The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
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Book Reviews of The Notebook
Book Review: Nicholas Sparks First and BEST Novel!
Summary: 5 Stars
Nicholas Sparks has been my favorite author for a very long time now. I have read each and every one of his novels (and his recent memoir) since the original release of THE NOTEBOOK almost ten years ago. THE NOTEBOOK is Nicholas Sparks' first, and by far, the BEST of all the novels he has written. This is the book which started it all, earning Nicholas Sparks a place on Best Seller lists everywhere. When it was originally released, the HC spent more than ONE YEAR (actually, almost TWO YEARS!) on the Best Sellers list. By now, it is probably close to (or maybe even surpassed) its 50th printing!
This novel is such a fan favorite, and "Noah and Allie" are so beloved, that Sparks was inspired to write a 'sequel' (THE WEDDING) to it just last year (the only 'sequel' he's ever written!). In fact, according to a recent poll on Sparks' website, the character of 'Noah' is by far the most popular of all the characters Sparks has created, earning more than TWICE the number of votes that the second place character earned!!
The recent release of the movie has spawned a new 'generation' of readers and should (rightfully so) earn Mr. Sparks many new fans. I hope that those who have recently read THE NOTEBOOK for the very first time will continue with Noah & Allie's story, by following it up with THE WEDDING, and then at least one other of the many Best Selling novels Sparks has written. (To fully appreciate the wonderful 'gift' of Nicholas Sparks and THE NOTEBOOK, I encourage readers to read his recent Best Selling memoir, THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER, where readers can learn how these characters were brought to life, and what has inspired Sparks to be the author he is today!).
What I love about a Nicholas Sparks novel is that most readers can identify with at least one of the many characters he has created over the years. Whether it be the lovable, sentimental 'Noah'; the sweet, innocent 'Jamie' (WALK TO REMEMBER); the strong, hero 'Taylor' (THE RESCUE); the life-saving protector 'Mike' (THE GUARDIAN); the cautious loner who rediscovers love 'Garret' (MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE); the hard-working, determined, loving mother 'Denise' (THE RESCUE); the smart-alleck young man who learns how to love 'Landon' (WALK TO REMEMBER); or any one of the many others, Nicholas Sparks creates characters which we can all find within ourselves. Readers can identify with these characters in every way - from their strong will, vulnerable hearts and determined spirit.
Altho classified as a "love story", THE NOTEBOOK and other Sparks' novels, are not just love stories between a man and a woman - within the pages of a Nicholas Sparks novel, readers will find the love stories of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. They are the inspired "love stories" of all of us, and are especially needed in the world we live in today.
THE NOTEBOOK is a truly inspired story, and Nicholas Sparks is a gifted writer, deserving every bit of the attention & praise this new movie has generated. By climbing the Best Sellers list again - nearly ten years after its original release - and capturing the hearts of a new generation of readers, THE NOTEBOOK has proven itself to be a classic, timeless love story for all ages, and Nicholas Sparks as an author to be cherished, appreciated, and read for many years to come.
(If you've read THE NOTEBOOK and enjoyed it, be sure to follow it up with THE WEDDING - Noah & Allie aren't "complete" until readers have gone full circle!)
Book Review: The Most Beautiful Words I Have Ever Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
Nicholas Sparks is known for many different books, three of which have been made into major motion pictures. These three are The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle. He is also known for many other highly acclaimed books and is, in my opinion, one of the greatest authors of all times. My favorite Nicholas Sparks book is The Notebook for a variety of reasons.
The Notebook is about separated love, and the struggle to figure out what true love is all about. The book begins with the reuniting of two lovers, Noah and Allie, after fourteen years of separation. Conflict arises when we find out that Allie is engaged to another man-an affluent man with whom she believes she is in love. Will she choose the man that she feels comfortable around, or the man with the money? The book adds a giant twist at the end, and will leave anyone in tears.
Amazon reviewer, Martha R. Dienst, said that she did not like the book at all and that she almost quit reading it mid-book. She said it was "clichéd, vapid, and predictable-way too predictable," a direct opposition to my opinion. In the fear of giving away the book I will not go into much detail as to why I disagree, except that the ending was extremely surprising, and added an emotion that was not present previously.
Orrin Carson Judd, who posted his review on The Notebook online, had other negative feelings toward the book. He said that it had a dull ending that was "utterly shallow." He thought that the book should have ended the opposite way than it actually did; and I disagree. When people read a book they do not want to read a cruel ending that tears apart the two people that you have grown to love, even though there is still a good amount of emotion that must be put into the closing of a book. The book must have a good variation of drama, reality, and still maintain an acceptable ending that does not tear people up.
Many Amazon reviewers had positive things to say, such as Judith E. Pavluvcik and B Fizzle. They both highly acclaimed the book and recommended it to anyone who was a "hopeless or hopeful romantic." They also said that the book was great for all ages and would warm anyone's heart. Judith reminded us to "keep a box of Kleenex handy-you are sure to use them!" I agree with both of these reviewers one hundred percent. Everything about this book was magical and poetic. I remember telling my mom after reading it that "they were the most beautiful words I had ever seen written on paper!"
Don't expect to read this book without feeling emotions along with the characters. Nicholas Sparks does an excellent job of making you feel like the characters from the first paragraph. You will laugh at the awkwardness of Allie and Noah as they first get reacquainted, you will smile as they get stuck in the storm and share wonderful moments amidst the rain and thunder, and you will cry as the story winds to a close and you realize the reality of the situation. Although the book brings a tear to almost everyone's eyes, isn't that the best kind of story? Life isn't perfect either, and books like The Notebook remind us of this while still maintaining the fantasy of a love that endures all trouble and for which everyone longs.
Book Review: An Exquisite Story- A Timeless Romance
Summary: 5 Stars
"I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul and to me, this has always been enough." (2)
By far the best line in the novel, Spark's writing will be sure to leave you emotional and touched.
I have had the chance to see both the movie and read the book and I have to say that I cannot choose which is better, but that they both are compelling and beautiful in their own way; they compliment each other. Even if you liked the movie better than the novel, remember that without this novel you would not have even had the chance to experience the movie; so when you rate this book, know that you are rating the whole idea of Noah and Allie. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
A reviewer talks about how the story moves into another direction with sickness and death and says "It was uncalled for and it would have been nice if it ended on a "cute" note", but I'm sure that nothing in life ends on a "cute" note. Life is not a fairy tale and reality never is "cute"; it is filled with tragedy but maybe sometimes we can build upon that tragedy and create not a happy ending but a poignant, bittersweet ending and that's what Sparks does. His characters try to see the light in a bad situation and instead of just taking the bad they bring out the good. Sparks writes about love, life, and loss the three most realistic things we can experience on this earth. Sure it might be somewhat idealistic for an Alzheimer's patient to have moments of mental clarity but to know the power of love is to know then that anything is possible. I have actually had the chance to work with Alzheimer's patients at a convalescent home and come to the conclusion that everything Sparks writes (or dreams about) is absolutely true. People often doubt the power of others, the power of love; they doubt each other. I have seen patients actually brighten up, become more alert, and actually remember when the ones they love are around them. It truly is a miracle to experience or to even see that happen. Adding the Alzheimer's to the story makes Noah and Allie's story more real, it shows that the power of their love can and will overcome any obstacle and to me, that makes a "cute" ending.
Beautifully written, this is by far the best novel I have ever read and I will keep it with me for the rest of my life. After reading a chapter, I would have to put it down, grab my Kleenex, and wonder in awe if I will ever experience a love so powerful and true as Noah and Allie's. He keeps me believing in love, and in life; that I too may be so blessed to know and even feel maybe half of what Noah and Allie had.
Thank you Mr. Sparks for such a true gift.
And as one reviewer put so beautifully before "This book will wrench tears from your heart and even lead you to view your own life with greater introspection", I wholeheartedly agree.
Book Review: The Notebook Review by a prosperous student.
Summary: 5 Stars
In the summer of their seventeenth year, Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton meet for the first time. While spending every possible waking moment together, they soon fall in love and quickly forget about their financial differences. Allie is a school-ridden girl aimed to a high scoring future, while Noah is more concerned about his goals in life. She spends her time painting and going to tutors and he reads poems to his dad. Although they are not living the exact same lifestyle, they fall in love regardless.
During the summer, Allie's parents get wind of this blossoming romance and make an attempt to stop it immediately. They just couldn't have their daughter running around with a boy who can't support her financially. Allie and Noah blow off what her parents think and continue to build their relationship. That is until the end of the summer and Allie is forced by her parents to move away for school and leave him.
Noah tries to get over the fact that his one true love is gone. He goes to World War II just until his best friend dies. After that he comes home to get a job. After saving and inheriting a great deal of money, Noah can finally build his dream house which he told Allie he would so many years ago.
Allie is reading the paper one day and comes across an article of a man in her hometown who renovated an old, evicted plantation. She recognizes him and her long lost Noah. At this time she is engaged to the perfect man, in her parents' eyes. He is rich and handsome. He's an attorney and a much better man for Allie. Allie agrees with this until she sees the picture of Noah. At that point she questions everything. She tells her fiancée Lon she's going on a trip for a few days and heads off.
After getting to Noah's house, it's a big surprise for him to see her. They spend the first night and the next morning catching up on old times. Lon gets worried because he hasn't heard a call from her. She's not even thinking about Lon. She's thinking about Noah and the dream house he built hoping it would bring her back. Now she's back again. Would she have to leave the house and the man she's missed for fourteen years? Soon she would have to make the decision. Lon's on his way into town and she knows she must tell him that she cheated on him with Noah.
Later Allie sits in her nursing home with the man she chose. She has Alzheimer's disease. This man, who she does not know all though she feels like she should, sits in her room everyday to read her a story about two young teenagers in love fighting for the chance to be together.
Book Review: True Love Found Once Again
Summary: 5 Stars
Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson were definitely in love in high school. Until one day they had to leave each other. They hadn't seen or talked to each other for over ten years. Either of them couldn't stop thinking about each other. Noah wrote to her, but Allie's mother was keeping the letters from her. Allie got engaged to a lawyer named Lon. A few weeks before the wedding she found out where Noah lived and went there to tell him that she was engaged. She told Lon that she was going antique shopping but she also went to see Noah. When she arrived at Noah's he was very surprised to see her. Allie told him that she was engaged and Noah was a little disappointed because he still liked her. The two of them spent the evening together talking about what they have been doing the past ten years and when Allie was getting ready to leave he asked her to come back again tomorrow. So Allie came back the next day and Noah brought her on a kayak ride. It started to rain and they got soaked, so when they arrived back to Noah's he got her some dry clothes. They spent the whole night together when they both realized how much they loved each other. Allie's mother come the next day and told her that Lon had been calling her and she hadn't been answering. Allie had to decide between Lon and Noah and she told Noah that she was going to have to go because she was engaged to Lon. Allie changes her mind, and then goes back to Noah because she truly loved him. They get married, have a family, and grow old together. Allie was diagnosed with Alzheimer and they were no longer allowed to sleep in the same room. They spent everyday together though. Allie didn't remember that she was married to Noah, but they fell in love all over again.
I really like this book because it is a love story. Love stories always catch my attention because they are really interesting and say what love and life is about. Nicholas Sparks is a great author. He always has his ways of writing the book so that you can't put it down. I like how he had Allie decide to marry Noah because I don't think I would have liked it as much if she married Lon. Since I like this book so much, there really isn't anything I disliked about it.
Some people who would like this book, are people who like love stories. The Notebook is a really good love story. Also, people who like other Nicholas Sparks books would like this book because this is a lot like his other books. It is very hard to put down.