The Notebook

published	December 1st 1999 by Warner Books
first published	1996
binding	Paperback
isbn	0446676098 (isbn13: 9780446676090)
ebook
pages	272
description	"Somewhere," muses Noah Calhoun, while sitting on his porch in the moonight, "there were people making love." Anyway, head elsewhe...more [close] "Somewhere," muses Noah Calhoun, while sitting on his porch in the moonight, "there were people making love." Anyway, head elsewhere for Great Literature, but if you're in the market to get your heartstrings plucked, look no further. The Notebook, a Southern-fried story of love-lost-and-found-again, revolves around a single time-honored romantic dilemma: will beautiful Allison Nelson stay with Mr. Respectability (to whom she happens to be engaged), or will she hook up with Noah, the romantic rascal she left so many years ago? We're not telling, but you have two guesses and the first one doesn't count. Decades later, after Allison develops Alzheimer's, her beau uses "the notebook" to read her the story of the great love she's plumb forgot. The Notebook--film rights already sold, thank you very much--is a little glazed doughnut of a book: sticky- sweet, satisfying, not much nourishment. But who cares? Take an extra vitamin and indulge. [close]
date added	11-17-06 edit book

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Colleen rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

06/18/07

Read in June, 2007

recommends it for: Romantics, family of Alzheimer's

As an author, I learned that this romantic, simple style is not my cup of tea. Although I enjoy cheesy comedies (the work of Capra springs to mind), I don't yearn to write them myself. The original love story of this novel was a little too pat and plain-- it was too clear that this was the love of a lifetime. Perhaps I'm jaded, but I really think a lifetime of love is more irritating-- after all, no two people can be absolutely perfect for each other. In fact, that irritation and friction, a...more As an author, I learned that this romantic, simple style is not my cup of tea. Although I enjoy cheesy comedies (the work of Capra springs to mind), I don't yearn to write them myself. The original love story of this novel was a little too pat and plain-- it was too clear that this was the love of a lifetime. Perhaps I'm jaded, but I really think a lifetime of love is more irritating-- after all, no two people can be absolutely perfect for each other. In fact, that irritation and friction, and learning how to live with each other is what impresses me so much about long term relationships. I'm amazed that my parents are still together 29 years later because I know they've annoyed the hell out of each other-- and yet they were willing to work through that frustration because they believed their relationship (and our family) was worth it. The writing style in the beginning of the novel reminded me of my own writing during high school-- that rush of first love, that hope that you've found that one person to complete you and make your life worthwhile.

For me, the most interesting, compelling part of The Notebook was the last segment. (If you haven't read the book, be aware that rest of this review will contain spoilers.) When the main character's love for his wife of forty-nine years triumphs even through Alzheimer's relentless blanket of memories, I was inspired. More than their love for each other, and the miracle that was their relationship, I was touched by Noah's willingness to live life in the present moment. At the end of their life together, Noah's goal each day is to fall in love with his wife again, even though she doesn't remember him. Even if he never sees that flash of recognition in her eyes, he is satisfied, as shown by this passage:

There is beauty where we sit this afternoon, Allie and I. This is the pinnacle of my life. They are here at the creek: the birds, the geese, my friends. Their bodies float on the cool water, which reflects bits and pieces of their colors and make them seem larger than they really are. Allie too is taken in by their wonder, and little by little we get to know each other again.

My goal is to say and truly believe that line in the middle every day: "This is the pinnacle of my life." That is the best lesson of the novel: to find happiness in simply being alive and appreciating the beauty and love around us.

(What? I read a cheesy book! You'd BETTER expect a cheesy review!)

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Alyssa rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

04/07/08

Read in April, 2008

I decided to read this book because I absolutely love the movie. It's pretty muc the story of Levi and I, except that we're aren't old yet. He had to kind of convince me to date his, and it was the greatest summer of my life. We were separated by his time at Basic training and his mission to Taiwan. Neither of us had much closure when the relationship had to end. When he returned from his mission I was engaged to someone else, but I had already stated to realize that it wasn't meant to be f...more I decided to read this book because I absolutely love the movie. It's pretty muc the story of Levi and I, except that we're aren't old yet. He had to kind of convince me to date his, and it was the greatest summer of my life. We were separated by his time at Basic training and his mission to Taiwan. Neither of us had much closure when the relationship had to end. When he returned from his mission I was engaged to someone else, but I had already stated to realize that it wasn't meant to be for he and I. I ended the engagement long before I realized that Levi was the one for me. Levi and I were engaged when he'd been home from his mission for a month, and married 6 weeks later.

Back to the actual review....I positively adore this movie. Everything about it. So I thought I should read teh book it's based one. And I was disappointed! I like the movie much more. It's so much more descriptive. They are both very passionate characters, and Sparks depicts this is certain ways in the book, but leaves out important ways. Neither seems to have a temper in the book, which I think is part of being passionate. Feeling things strongly. I love that in the movie that are arguing in one anothers' faces on minute and sucking them the next. =o) I can think of several movie moments like this. None in the book.

I truly love the love story between the "old" Allie and Noah. It is the true love story, I feel. It is depicted well in both versions, though I like the movie ending better where they die together. In the novel, Sparks seems to focus more on the details of the older couple. I prefer the movie that takes two separate love stories and intertwines them seamlessly. It may be that Sparks wanted to write a love story for "seniors" and Hollywood knew that wouldn't fly and so they added things of their own. But I like Hollywood's version better.

I think I remember Nicholas Sparks saying that the movie is how the book should've turned out. I agree. I feel bad saying bad things about it because I love the story so much, I just prefer the movie version better.

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Jessica rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

05/02/08

Read in February, 2008

recommends it for: Mo, Grib, Dave, Dimi, and Vee

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

The reasons why I love The Notebook are endless. It is the kind of book that people will be reading for hundreds of years. Its the kind of book that makes you cry yet gives you the warm feeling of true love. it captures every aspect of life and death, love and hate. I have read this book 3 times and I already want to read it again. The book shows you that love is the most powerful thing in the world and that it can change anything.

This book shows you everything about life. it ...more The reasons why I love The Notebook are endless. It is the kind of book that people will be reading for hundreds of years. Its the kind of book that makes you cry yet gives you the warm feeling of true love. it captures every aspect of life and death, love and hate. I have read this book 3 times and I already want to read it again. The book shows you that love is the most powerful thing in the world and that it can change anything.

This book shows you everything about life. it shows the journey of one man and womens life together and how their love can conquer anything that comes their way. it also shows all the troubles and pain that can come with true love and that it isn't always perfect, but when its really meant to be you get through anything. It shows the pain in heartbreak and how hard it is to get over your first love. It also shows marriage, war, having a family and death.

Another reason this book is the best book I have ever read is because it has really good roll models. I think that a lot of guys want to grow up like Noah Calihoun. He builds houses, and anything you need built, he went to war and he had his heart broken and kept going on which makes him strong, brave and courageous. he reads poetry, writes and sings songs which makes him sensitive and creative. lastly the most important is he was in love his entire life to one girl and he would do anything to have her. he was the most dedicated person in the book.

Lastly the most important thing about this book is that it really makes you think. It has you thinking about life and love. It has you wondering who you truly are and why you were put on this world. Is there really one true love out there for you? It has you thinking deeply about death and the greater power.

In conclusion The Notebook is the most amazing book i have ever read. It made me cry yet made me smile at the same time. It is filled with amazing people doing amazing things with no money in their pockets and no where to go. This book gives you hope for your future.

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Megumi rated it:

(review of isbn 0446520802)

02/10/08

bookshelves: romance

Read in September, 2006

Disclaimer: This is not the kind of stuff I usually read. I picked this book up (along with several others) as a birthday gift for my mother-in-law since she enjoys this author. Nicholas Sparks appears to be a somewhat popular author right now, so I thought I'd have a go at one of books.

For a romance novel, this was incredibly unromantic. I think the premise was decent enough, but unfortunately, the execution of it was rather poor. I know that this is fiction, but much of the story is just ...more

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Stacey rated it:

(review of isbn 0446520802)

08/06/07

bookshelves: gag-me-with-a-spoon

Read in August, 2001

I read this book on a train from Italy to somewhere else in Europe after graduating from college. I was unfortunate enough to be forced to buy it because there were no other English Language novels to choose from.

I know this is a beloved book, by a beloved author, but if I could give it any sort of negative rating, I would. The "Gag me with a spoon" category is almost too kind. My apologies to any one who likes Nicholas Sparks - if you're able to find the genius in his writing, ...more

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Tara rated it:

(review of isbn 0446605239)

03/28/07

Favorite Quotes

I suppose [my life] has most resembled a blue chip stock: fairly stable, more ups than downs, and gradually trending upward over time. A good buy, a lucky buy, and I've learned that not everyone can say that about his life.

"A living poem" had always been the words that came to mind when he tried to describe her to others.

Our lives can't be measured by our final years, of this I am sure.

We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a...more

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Raechel rated it:

01/12/08

Read in October, 2007

recommends it for: older teens

The notebook is a classical love story of love lost and found again. The genre of this book is romance and it is also fictional. There are three main characters in this book, Noah, Allie, and Lon. Allie is a city girl who is engaged to a wealthy lawyer named Lon. Noah is a country man who enjoys sitting in his rocking chair and looking up at the stars with his dog Clementine. Lon is a hardworking lawyer who does not have enough time for his demanding job and his fiancée, Allie, as well. Allie i...more

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N!C0L3 (: rated it:

(review of isbn 0446605239)

01/16/08

Read in October, 2007

recommended to N!C0L3 (: by: the movie. ha. (:
recommends it for: eighth grade and higher.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is not your average love story. It is defiantly the best love story I have ever read. It is so incredibly cute, I cried when I read it. I love this book; it is my favorite book in the world. The genre of this book is fiction and romance. It has three main characters Allie, Noah and Lon. Allie is a fun, nice girl from the city who is about to marry a man named Lon. Lon is a lawyer that spends a lot of time at work and not so much time with his soon to be wife Allie...more

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Tifnie rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

01/17/08

Read in September, 2007

I still have mixed feelings about this book. When I think about it, i like it and then at times I don't. I don't know how to judge this book.

Basically it's a "remember when..." story. Two elderly people whom you assume are friends tell you their story about how they met when they were younger. They did date and were in fact lovers at a very young age - well, in their early 20's if not 18-19 years old. She of course was from a wealthy family and he was just a dreamer working fo...more

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Jennifer rated it:

05/10/08

bookshelves: gold-star-award, trt-reviews

Reviewed by Taylor Rector for TeensReadToo.com

THE NOTEBOOK is the romance novel of this generation!

Ali and Noah are two very different people, or characters, depending on how you think about it. Ali is from a wealthy family that thinks very highly of themselves, and Noah was raised by his father and has had to work for every penny he has. Which is not much. The characters come alive and it is almost like you personally know both of them. It's amazing! Ali takes a vacation to New Bern wh...more

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Dj M rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

12/11/07

recommends it for: Anyone who likes romance novels

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is one of, if not my favorite books. The movie itself is a amazing but the book is even better. In the book Nicholas Sparks takes the reader into the story. The reader gets happy when the characters are happy, the reader wants to cry when times are sad, and the reader can feel emotionally what ever is occurring.
In the emotional story many heartbreaking and heart warming events occur. The basic summary of those events begins with a happy, young, unlikely couple...more

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M. M. Sana rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

05/20/08

Read in May, 2008

recommends it for: Audio-Books Listeners (Romance)

I read A Bend In The Road a few years ago, by Nicholas Spark and loved it, so when I saw the movie that was based on The Notebook, I thought it would be interesting. I had been thinking about listening to an audio-book, something I have never tried before, so when I came across this... I thought, why not? WOW! This is not one I would suggest for first-time audio-book listeners. I like that they chose an old man for the voice. It fit well. This is not a book I would pick up to read, because...more

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jen rated it:

(review of isbn 0446605239)

07/20/07

recommends it for: EVERYONE

This is my favorite love story ever. It shows what true soul mates are. (I also loved the movie as much as the book.) If you don't cry when you read this then something is wrong with you. I think that you can love someone like ally did the lawyer, but only true love with your soul mate like with Noah. People who don't like this book have never truely been loved, because if you have it hits home.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"I am a common man with common thoug...more

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Mica rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

04/13/08

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Samantha rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

05/15/08

Read in May, 2008

Let me begin this review with honesty: I'm not sure I gave this book a fair chance. What I mean to say is that I saw the movie long before I read the book (which really ought to be the way to do it, because then you can enjoy both formats; usually the book is better than the movie, and if you read it first, you'll obsess over the differences and won't enjoy the movie) and I think I expected much more from it.

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, here's the synopsis: Noah and Allie ...more

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Abby rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

04/10/08

So, I didn't love this book, even though every other girl on planet earth does. Here's the deal: it's an old guy at the end of his life, showing how undyingly committed and in love he is with his elderly wife, who is dying of Alzheimer's. Sweet, right? Except here is how he shows his love: every day, he reads her the story of their love. It involves hooking up as teenagers, then being apart without communication for years and years, yet yearning for one another while sleeping around with other p...more

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empirerecords rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

05/15/08

bookshelves: books-i-own, read-and-reviewed

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in November, 2007

Allie is a spontaneous girl from the city who moves to Noah's small town one summer. They meet at a carnival and they were addicted to each other since. When things get rough and bumpy Allie is forced by her parents to go back to the city and Noah is left heartbroken. Noah joins the military and loses his best friend in the war. While Allie is in the city, she becomes a nurse for the hurt war victims. While doing this she meets Lon, the war veteran who steals her heart. They soon become engaged....more

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LeiAnn rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

05/29/08

Read in May, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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J rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

11/24/07

bookshelves: adapted-into-movies

Read in November, 2007

This is one of those rare instances where the movie was far more satisfying than the book. The last half of the book set in the nursing home was great, but the main thrust of the story, Noah and Allie's story when they fell in love, was really disappointing. It was written amateurishly, and while I realize that it was supposed to be Noah's version of events, it was still pretty poor. The most detail that goes into it is the sex scene between Noah and Allie when they rekindle their relationshi...more

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Nicole rated it:

(review of isbn 0553816713)

12/05/07

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in December, 2007

recommends it for: no one!

I love the movie, but if you think that was sappy, do not pick up this book. I heard Nicholas Sparks had a knack for sap, but I almost drowned in it and felt no spark at all. The books was so frustratingly simple and obvious and laid out. The dialoque droned. I'll come back and add a real quote, but it was something like this:

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" he asked, wondering what she would say.
"Okay," she said, and than asked, "What should we eat?"
"...more

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