Hot on the heels of True Believer and sequel At First Sight, Sparks returns with the story of ne'er-do-well-turned-army-enlistee John Tyree, 23, and well-to-do University of North Carolina special education major Savannah Lynn Curtis. John, who narrates, has been raised by a socially backward single postal-worker dad obsessed with coin collecting (he has Asperger's syndrome). John bypasses college for the overseas infantry; Savannah spends her college summers volunteering. When they meet, he's on leave, and she's working with Habitat for Humanity (he rescues her sinking purse at the beach). John has a history of one-night stands; Savannah's a virgin. He's an on-and-off drinker; she's a teetotaler. Attraction and values conflict the rest of the summer, but the deal does not close. Savannah longs for John to come home; her friend Tim longs to have a relationship with her. On the brink of John and Savannah's finally getting together, 9/11 happens, and John re-ups. Savannah's letters come less and less frequently, and before you know it, he receives the expected "Dear John" letter. Sparks's novel brims with longing.
Brandie D. (Bennie-Leigh) from JASPER, GA wrote on 10/15/2007...
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
It is Nicholas Sparks what more needs to be said? No really, it is an awsome book. The more this man writes the more he is able to hit that bitter sweet nail right on the head.
For those who love Sparks' books you won't be dissappointed and for those who have never read one.....you are just missing out.
Teri S. (ocicat) from CLARKSVILLE, TN wrote on 7/22/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I didn't find this one up to his usual standards. Also, he was way off with the military lifestyle portrayal of the lead character, sometimes to the point I (an Army wife) found it laughable. But it’s a nice weekend read.
Barbara G. wrote on 6/24/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great book about finding love, losing love and growing in the process, and making the hardest decision in his life. I really enjoyed this book and it was a fast read.
Barbara
Jennifer P. (jsprince) from PITTSBURGH, PA wrote on 6/12/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love all Nicholas Sparks books but this had a twist with some psychological knowledge behind it making it that much more interesting.
Philip S. (pogosmith) from NEW HAVEN, CT wrote on 11/20/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Having enjoyed the movies from "Message in a Bottle" and "Notebook", I anticipated a pleasant, but possibly sad read. I have been somewhat disappointed. I have a hard time relating to the story and to the characters. Savannah is a too-good-to-be-true graduating senior from UNC. She is beautiful, thoughtful, articulate, avid Christian, athletic, enthusiastic, playful and much more. She is saving her self, in the personal intimate ways, for a person she loves where those things would be so much more meaningful. Is that believable? Not to me. Attractive, yes. But page after page reveals her charms, beauty and altruism so much that I began to wonder if the book is about anything else. Sure, I would like to meet her--long ago--the girl of my dreams, but it doth go on to long in that vein.
John is quite a contrast; so much so that it is unclear how they would connect in such a romance. He is on leave from an army base in Germany, a tatooed ex-rebelious youth with little education. His dad is an oddity--a person John is ashamed of and estranged from. However, he is staying with his dad, meets miss Unreal and off they go into unreal love.
Eventually I gave up, preferring to spend time with something more like I might encounter in life.
I like the author in most every way. He writes with grace--beautiful phraseology. Others of his works are probably great. I hope to check that out.
Zanna B. (zblueyez) from LEOMINSTER, MA wrote on 6/13/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book! Could not put it down!! Worth the long wait to read it! (was on my wait list for a long time.)
Rick P. (Vortextamer) from FLORENCE, SC wrote on 5/13/2008...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I have read all of Nicholas Sparks' books, and while the endings usually have me wanting it to be different, I must say I do enjoy them. This one is no different. Unlike the other gentleman that reviewed this book, I must say that I totally related to this book. Be forwarned, there is a little betrayal in it, but when is there not in love? The characters were very believable. I related to this a lot more than most probably would have as I had something of this manner happen to me. John was a character I could relate to, someone who wasn't sure about what he wanted in life, but knowing he wanted more. When he meets Savannah, he has met his soul mate. While some people don't believe in such, I do, and I can relate to John's devotion to her, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the betrayal, no matter how much it hurts. While I know that there has never been a sequel done on any oh Sparks' books, this is one that left me saying, no, don't let this happen, it has to be different. I wish he would do a sequel on this one. Definitely a book that requires a box of tissues nearby as it is a tear jerker. If you are looking for a book that will capture your heart, this is it.
Meagan M. (meags) from PEARLAND, TX wrote on 4/21/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I usually enjoy Nicholas Sparks' books but this one was way too depressing. If you are looking for a happy romance, avoid this.
Alisa C. (spoiled1) from TEN MILE, TN wrote on 3/28/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book follows a young man as he grows from adolesence to adult and his relationship with his father and girlfriend. It's your typical Nicholas Sparks book in that you better have the Kleenex close by.
Kristi W. (gardenia) from MAINEVILLE, OH wrote on 9/11/2008...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
If you are looking for an uplifting love story, do not read this book! I finished reading it feeling incredibly heartbroken for the main characters. All in all I liked the book because in reality not every story has a "happily ever after".
Rate These Member Reviews
Erin D. from CONCORD, NC wrote on 11/2/2008...
I love Nicholas Sparks! He did it again with Dear John. I could not put this book down!!
Tammy C. from ROANOKE, TX wrote on 10/8/2008...
This just like all his books are great! One you just cant put down. Must read.
I LOVED this book! I read it in 2 days! It wasn't your typical Nicholas Sparks novel, but I think that is what I loved most about it.
Beth P. (fbclibrarian) from SEMINOLE, OK wrote on 8/19/2008...
Nicholas Sparks is an excellent writer but "Dear John" doesn't belong in a church library and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Sex outside of marriage is wrong.
Carol P. (wifer) from MC FARLAND, WI wrote on 1/24/2008...
Very easy read but good story. Sentimental as all of Nicolas Spark's books tend to be but I enjoyed it.
Jana W. (banana527) from FAIRFIELD, NJ wrote on 10/29/2007...
Another great read in my opinion. I couldn't put it down and it was emotional especially at the end.
Nancy H. (nlhrn) from BLACKWOOD, NJ wrote on 10/22/2007...
Quick read,,held my interest
Kelly W. (KellyWilloughby) from COLUMBIA, TN wrote on 8/26/2007...
Great book. Did not want to put it down - read in two days. It keeps you involved and interested the whole time. Does not lack for involvement. Loved it.