Book Reviews of Dear John

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.

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.

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

I love all Nicholas Sparks books but this had a twist with some psychological knowledge behind it making it that much more interesting.

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.

Loved this book! Could not put it down!! Worth the long wait to read it! (was on my wait list for a long time.)

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.

I usually enjoy Nicholas Sparks' books but this one was way too depressing. If you are looking for a happy romance, avoid this.

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.

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".

You know a book was well written, hate it or not, when you can't stop mulling over the characters ofttimes days after reading the last page. I'm a Sparks fan, so yes, I'm biased and yes I loved everything about the story from the setting to the main characters to the ending even though it made me wince. I felt Sparks communicated the struggles a soldier endures not only before, during, and after war, but the internal struggle to exist between two very different worlds, one abroad and in combat...more You know a book was well written, hate it or not, when you can't stop mulling over the characters ofttimes days after reading the last page. I'm a Sparks fan, so yes, I'm biased and yes I loved everything about the story from the setting to the main characters to the ending even though it made me wince. I felt Sparks communicated the struggles a soldier endures not only before, during, and after war, but the internal struggle to exist between two very different worlds, one abroad and in combat and the other "at home." This very real struggle is what propels the story and it grabbed me at the jugular from the very first page. There are no political statements here and I loved that too. Sparks was true to himself as a writer and kept to what he knows and does best, the study of the journey of human frailty as our relationships are subjected to things larger than ourselves.

I've read all of Nicholas Sparks books; some are better than others....this one is my favorite along with The Notebook. It had more than one theme in it and I loved that the female character had some morals. There is also a great understanding of people who are different; who have some sort of mental or emotional troubles. I didn't expect it to be more than a romance, but it was and I really liked that!

I love Nicholas Sparks! He did it again with Dear John. I could not put this book down!!

This just like all his books are great! One you just cant put down. Must read.

Get your kleenexes out...another tear jerker. If you've ever read anything by this author you know he's awesome. Story about a man that was raised by his father only, never knowing his mother, joins the army, falls in love, story goes from there. Great book, although the ending was predictible.

My favorite Sparks book so far! Excellent story that I could NOT put down!

Another great book by Nicholas Sparks. Not your typical, expected ending.... But as it should be.

My third book from Nicholas Sparks...and I loved it, as usual! Starts out a little slow but I soon got to the point that I didn't want to put it down! Great love story...sad in parts...but great book all in all!

Another great read in my opinion. I couldn't put it down and it was emotional especially at the end.

Sparks has such a knack for characterization, which is why I adore his books. But does he have to be so BRUTAL??!! SUCH a sad ending. Almost makes me wish I hadn't read the book.

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.

Always a good read... Typical Nicholas Sparks.

If you love Nicholas Sparks books, this is another great one. Somewhat different in the writing, and unlike Message in a Bottle and The Notebook, not such a sad ending, although there is a twist. I highly recommend!

Absolutely amazing. FAST read.

Sparks is brilliant at expressing emotion from a man's point of view. John discovers the meaning of love for a parent, for a woman, and ultimately for himself. War as a background only serves to contrast the pain of "real" life.

Another winner by Sparks.

Touching story of love, growing up, and the changes life puts us through.

A predictable Nicholas Sparks read - not horrible, not amazing either. It's a nice, easy book that's great for escaping - just don't expect it to change your life or anything. I actually enjoyed the relationship between the main character and his father more than the romantic relationship. I wanted more of that.

If you really like Nicholas Sparks, you'll enjoy this book. If you find Sparks to be somewhat surfacey, predictable and somewhat dull - you won't be disappointed.

loved this book - sad though

A beautiful, moving story.....it explores the complexities of love...how it survives time and heartbreak and transforms us forever....highly recommended.

I loved this book! While it was not a happy ending, I still loved it. It shows that true love is thinking whats best for that other person. There were sad moments. Lots of them. When you read this book, have a box of tissue nearby. Another great book from him. I just wish the movie would have a good ending. Im crossing my finger. :)

THIS BOOK IS AN AWESOME READ...SHORT BUT VERY TOUCHING WITH SOME VERY SAD (CRYING) PARTS. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK.

very good

Another Amazing book by Nicholas Sparks!

Great book. Hard to put down.

what I loved about this book, is it doesnt have the "typical happy ending" but it does end happily! just not the usual! very good , quick weekend read, which all his books seem to be since I cant put them down! love them all!

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.

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.

Very easy read but good story. Sentimental as all of Nicolas Spark's books tend to be but I enjoyed it.

Quick read,,held my interest

Great easy read

Very moving & emotional book. Another great read from Nicholas Sparks.

Got half way through the book and had to give it up. I knew where it was going and I didn't like how it was going to end.

Nicholas Sparks has again authored a remarkable novel about "true love"!

Another great romance from Nicholas Sparks.

Great book by Sparks. Shows real love!

a moving love story that surives time and heatbreak---I loved this book

This was a sweet, sweet love story in the typical Sparks style.

It is Nicholas Sparks...need I say more?

Was a little slow at the start - but once into the story I didn't want to stop!

Great story, very real characters,timely and I would recommend this book.

Not the best Nicholas Sparks I have read

Great book

Good story of growing up and love. A nice light story made for a fast read.

"Dear John" The letter read. And with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives changed forever....

excellent!

I love Nicholas Sparks but was a little disappointed in this book. It was very predictable but also a nice love story.

While I normally like books of this type and by this author, I did not enjoy reading this book. I did learn a little about Asperger's Syndrome and felt honor-bound to finish it, but was left unsatisfied even at the end.

As always, love Nicholas Sparks. This book read a lot like the Notebook though, that was disappointed. Plus I didn't tear up, something I always do with one of his books. Still very enjoyable though

Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author and once again he didnt let me down!

ANOTHER PAGE TURNER BY SPARKS!!

Loved this book. Especially if you are a Sparks fan.

When Savannah Lynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then during a furlough, he meets the girl of his dreams. Savannah Lynn Curtis is attending college in North Carolina, working for Habitat for Humanity, and totally unprepared for the passionate attraction she feels for John. The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty, and John realizing that he's ready to settle down with the young woman who has captured his heart. Neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change hte world and will force John to risk every home and dream that he's ever had. Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country.

I loved this book! It was so good, I couldn't put it down!

You won't be able to put this book down! An extraordinary story of love.

I still can't get over how well Nicholas Spark writes such detailed romance novels - he gets right down to the nitty gritty on a persons feelings. This was such a touching story and a very emotional one - the endings aren't what you think they might be in a romance novel, he ends them more like the movie 'Braveheart' in some respects. I just loved this book and was so moved at the end that I couldn't stop crying and did like the way he did end it, but would have rather had it a different way. Oh well - still a great book! :p

Explores the complexities of love-how it survives time and heartbreak, and how it transforms us forever.

This was a wonderful book. It's the first one I've ever read by Nicholas Sparks and it definitely makes me want to read more. It tells the story of 2 people who meet one summer and fall in love. The only thing that keeps them from being together and getting married is that John is in the Army and stationed in Germany. Throughout the next 5 years, we see what these 2 people go through being seperated from each other for so long. It's a real 'true love' story and I think it's a keeper!

Very heartwarming. Sparks at his best.

From Booklist
John Tyree is on the fast track to nowhere. At 20 he has no real relationship with his strange and dispassionate father, no attachments to anyone else, and no job, so after breaking up with his girlfriend, he decides to join the army. Military life does alter him, yet he remains disconnected. While home visiting his father in Wilmington, North Carolina, however, he meets Savannah Curtis, a college coed who is everything he is not. A warm, morally straight-ahead woman with a commitment to special education, she captures John's heart and he hers. In the short time they spend together, he opens up to Savannah and true love develops as they plan for a future. Then September 11 changes everything. John feels that it is his duty to renew his commitment to the army, while Savannah wants him home with her. The good soldier now lives in dread of receiving a "Dear John" letter. Sparks, a perennially popular novelist whose name is synonymous with romance and bittersweet endings and whose work translates so readily to movies, lives up to his reputation with his latest novel, a tribute to courageous and self-sacrificing soldiers. Patty Engelmann
Copyright © American Library Association.

Another good book by Sparks.

Worth reading.

This book was a good book up until the end. The end really disappointed me.

"An extraordinary, moving story, DEAR JOHN explores the complexities of love -- how it survives time and heartbreak, and how it transforms us forever."

Great story - a page turner to the end.

GREAT READ,FINISHED IT IN A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another great love story by Nicholas Sparks! I had a hard time putting it down.

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