The Notebook

Rating:
Summary: Very Sweet, Romantic Love Story
Review: I loved this book and I'm not into love stories. I thought this was such a great story. I couldn't put the book down and I cried towards the end. I think it was well written and I loved the sweetness and simplicity of Noah, and the love between he and Allie. I will definately recommend this book to others.

Rating:
Summary: If this is the best book you ever read-get a library card!
Review: I can't even believe this book was published, never mind that people thought it was great! They obviously have not read truly great books. It read like a freshman's attempt at a novel, only worse.

Rating:
Summary: "The Notebook" is a heart-warming page-turner.
Review: The feeling I gathered upon completing this novel is analogous to the natural warmth of a homespun blanket or a soft-glowing fire on a winter's night. A tale of everlasting love never loses its appeal to a reading audience, and this novel certainly showcases a gem. As the novel follows the growing love of Allie and Noah in post-World War II North Carolina, I was given a rare and captivating glance at true love and its virtues. Such examples include the tenacity of Noah's love for Allie and his commitment to stay with her while Alzheimer's seizes her mind. Author, Nicholas Sparks utilizes simplicity and honesty in his writing and never seeks to clutter it with unessecary prose. In descriptions of the two lovers' feelings, he uses a direct approach without intermingling superfluous descriptions. Additionally, I found "The Notebook" to be refreshing, optimistic, and uplifting. The story ribbons weave together a tale of sweet harmony and romance that is greatly needed to shine loving light into our "troubled society." This book will assuredly become a well-worn fixture in your home for years to come.

Rating:
Summary: To Critics, Skeptics, and English Majors:
Review: Please stop trying to show off your English 101 skills, and just because you got an A in Rhetoric & Composition does not mean that you should spoil this book for the rest of us. Love is not about plot lines and depth of chracters and why is all of a sudden "trite" your favorite word? And And, in case you missed it in your quick read-through, Love is what this book is about. I don't understand how you weren't moved by Noah's sacrifice for his Allie, the way he held back everyday from telling her all about their lives during her Alzheimers? I have been blessed not to have had this disease in my family, but I felt the pain he went through. All any of us can do is hope to find even a tiny piece of that love. Maybe you haven't felt it, but when you do, hopefully you will see this book in a new light.

Rating:
Summary: I cried, but it was a little too unrealistic
Review: It was good and I even cried towards the end. But, it was a little unrealistic and predictable. It's a very good light read though and that's what I was in the mood for. Definitely recommend to my sensitive, romantic friends.

Rating:
Summary: OH PLEASE!
Review: I am disappointed and somewhat alarmed at all the 10's this book has received here. Can't anybody see through the paper-thin prose and constant cliches? I love a good love story as much as the next person, and as a matter of fact, I am involved in a lost-and-then-found-again relationship similar to Allie and Noah's which has brought me much joy, but I was truly embarrassed by the author's simplistic, unrealistic, trite writing.

Rating:
Summary: A truly unique look at a truly unique love
Review: This is the book that Bridges of Madison County wanted to be. Noah & Allie are not extraordinary people who do extraordinary things - they are everyday people who have an extraordinary love and devotion to each other. The way that is conveyed to the reader makes this story one of the best and most endearing love stories of modern times. At times it reminded me of _Love Story_, only I found this book to be more touching. Additionally, I like the fact that I can recommend this book to anyone without worrying about offensive language or scenes. I hope Mr. Sparks writes many more books for us to enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Great story, if a little un-realistic.
Review: I did thoroughly enjoy The Notebook. The story is simple, but the descriptive writing is excellent. The characters are people you want to get to know better, and there are very little surprises. I thought that the second half of the story, when they are in the hospital is too unbelievable to be touching, but I really did like the love story.

Rating:
Summary: Too trite for words
Review: The author has discovered all the ingredients for success -- make it short, use the same cliches over and over, refrain from developing any depth to the characters, provide no insight to the characters' personalities, skip opportunities for conflict, develop no character flaws. I never felt as if I really knew Allie or Noah. There was no develpment of Allie, what she'd been doing during the 14 years since she'd last seen Noah. To justify her seeking out Noah, she simply says over and over again, "I was just wondering what you'd been up to." Please! These characters sound cardboard with dialogue that could have been written for a grade school paper entitled "What I did during my summer vacation."

Rating:
Summary: This book was great!
Review: I could not put this book down and thought about long after I finished it. It was so well told. The author is a wonderful story teller.