Rating: 
Summary: Poets often describe love as an emotion we can't control
Review: I couldn't help but notice a couple of the less than positive reviews here. I concede that any of the books they list might be considered more of a literary masterpiece than the Notebook. But this is a sincere and thoughtful story with honest characters. It's a story that could happen to anyone of us (if we're lucky). I can't remember when I read a book so fast (Nicholas Sparks - you short changed my librarian who has come to expect my traditional 10 cent overdue penalty!). All of us can live in a Lon-type relationship - comfortable and safe but void of anything meaningful. The end of the book? That's what most of us only dream of. This story is a reminder of how we get so few chances in life to find that one person who is truly meant for us. It might take a lifetime of searching but when you find that person - let's just say it's why I appreciated this book. I know I WILL look at the pouring rain a little differently from now on. Will you
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down until I finished it!
Review: Having first identified with the main characters and also seeing my own parents married for 60 years and struggling with this very disease in the end of their lives . What else could I do but read and shed tears? What a beautiful well written story. Thank you Nicholas Sparks.
mrseg
Rating: 
Summary: copycat romantic drivel
Review: What is it with you people? After reading the reviews on this site, I can't believe that so many of you thought it was the best book you'd ever read! Have you never read The Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden or anything by Faulkner? The Notebook will not stand the test of time, but will, ironically, make lots of money and be a blockbuster film starring Meryl Street and Clint Eastwood (they'll just move over from Bridges of Madison COunty). This novel looked interesting to me, because my father just died and he and my mother had a long, successful, happy marriage and she misses him terribly. But I found Sparks' writing to be affected, his characters thin, and the story full of empty holes and absolutely unrealistic. Anyone who has been in a long relationship or marriage knows the difficulties that can unfold. Romantic, passionate lust happens to all of us, but you don't just marry someone and spend an idyllic wonderful life based on a few days of romping in the hay...or if you do, you usually find out that you've made a terrible mistake. Allie and Noah didn't even know each other!!! And furthermore, a lot happens to you in fourteen years, between your early twenties and thirties. Anyway, I found the whole thing unrealistic. Perhaps reading this kind of trash is what makes so many marriages and relationships impossible...people expect it to be like these stories and they inevitably are not. How many times have I seen women standing in line for a movie like Bridges with their uncomfortable looking I'd-rather-be-anaywhere-but here dutiful guys? Get real, people! Read a good story, full of character depth and complexity. I know that my book club will not read this novel
Rating:
Summary: It is not Bridges of Madison County...better.
Review: I reluctantly read this book, mainly because it was perceived by others recommending it to me to be an "older" persons book. I bought the hard back copy and took it home to read at some point because of its best seller recommendation. I started reading it (I think there might have been an excerpt in Good Housekeeping or some magazine because it seemed quite familiar). I read the book from cover to cover in one afternoon, and cried more than I did over "Bridges." It takes some writing to win me over. The Notebook has because it delivers more than just a fleeting romance....it is about a romance between two people that is real, truly real. It is an understanding between two people, their love for one another, and their undying care for one another. Wouldn't we all be better off to have this kind of enduring love
Rating: 
Summary: A little wishy washy but it held my interest
Review: I found the beginning of this book to be a little wishy washy but it had a interesting twist to the story. The 2nd half of the book was more meaningful and in my opinion this is what true and unconditional love is all about. I wouldn't say it was the best book I ever read but it was an easy read. But all in all it was a good book. Not a great book but a good book
Rating:
Summary: A piece of southern candy -- a guilty read
Review: I did not even think of reading The Bridges of Madison County -- too syrupy for my taste and this novel is definitely in that vein. But, as a native of coastal North Carolina (the novel's locale) I was intrigued enough to read it. The writing is not the best -- some descriptions are too florid, some dialogue a bit contrived -- but it is a sweet, sentimental little story. Definitely something to read as a treat, like a piece of rich candy; a guilty pleasure and you know you shouldn't indulge because it isn't very (intellectualy) filling, but it leaves you with a taste in your mouth as pleasing as pralines or your Mama's best pecan pie
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful story of a beautiful love.
Review: To see such pure love. Not since Segal has there been so touching a love story.The story is so real - even if you haven't experienced these scenes, you most definitely can feel them. The raindrops. The warm fire. The tears. Holding hands. It is all so vivid and real. I'd recommend this to anyone and especially to those who've been married quite awhile. You'll come away with a lot more love to give. And, you'll recommend it to the first person you see afterwards! This is not a romance novel, it is a story of never-ending love
Rating:
Summary: unquestionally the best book i have ever read.
Review: the best thing about this book is that it is based on a true story.
the writing is clear, concise,and tender. this book will make you laugh
and cry and believe in the wonders of love.if i had unlimited funds, i would hand out copies of this book to everyone i know.this story made me believe in true love all
over again. i would highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment
Review: After hearing all the countless praises and optimistic reviews of this book, I was actually looking forward to reading it...was I disappointed! The whole feel of the book was it was trying too hard to evoke an emotional response from its readers. The only response I managed to muster was laughter. The premise had all the makings of a promising novel. What resulted instead was a poorly executed made-for-tv movie-of-the-week script disguising itself as a touching human drama. The characters were annoying...one dimensional and lacking any sense of depth or reality for that matter. I kept hoping the story would get better and it finally did---when I closed the very last page and realized it was finally over
Rating:
Summary: Don't add this one to your shopping cart!
Review: Beware of all the "10" reader ratings. I found this book lacking in substance & character depth. Sparks doesn't even take the trouble to explain why the "sparks" flew between the two main characters or why the flame kept burning for so long. I laughed all the way to the ending. "The Notebook" is nothing but a spin-off of the "Bridges" tale by Waller. Why can't writers & their editors come up with more unique idea content? I mean, come on, let's give everyone reading the book a good cry now by letting one of the character's come down with Alzheimer's. I found this book a feeble attempt at capturing the essence of enduring love. I think if the book is ever made into a movie, I will save my seven dollars & cut my losses. I gave this book a "2" rating only because Nicholas Sparks gets a 1 pt advantage for a man trying to write a romance. Anybody want to buy my copy??
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