I'll admit I'm not a big reader of romance novels, but after seeing the preview for this movie I thought I'd give the book a shot. Let's just say I hope the movie is better written than the book was. Granted, Nicholas Sparks seems to have moved passed happy endings to give the reader a little more than the classic story, but the dialogue and the descriptive language left a lot to be desired. It's like he tried really hard to set the scene with ample descriptions of the surroundings and characters but just couldn't find the rights words to do so, or at least couldn't do it very well. But, I guess that's why Dear John is a $5 paperback novel.

If you're not a literary critique and are looking for an easy-to-read love story this might do the trick.

Average Rating:

Rating: - Dear John, I'm sorry to say you were slightly disappointing
I'll admit I'm not a big reader of romance novels, but after seeing the preview for this movie I thought I'd give the book a shot. Let's just say I hope the movie is better written than the book was. Granted, Nicholas Sparks seems to have moved passed happy endings to give the reader a little more than the classic story, but the dialogue and the descriptive language left a lot to be desired. It's like he tried really hard to set the scene with ample descriptions of the surroundings and characters but just couldn't find the rights words to do so, or at least couldn't do it very well. But, I guess that's why Dear John is a $5 paperback novel.

If you're not a literary critique and are looking for an easy-to-read love story this might do the trick.

Rating: - well written
I thoroughly enjoyed the book--could hardly put it down. As with most of his books I couldn't predict the ending.I have read many of Spark's books after this one--I'm a new fan!

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Rating: - Dear John - Fantastic Romantic Read
I loved this book - I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a story they can 'get lost in'. I read it from cover to cover in a day and wished it didn't have to end. The book is well written and the characters' love story gives you hope that true love really does exist.

Well done Nicholas Sparks!

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Rating: - Comfort reading
It's been a while since I've read a book by Nicholas Sparks. My last one was Message in a Bottle. Sparks has found a winning formula as he has eight New York Times bestsellers to his credit.

My experience has been that they all tug at your heartstrings and Dear John is no exception.

John Tyree is home on leave from the army when he meets Savannah Curtis. Their time together is short lived, but they quickly fall in love. John must return to his squad, but Savannah vows she will will wait for him. His time is almost up when 9/11 strikes and John re enlists. Can their love survive further time apart?

I listened to this in audio format. Holter Graham was the reader. I'm not sure if he naturally speaks with a Southern accent, but once in awhile I would find it slipping. He played John with a slow southern drawl that at times made him seem simple. Savannah's voice was easily identifiable, with a slightly different southern accent and a quicker manner of speaking.

I think the story is an excellent one, especially in today's times, when this scenario is being played out in many lives. Sparks finishes his tale with a different twist, again designed to make you reach for a tissue.

Now this is purely personal and I'm sure there will lots of dissenting opinions, but... I just didn't like Savannah. I found her overbearing, manipulative, selfish and too much of a know it all. I often wonder if in listening to an audio book, you form a different picture of a character than you might have in reading the book. I then watched the movie trailer and with the characters played by Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried , think I may change my mind again.

So, yes if you're looking for a heart string tugging read, this is definitely one for you. I'm more of an action girl myself, so found some of it a bit repetitive and slow going but I did enjoy the story.

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Rating: - A Real Soap Opera
This is a light and enjoyable novel, one that will give you a few hours escaping reality and plunging into a sappy and romantic fantasy.

This is about army sergeant John Tyree narrating his love for Savannah Curtis, the girl of his dreams, and their relationship. It is the typical boy meet girl love story in the post 9/11 world. Boy goes to war and girl waits for him to finish his tour of duty. Here the specific war is not important, the author doesn't delve into the effects it had on his characters. When John re-enlists it weighs heavily on their relationship. Will their love survive.....

This novel is a quick read; the characters are realistic enough and likable, the plot is very predictable and not complex. The story hovers around the ideals of love and how fragile it can be. Added are some unrealistic twists leading to appropriate sadness and some heart wrenching moments, bringing tears to your eyes. If you are a fan of soap opera, this book is for you.

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