The Notebook

Rating:
Summary: THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING - A REAL TEARJERKER!
Review: Wow! The response to this book has been huge, I purchased this book on a whim. The minute I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Browsing through the critics (and this seems to be a love/hate book) I can only denounce their own petulant tendency to take apart every little part of a beautiful book which has touched many across the globe. I, for one, was greatly moved by the book and most unexpectantly - I was in tears for the last few chapters of the book. Well done, Mr. Sparks, you have touched the hearts of many!

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Summary: Honest and powerful story of compassion...
Review: The most tender story of unconditional love, written with the power of simplicity. No intellectual posing, or toying with the reader, but handled with gentle caring and directness.This far surpasses even "Madison County." Every writer, as well as reader, should be taking notes on this work!

Rating:
Summary: Contrived 'romance'
Review: Not a huge fan of the romance novel, I was lured into reading this book by a friend. Not a fan of the genre either, she swore that The Notebook would fall on middle ground between romance and literature and that I would enjoy the cry of my life. I did not shed a single tear, as I wanted nothing more than to get to the inevitable sticky-sweet conclusion and run away. This was the most transparent, contrived story I have ever read. The manner in which he related the ending of the story to 'Hannah' almost made me throw the book down in disgust. First person-telling-third-person account; "When I heard you tell me the way you sat down so-and-so and told him you couldn't leave me...then you said you got in your car and came back..." blah. I felt as if I were reading a third-grade essay. I could probably forgive the lack of writing prowess had I found the concept remotely interesting or original. But "girl falls in love with guy from wrong side of tracks but! ! love overcomes" didn't exactly blow me over. Been there, won't do it again.

Rating:
Summary: An intimate look at true unconditional love
Review: I can't imagine someone in their 30's with this much insight into relationships throughout the course of a marriage. This is my first book of his and I loved it. It's an intense brutally honest look at how things really are; with his dialog and conversation, I felt like I was feeling their pain too. I appreciate his unexaggerated way of describing things in this book. Towards the end, the book almost compels you to think about your life and how you've lived it. A must read book for sure!

Rating:
Summary: Taps into the deepest emotional core.
Review: This story is a fast read, yet one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I couldn't put it down. The only time I did, was to stop myself from getting so lost in the book. I had to look up and distinguish my reality. A book that can do that, is worth reading. You won't finish this with dry eyes though. Enjoy, it is heart-warming.

Rating:
Summary: Booooring!
Review: I believe there is a truly wonderful love story here. Too bad it is buried in this terribly mediocre writing. I think this story could be half as long and twice as enticing.

Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL
Review: I thought this book was very heartwarming, a great read for anyone looking for a quick read as well as a romantic tale...

Rating:
Summary: True love always prevails!
Review: This story shows that love and destiny are partners. Noah and Allison have what almost every woman dreams of and yearns for, genuine love. The book is a definite page turner, so make sure you have time to read the entire book once you begin!

Rating:
Summary: Get this book for your library!
Review: This beautifully written story has touched my heart in ways none other has. The story of Allie and Noah reminds us how lucky we are to find and keep that one special love. I couldn't stop the flow of tears one hour after reading this story. It will make you think how vulnerable we are to illness and how we must follow our hearts to our destiny. I never thought I would love a story as much as Bridges of Madison County. This is a must have book to read over and over.

Rating:
Summary: Only for romantics!
Review: Read it to someone you love and fall in love again and again and again....