Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Notebook

The Notebook
The Notebook
Author: Nicholas Sparks
At 31, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At 29, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tr...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780446605236
ISBN-10: 0446605239
Publication Date: 2/1/2004
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1733

4 stars, based on 1733 ratings
Publisher: Warner Vision
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

SuzanneB avatar reviewed The Notebook on
Helpful Score: 11
I know, I know. Almost everyone has already read this little book, but I needed a quick read and, although I knew the plot b/c of the film, I was still struck by the heart-wrenching narrative, especially toward the end. As usual with a Sparks book, I even shed a few tears. Took me about 4 hours to read, maybe less.
CraftyTJ avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 381 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
In 1932, two North Carolina teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks fall in love. Spending one idyllic summer together in the small town of New Bern, Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson do not meet again for 14 years. Noah has returned from WWII to restore the house of his dreams, having inherited a large sum of money. Allie, programmed by family and the "caste system of the South" to marry an ambitious, prosperous man, has become engaged to powerful attorney Lon Hammond. When she reads a newspaper story about Noah's restoration project, she shows up on his porch step, re-entering his life for two days. Will Allie leave Lon for Noah? The book's slim dimensions and cliche-ridden prose will make comparisons to The Bridges of Madison County inevitable. What renders Sparks's (Wokini: A Lakota Journey of Happiness and Self-Understanding) sentimental story somewhat distinctive are two chapters, which take place in a nursing home in the '90s, that frame the central story. The first sets the stage for the reading of the eponymous notebook, while the later one takes the characters into the land beyond happily ever after, a future rarely examined in books of this nature. Early on, Noah claims that theirs may be either a tragedy or a love story, depending on the perspective. Ultimately, the judgment is up to readers?be they cynics or romantics. For the latter, this will be a weeper.
Lenore avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Made me CRY! I read this book in one sitting, then called my best friend and made her go get it immediately! She finished it that night and called me to yell at me the next morning because her eyes were still puffy!
countrylane avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This is an older book, but if you read one great book this year-let this be the one. Good things come in small packages. A short novel of excellent quality. This was made into a movie-but as always, the book is better. A celebration of passion. An enduring love. This one will make you cry. A book you will not forget.....ever. This is one of those books that you must read before you die. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a standard romance, because it is not. A must read for everyone, regardless of what type of book you enjoy.
staceid avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 65 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I'm not usually a fan of books that jump around in time, but this one is an exception. The leaps from present-day into memory take the reader on an incredible journey into life and love.
Read All 412 Book Reviews of "The Notebook"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed The Notebook on
Very good book! Second favorite by Sparks!
chelseyrhodes avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 2 more book reviews
This is the story that made me fall in love with Nicholas Sparks. The amazing love these two people share in this story is just breath taking. While it is a story of love it is also a story of heartbreak, but it will touch your heart like no other in the end.

I recommend this book for the hopeless romantic of any age !
cavgirl avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 3 more book reviews
This book was a wonderful love story, that painted a picture I am sure everyone dreams of having. I loved the characters and how intense their love and passion was for each other. It was refreshing to see how small things matter so much and hold so much meaning. I was sad and happy while reading the story, and once I finished reading it, I felt good all over.
reviewed The Notebook on + 3 more book reviews
I am a hopeless romantic and I have enjoyed every book by Nicholas Sparks that I have read. I love feeling every emotion that the character feels. I was warned that I would cry during this book and indeed I did. If you enjoy reading about true love, you will enjoy this book.
reviewed The Notebook on + 32 more book reviews
I loved the story, This is one of my favorite books of Nicholas Sparks, next to Message in the Bottle. The author never fails to stir up the emotions in you.
arizonarose avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 23 more book reviews
Typical Nicholas Sparks writing. Just so-so story.
general avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 20 more book reviews
This was a wonderful book I couldn't put it down. I finished in less then a day. Wonderful love story!
crz4books avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 12 more book reviews
I smiled, reminisced and cried through this book. The first time I ever read it I bought five copies and sent to my nearest friends so that they too could enjoy the read. WONDEFUL!!!
laina42107 avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 115 more book reviews
What can I say this is an amazing story of love that defies all odds and stands the test of time. Most people will go their whole life without ever knowing that kind of love. I think I experienced every emotion there is while reading this book. In the end this was one of the most unforgetable love stories I have ever read. Must read!!!
shorty7 avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 17 more book reviews
Such a precious love story. I really enjoyed reading this.
DanielleFM avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 177 more book reviews
great book, great movie!
reviewed The Notebook on + 30 more book reviews
A very sweet love story
hopplegirl avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 25 more book reviews
I loved this book. The book is so much better then the movie.
reviewed The Notebook on
I made the mistake of watching this movie before I read the book. Normally I'm not disappointed by a book because of a movie, but this one I am. If you have seen the movie, the book will loose you alittle. It was still a good book, but if you've seen the movie, then you have to have an open mind and forget the movie.
mynina avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 4 more book reviews
This story definitely was a tear jerker. Such a lovely story of young love that is meant to surpass unlimited lifetimes.

You also appreciate the love letters they write to each other. Before emails and techology, hand written letters are still the ultimate gesture of true love.
KatyUerry avatar reviewed The Notebook on + 20 more book reviews
I expected this book to be better than it was, especially after all the great reviews it listed on the inside. I was very disappointed. The book needed to have more written of when Noah and Allie were young, while still keeping everything that was already included in the book.
Highlandheart44 avatar reviewed The Notebook on
A touching book about a lifetime of love. Even when facing death, the sacred bonds of marriage only get stronger. Quick and easy read, which will leave you feeling hopeful and peaceful as you face the last of your golden years with your spouse.
reviewed The Notebook on + 2 more book reviews
One of the best love stories I have ever read. With this book Nicholas Sparks became one of my favorite authors.
reviewed The Notebook on + 8 more book reviews
This is very much like the movie, beautifully told.

This particular book is in a larger print, and one corner has been bent/worn off (not sure how as the book was given to me this way), but it did not at all affect the ability to read the pages.
reviewed The Notebook on
This is a beautiful love story. This is one that I will read again many times.
micwright avatar reviewed The Notebook on
This audio book was ok. I listened to most of it but lost interest at the end.
reviewed The Notebook on + 124 more book reviews
This one of the most moving books of 1996 and its 2004 movie made this book a fast number one romance of 2005. You won't be able to put it down until you have finished it from cover to end. This is the first book of a series for Nicholas Sparks with The Wedding to follow. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a deep touching love story that really inspires you to reach out to those you love.

Book Wiki

Common Title

Genres: