Love Lost and Found

The romantic and heart-wrenching story of enduring love is intriguingly brought to life in The Notebook, the best-selling masterpiece written by Nicholas Sparks. Sparks' novel captures the true essence of love as it leads readers on an emotional roller coaster, allowing them to experience life's ups and downs right along with the characters. Once involved in the lives of the novel's main characters, any reader will be challenged to put The Notebook down. Through his use of historiography and methodology; style; and point of view, Sparks has written a classic romance novel that will capture the reader and let him or her escape only when the last page is turned. The author's historiography and methodology contribute to the novel's overall quality. Through two believable and compassionate characters, Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson, Sparks expresses a major theme of the novel: the power of undying love. Successfully overcoming the most trying of obstacles, such as separation and the grief of a terminal illness, Noah and Allie share a special bond that cannot be broken. Noah and Allie initially meet as teenagers and share a passionate summer together before being separated by Allie's disapproving parents. Noah and Allie are reunited shortly after World War II, and the lapse of fourteen years has not extinguished the fire that burns between them. The two easily fall in love all over again, proving that the undying love shared between true soul mates can withstand all bounds. The story is told mainly through Noah's point of view, but makes apparent exactly what the author values in his own life. Obviously, Sparks believes that true love serves as the greatest gift that anyone can be blessed with. Through the relationship of Noah and Allie, Sparks personifies his true definition of love. He instills within each of his readers the sense that love emerges from a deeper side of human nature and that it means honestly wanting what is best for someone. Sparks' novel will undoubtedly provide a lasting value in the romance genre for the simple fact that it conveys the true meaning of love, forcing its readers to examine their own perceptions of love. Because Sparks bases the novel on the true love story of his wife's grandparents, the reader finds it extremely believable and inspiring. The novel leaves its reader believing in the power of true love and with the hope that miracles really can happen. The style Sparks exercises throughout his novel adds to its charismatic magnitude. Sparks employs simple diction consisting of clear and concise word choices, making the novel accessible to an array of readers. The simplicity of the language mirrors the common and basically uncomplicated lives led by the two main characters. Sparks supplies the novel with vivid descriptions depicting beautiful scenery, especially that of the areas surrounding Noah's ranch. The author illustrates such scenes with intense clarity, allowing the reader to almost picture Noah and Allie taking a stroll around the picturesque property. Most of the story is told through flashbacks and reminiscence as an old man reads the poignant love story to a woman in a nursing home. In addition, some of the major plot developments are revealed through letters between the main characters. Sparks' utilization of various methods to relay the his story keeps the reader interested while it proves his accomplishment as a successful story teller. Sparks' implementation of point of view in connection with the characterization of Noah Calhoun seems to be the novel's greatest strength. Because the majority of the novel is conveyed through Noah's point of view, the reader can completely identify with his character. Every thought Noah has regarding his beloved Allie helps reveal to the reader the extent of his tenderness, compassion, and giving human nature. Because the reader knows exactly what Noah thinks and feels, he or she cannot help but empathize with Noah and experience with him joy, loneliness, grief, and triumph. In his novel The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks has captured a love story with everlasting effects. It teaches that with patience and hope, love can endure through even the most strenuous of situations. In Noah and Allie, Sparks has created two characters who epitomize the meaning of true love and who inspire readers to love as well.

Unbelievable!!!

This book was so amazing. I read the entire thing in one night (stayed up until 5:30 a.m. finishing it and then got up and went to work 3 hours later--yes, it was that good). I was disappointed to read another review that stated Mr. Sparks is not a great writer but presents a good story. I think what the reader was trying to convey was that while the story is not written in elegant prose, it's simplistic language wraps you up so tightly in the story and doesn't let go until the last page (which then leaves you running to find the sequel, The Wedding). It is so well written and in such a casual easy-read manner that you can't help but feel a part of these characters in your soul. My heart ached for them as I turned page after page. A longing to be one with the story enraptured me almost as if I were telling my own story. There were several times I cried audibly while reading, tears streaming down my face. Never has a book touched me so deeply! I can't wait to see the movie! If you love love stories and have ever known the real true kiss of love (as Mr. Sparks surely must have) you will LOVE this book! I think I will read it again and again over the years to come.

it's the most romantic book i have ever read

i had seen the movie first and than,thought i should read the book. Well,after seeing the movie and reading the book i feel more in love with my boyfriend. it's kinda how me and my boyfriend met like noah and allie. Then we broke up because my (father)didn't like him. We finally got to talking again and i hurt a gentle man like allie did with lon. We have together ever since and i love him each and everyday like allie wrote in her letters to noah. This book was the best book i have ever read.I like to read but, this book is awsome.