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TJ's Reviews > Safe Haven
Safe Haven
by Nicholas Sparks (Goodreads Author)
by Nicholas Sparks (Goodreads Author)
2.5 rounded up
It's not so much that there is anything bad about this book, it is just that it is.... boring. A very large portion of the story is devoted to describing the day to day life of the characters who live in a small, seaside town. What one does as they get up, what they eat, how they cook, the routine conversations between family members, what they buy at the grocery store, which tablecloth to put out etc. etc., comprises not only most of the book, but each of our own daily lives. While familiar, it's NOT what most sit down to read about. We all live it. It does not need to be explained to us. We KNOW already! Most people choose to read for an escape from the workaday life, not to endlessly re-hash it. That, along with the over-the-top climax makes this a rather disappointing attempt by a talented author.
It's not so much that there is anything bad about this book, it is just that it is.... boring. A very large portion of the story is devoted to describing the day to day life of the characters who live in a small, seaside town. What one does as they get up, what they eat, how they cook, the routine conversations between family members, what they buy at the grocery store, which tablecloth to put out etc. etc., comprises not only most of the book, but each of our own daily lives. While familiar, it's NOT what most sit down to read about. We all live it. It does not need to be explained to us. We KNOW already! Most people choose to read for an escape from the workaday life, not to endlessly re-hash it. That, along with the over-the-top climax makes this a rather disappointing attempt by a talented author.
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Tammy
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Oct 17, 2010 07:54pm
oh no, you don't read these contrived weepers, do you?????
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It has been FOREVER since I picked up a Nicholas Sparks book for that very reason! People said this one was different, however and assured me there was a happy ending. The library has it and I don't have to pay for the gamble, so I agreed!
Well, in that case...I'm here with tissue when you need it, lol.**just read the synopsis - reminds me of Sleeping With the Enemy, and those kinds of books (assuming that's what the secret is, of course).
After I ordered this from the library, I read some of the reviews. It sounded like that. I'm now not sure I want to try. Considering.....I don't know if it's worth it to find out.
Oh, that's RIGHT! Now that you mention it, I'd agree with you on the not knowing if it's worth it to find out.Let me know how you make out (remember those big bears at my parents? I'm here with those if you need 'em) :)
Exactly as I feared. Although nothing to awful yet (it is slow moving) I can honestly say I relate to the character, though :D
I think I'm going to shelf this one until Sunday, when a
LOL! Isn't strikeout great? It just makes it even more like really talking.Whatcha going to read now?
I decided on the new Mary Jo Putney book that I have to read for AdC. As prolific as she is, I have never read her before. Have you?
Uh-huh. Bad news, Tam -- here's the link to the one of hers that I've read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
But, I'd still try another of hers (hope springs enternal).
Eek! I looked her up in general and it seems some are rated high, others are like yours... do, do, do, do (music from "The Twilight Zone")
Unfortunately or not, celebrity doesn't affect me. Even the best of authors can pen stinkers :D I absolutely love some of Sparks work, this one just isn't included.You ought to try this one. Even if you like it, you will totally understand what I mean!
I don't really have time to read - especially for a book full of description. I loathe descriptive novels. I'll take your word on this one! :) My books go to the opposite extreme to the point of impersonating movie scripts. Good for you that celebrity doesn't influence your opinion. People can't live on past success.
Tammy wrote: "Even the best of authors can pen stinkers :D"Hah, I agree! Though I know some diehard fans of authors who will disagree vociferously.
This book - and all its thrilling everyday description - sounds as riveting as a game of The Sims where you....shower...and clean the house...and eat....and exercise.... The legal game is dull as dishwater - it's only when you crack it with the naughty fan-created add-ons that it becomes mildly interesting. :P
I can't remember the ending to Sleeping With the Enemy, but this one had every over-the-top device thinkable, fires, explosions, guns terror, car chases, knives, children, hmmm, have I forgotten any?!? Oh yeah, ghosts!!!
lol this part of your review made me laugh TJ "We KNOW already! Most people choose to read for an escape from the workaday life, not to endlessly re-hash it" SO TRUE!!!
If only I had read this review before I purchased the book earlier this Summer. A while after finished it, I wasn't too sure why I didn't like it. I couldn't put it into words. This review does the trick - it is spot on. Too many details were wasted on unnecessary things.
I'll start reading your reviews before making a purchase in the future lol.
I think the book needed to have so much detailed description. If it didn't I don't think I would've felt as if I was one of them. I could really feel the emotion as the book came to an end because of how well I felt I knew them all.
@ Siham, I think at is an exceptional idea LOL!!@ Jocelyn, that is actually a very good point. I have never considered that all the detailed descriptions might help some to relate. Thank you for Sharing that. :)
Boring? How? I mean I respect your opinion but I personally thought he couldn't have done better. (:
I just thought all the talk of what the tablecloths, cutains, counters and so forth looked like, the descriptions of each and every thing to be eaten etc. etc. slowed the story to a crawl and wasn't particularly needed. I do understand others may really appreciate those minute details (see Jocelyn's comment above) but I became very bored with them.I do remember thinking, "This would make a great movie, though!" :)
I am the kind of person who loves detail so I kind of appreciated that in the book but I really loved this story it made me excited to read again ! :)
