The Notebook

Rating:
Summary: I loved The Notebook.
Review: The Notebook was one of the more enjoyable books I have read in a long time. Despite the sad storyline I found it inspirational that love two people could love one another so much.

Rating:
Summary: We've all had (or dreamt) of a love like this...
Review: At the urging of my wife and best friend in the world, I picked this novel up. To say I couldn't put it down would be a gross understatement. After finishing the book (and a box of tissues) I found myself invigorated and with a new appreciation of the love that I have. I also felt a renewed passion to savor that love as fully as possible -- while our youth is still with us. I have no question that nearly everyone has either experienced a special relationship such as this -- or they have dreamt of it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written, very moving book.
Review: I picked this book up on a whim and didn't put it down until I had finished it. I very much enjoyed it. It was a wonderfully written lifelong lovestory and very moving. Very accurate portrayal of Alzheimer's. I've had it a week and already lent it out twice.

Rating:
Summary: COUGH, WHEEZE, GAG
Review: I was given this book ("a light read") during my recovery from pneumonia and I must say that under Mr. Sparks therapy, I only felt worse. BORING, TRITE, UNIMAGINATIVE cliché... Must admit that I never got beyond the third chapter. Went back to Dr. Rushdie, who had me feeling top notch in no time at all.

Rating:
Summary: Heart Warming and Scenic
Review: This book is a mirror of my life and love story, so far. I'm sorry that people feel that this story can never come true. A great read and wonderful cry! Grab a box of tissues, blanket and enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Reality in this book deals with the suffering of the hero.
Review: The suffering of Noah as he watches his beloved in the stages of Alzheimers disease is the most poignant and realistic part of this novel. Aside from the sugar coating of certain hospital moments, these scenes provide an education to those of us who are unaware. Yes-be prepared to cry

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time...
Review: I rushed to buy this book the first day it was out in paperback because I had heard such praise about it. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but even without the build-up I'm sure I would have been just as disappointed and even disgusted by the writing. I am a hopeless romantic and have someone in my life whom I consider my soulmate (for 9 years so far), so I certainly have no problem with a storyline about an enduring love. In fact, part of the reason I was interested in reading the book was because it was hailed as such a touching love story. The fault of this book, and the reason I now feel that I was robbed of the two hours of my life that it took me to read it, is that aside from its original intent of telling a love story, it has no redeeming characteristics WHATSOEVER. (I am completely baffled and disheartened by the number of people who loved this book!) The characters are flat, shallow, and unrealistic. The prose is simplistic and boring. The story line has been overdone so many times I was able to predict everything that happened (Allie is artistic and misunderstood by everyone but Noah; he's rugged yet sensitive; her fiancé is well-meaning and provides for her, but there's no passion; her upper-class family frowns on her and Noah's 'innocent and pure love;' etc. It's so trite and stereotypical that it's insulting!). The plot is so undeveloped that I felt as if I were reading an outline rather than the finished product. Major developments occur with no explanation or reasoning behind them. For example, although Allie's mother disapproved of her love for Noah from the beginning and went through the trouble to keep them apart, she suddenly shows up with the letters she intercepted (and kept? Why would she have kept them for over 10 years if she was so against the relationship and Noah?) and gushes about how she was wrong and how they should be together. Why the sudden change of heart? There's no explanation before or after, and the main characters simply accept this as if nothing special had happened. The characters go on to lead a perfect life where nothing ever seems to go wrong and everyone "cherishes" each other and every moment--until the tragedy of Alzheimer's occurs, but even then their love overcomes the disease (and reality!), an insinuation I would think is painful to anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's. The fact that the book is supposed to be based on truth makes it even harder to swallow, since I can't imagine a more plastic or contrived story. I FORCED myself (painfully) to finish the book in hopes that SOMETHING worthwhile could be found, only to be even more shocked by the absurdity and tastelessness of the ending. I identify with the other customer who said they were embarrassed to have it on their shelf. I'm looking forward to burning mine so there will be one less copy out there to distract people from worthwhile reading.

Rating:
Summary: The absolute, hands-down, best book I've ever read!
Review: With all the comments already on this site, I'll leave it at my summary above. The people who criticized this book are obviously fresh out of English class where they are used to reading cookie cutter books that have every possible element (i.e. humor, major plot development, etc.). The charm of this book is it's simplicity!

Rating:
Summary: A love story that touched my heart..
Review: From the moment I picked up the book and began the story from Noah's point of view I could not put it down. The simple, yet moving story brought tears to my eyes. I finished the novel in a day, and cried for hours after. The knowledge that a terrible disease could take away the most precious of all memories will haunt me forever. I, too, like Allie, had to decide which path to take. I felt as if I understood the choices being made...truly magnificent and touching. I will enjoy it for many years to come.

Rating:
Summary: A Hard-Hearted Review
Review: I'm always looking for escapism in a good romance. After this book, I'm still looking. There is Alzheimer's in my husband's family, and this book is an insult. It implies that true love conquers all, and if you love someone enough, they just might remember you! Of course! Why didn't WE think of that? Save yourself some time and money and skip this book!