read about the lessons Noah's father had given him to help him mature into a real man. What can you say about a man who likes John Wayne, reads poetry and appreciates the small things in life, has a fit body and truely loves girl? What can you say about a girl who is a painter, comes from an upper crest family and appreciates the love others have for her? When you have finished reading this story you will wipe your eyes of the welled up tears and realize you're smiling all along. It's a beautiful love story and a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Be Careful WHERE You Read this Book
Review: I borrowed this book since "Message in a Bottle" was unavailable at the library. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I brought it to work which was a major faux pas. The story touched my heart and spoke to me in a very strong way. The expressions of love, the devotion, and respect that the characters had for one another reminded me so very much of my relationship with my fiance. A few passages brought tears to my eyes, much to the consternation of my fellow workers and clients. I so loved the simple, yet deep love story that Nicholas Sparks brought to life that I went out and purchased a copy for my fiance. I will give it to him on our wedding day and hope that our love like that of Noah and Allie will stand the test of time. Incidentally I loaned a copy of this book to my younger sister and warned her to find a private place to read "The Notebook". She didn't listen to my advice and read it on the subway - much to the consternation of the other commuters. She in turn loaned it to her sister-in-law with the same warning...
Rating:
Summary: Sparks creates the love story we all wish would come true
Review: The Notebook is a poignat tale of love. While some say that the story lacks real characters, these people need to understand that the story's focus is not in characterization.The Notebook is more like a fairy tale, a tale so sweet and heart-wrenching. It is the tale of enduring love, of undying devotion, of tender memories. Each word, each sentence should be read with carefullness and intense concentration- only then can you fully understand the tenderness of the story. It's not a classic, it wasn't meant to be. It's not a 1000 page novel, it wasn't meant to be that, either. It's a simple, yet somehow complicated, tale of the romantic Noah's love for Alli. And it's a haunting tale of the love we all hope to have. It will make you listen to your heart, follow your dreams, and want to feel love like that. But, if you're not a hopeless romantic, you probably won't appreciate the book in the same way. If you are, however, get those tissues ready!
Rating: 
Summary: Predictable
Review: I wanted to read this book after seeing the previews for the movie, which made it look really good. However, I was surprisingly disappointed. Reading the story, I kept expecting some major plot twist or turn, but - surprise, surprise - it ends exactly how you think it will. You automatically know who the man and woman are when you begin reading the book, and it's not hard to guess who Allie chooses to marry at the end. Also, it was kind of hard to believe that they could so easily revive their 3-month relationship after 14 years. Fourteen years ago I was six! That's a good bit of time there. And the way the book ends is kind of creepy...I wouldn't recommend this book unless you're a sappy romantic who cried at "Titanic."
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK
Review: The moment I picked up this book I knew it was going to be good....I am hooked on Sparks and I find this to be his best ever book....I am very thrilled that there is going to be a movie to put a face on the characters in the book. I only wish to live my life the same as Noah and Allie lived their's...IN LOVE! The book is a great expamle of how everyone should follow thier heart and when you meet the person that you can't live without, never let go....I recommend this book and all his others, for they will make you laugh and cry, but most of all they will teach you a lesson in love!
Rating:
Summary: Through the tears, I read it and loved it
Review: Between work and graduate school, I still managed to finish this book in 4 days. I didn't manage to finish it with dry eyes though. If you are a romantic you will love it or if you aren't a romantic (at least thought you weren't like I did) it will move you in ways you never thought possible. It tells the story of a love that is rare and very moving. It seems predictable but the author did a wonderful job of keeping you guessing and throwing in a few twists that makes you realize it isn't going to end exactly how you figured. I couldn't put it down and now that the movie coming out soon, I'm thrilled. If you plan on seeing the movie...ever....read the book first. You don't want hollywood to recreate another romantic story that should be experienced through words first.
Rating:
Summary: So simple yet so profound
Review: Wow! This book is great. It's simplicty just touched my heart, soul, and mind. This book will stay with me forever and I hope to pass it along to my children. It proves to me that we take things in life for granted, but once we put our lives (or one specific aspect of it) into focus,and really pay attention to what is dear to us, a deeper meaning begins to unfold.
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