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Book Review of Dear John

Dear John
Dear John
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
annapi avatar reviewed on + 334 more book reviews


As the title suggests, this is a story about love and heartbreak. John is like countless young men who rebel in their teens and go through early life with no direction, finally take a good look in the mirror and around them, and end up enlisting in the army where he at last grows up. On one of his leaves he meets Savannah and falls in love. Unfortunately Sept. 11 changes all their plans for a future together.

Sweet, bordering on sappy, touching and tender, with dialogue that is simple and heartfelt, I can see why Sparks connects with so many. I did enjoy this read, however the central love story was not what made me cry - it was the relationship of John and his father that for me had the most depth and meaning. The semi-tragic end was completely predictable, but Sparks manages (barely in some places) to handle it deftly without crossing the line into corny. I liked the way the characters developed and still stayed true to themselves, without the feel of being manipulated by the author. I picked this book up because it was on my desk when I had finished the book I was previously reading, and I'm glad I did, but I don't think I will go out of my way to read another of his books. However, I'm sure if another one falls in my lap it will be enjoyable as well.