Product ReviewsThe Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (1996, Hardcover)

Beautiful!

What can I say about "The Notebook?" The first book I ever read by Nicholas Sparks was great, "A Walk to Remember." I was hesitant when going to read this book due to the title; I was curious, wondering what could possibly be interesting about a particular notebook. I was pleasantly satisfied, although not surprised, Nicholas is a wonderful author who writes everything so beautifully that I was sure this one would be just as good.

I've now read "The Notebook" several times. Passed it on to my mother and grandmother and read it myself over again. It's a wonderful story and has a beautiful meaning. If all love could be so strong and all relationships so caring and respectful, the world would be a better place.

I spent moments on the verge of tears and time in realms of laughter thoughout the story. Mixed emotions were constantly surging through my mind and heart and of course, yes, I cried...and cried some more. But in my opinion, if a book can make me laugh or cry (or both) or feel some sort of deep emotion, it's a good book. Sparks definitley created that!

I highly recommend this book, as you might already have guessed. It's one you'll read, over and over, and one you'll share with the best at heart. If you're skeptical and wanting to give this book a try, do so. I know you'll be happy you did. You'll gain a new perspective on love and life. It's not just a romance novel, it's simply put "life-altering"...if you don't appriciate now, you will.

I too, of course, purchased the film when it was made and while it was very good and portrayed the book nicely; the book was much better and the movie will never give it the correct justice.

Hopefully you'll gain as much love for this book that I have and maybe you will end up adding it to your list of favorites. Enjoy!Read full review...

"The Notebook"

For anyone dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's diseae, this book is tenderly insightful and impactful. It is, however, for the most part a fine love story, compelling alone in that regard. It isn't until about the last chapter that the deeply emotional impact hits, so it's not a "depressing" read.

I also appreciated the shorter length of the book, very readable in a few days. The hardback edition I read was a handy size, with print large enough for ease on the eyes. Reading this helped me experience what my father must have gone through with my mother, helping me appreciate his strength all the more. The writing is simple and straightforward, yet engaging. GOOD book.Read full review...

I don't understand how to "Review" the title of the book.

In this case I think the movie was actually better than the book. There is almost nothing in the book about their youth and them taking time to fall in love. In the book their eyes meet and they are in love and then it's 14 years later. The movie expanded on many elements that enhanced the original story which is unusual. The book is still a very good story it's just that the movie made a better love story.Read full review...

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The Notebook

While looking for examples online of query letters, I came upon Nicholas Sparks' own website dedicated to writing and helping newbie writers with getting started in publication. His analysis of how his idea for a novel came to be the reality that it is, as a published work and, subsequently, the film based on his novel, completely intrigued me. So, I had to purchase the book and compare it to the movie as well. "The Notebook" is a quiet, charming, sweet romance seen through the eyes of the hero, Noah Calhoun. I like to call it a novella because it is short. But it is a compelling page-turner. It takes place over the period of two separate days in two different timespans in the life of a couple who fell in love as teenagers one summer, then went their separate ways. It is a solid story of hope and longing, of dreams versus reality, written in the uncomplicated style of a bygone era. It is funny and heartwrenching and has plenty of twists that will satisfy both the romantic and the hardened mega-reader. A must to keep, not just to have, in one's collection. Just don't rent the movie -- it made too many changes and completely lost the focus of the novel. A pity, since "The Notebook", the novel, is a gem.Read full review...

THe book is better than the movie

I have read Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook, I only have good things 2 say about the novel. Sadly, the elements that made the book special did not survive the transition to the screen.

It turns out that Allie is suffering from dementia, so, to stir her memories, Noah reads from a notebook that recounts their tumultuous, improbable romance. They met as teenagers in pre-WWII America. For Noah, it was love at first sight, but it took him a while to convince Allie. Almost immediately, the disparity of their social classes became an issue - she came from money and he was a laborer. The disapproval of Allie's mother led to their break-up. But fate brought them together after the war, and before Allie married her soldier beau.Read full review...

Compelling love story, good 'til the very end!

This book tugs at your heart strings...the author paints a vivid picture of two people who found their true love. Great story!

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A real treasure

I bought the book, The Notebook, after seeing the movie. I was intrigued from the start after hearing the ad for The Notebook stating that "Behind every great love is a great story." I met my true love at 17. Love was wondrous. In time, though, our families moved over a thousand miles apart, and we eventually went our separate ways. As in The Notebook, my first love and I miraculously came back together. We have now been married 3 wonderful years, after 28 years since our first shy teenage kiss.
I enjoyed the movie, but the book is even better. The emotions of this couple are captured so well. I laughed and I cried as I swept through the pages. Nicholas Sparks is an artist who paints a compelling story with words. Anyone who has been in love, or who wonders what it is like to truly be in love, should read this book. In time, I will write my own story...Read full review...

Books

My daughter's house flooded when hurricane Harvey hit her area. They have lived with us since late August waiting for insurance money for their house to be worked on. It is being done now. Some of the things she lost was her hard bound books. She was devastated over all her losses and was very sad about her soggy books. I bought her ten Nicholas Sparks books for Christmas. I had to give her a picture since they would not arrive till after Christmas. The books came in two packages. To see the smile on her face was worth every penny I spent. I will finish her collection soon.Read full review...

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The Most Amazing Love Story Ever!

I absolutely adore this story! Nicholas Sparks has a way of writing that really plucks the heartstrings. This book made me laugh out loud and cry! People only dream of the kind of love between Noah and Allie. How wonderful it would be to find your first love after so many years and realize that the love has only grown stronger with time! For all you romantics out there, I highly recommend this book! Even if you've already seen the movie, read the book because the movie was good but I don't believe it did the story justice.Read full review...

A GREAT READ

THIS IS THE BOOK THAT YOU READ WHILE IT'S RAINING. THE WORDS JUST SINK IN. THIS STORY IS GREAT. IT'S NOT LIKE ANY OTHER STORY I HAVE READ. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK IS IT'S GRACE, ADVENTURE, LOVE, AND SO MUCH PASSION WITH IN THIS BOOK.Read full review...

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