Book Review: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

“You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”

― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

The Notebook is Nicholas Sparks' debut novel. The romantic book was first published in 1996 and then made into the well-liked movie of the same name in 2004.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast begins the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner recently returned from the Second World War. Noah is restoring a plantation home to its former glory, and he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met fourteen years earlier, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, yet unwilling to forget the summer they spent together, Noah is content to live with only memories…until she unexpectedly returns to his town to see him once again.

Like a puzzle within a puzzle, the story of Noah and Allie is just the beginning. As it unfolds, their tale miraculously becomes something different, with much higher stakes. The result is a deeply moving portrait of love itself, the tender moments and the fundamental changes that affect us all. It is a story of miracles and emotions that will stay with you forever. 

My reaction to this novel...

I simply need to begin this review by saying how great, delightful and astonishing this story is. I am delighted in this story with every fiber of my body and, indeed, I’ve sobbed hysterically while reading it. I, in a real sense needed to stop a few times since I just lacked the strength to read any longer. I suffered an excessive number of tears. Nicholas Sparks composed this story in a truly basic, direct way which makes it simple and speedy to read. The story is told from both Noah’s and Allie’s viewpoint, a need to get a handle on every one of the sentiments that are tumbling near.

At first, I felt the adoration Sparks portrays were somewhat absurd, yet as I continued reading, it all made sense. I felt the pure love of those two main characters in the story which were actually incredible in this world.

I want to make this review longer, since it truly merits that, yet I would rather not ruin anything for those of you who haven’t read The Notebook yet. For me, I truly recommend this book and assuming you’re in for a decent cry and need to attempt to get a handle on what love can be about, a delicate love overflowing out of pages… Simply get this book and begin reading it, and you will enter the world of real magic because you will really love it.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)