Did anyone else think that the ending was kind of sad?

[Sarah]

Cheska wrote: "i love the book. it left me pondering what love means. i was touched by what john did. he sold the coin for Tim, yet he didn't need to do so. he helps Tim to get well rather than marrying savannah ..."

I miss and love my step dad. If something like that happened to him I would be devastated. As for my biological father I could care less.

[Melissa]

Tasneemali wrote: "Come on ... I don't agree that the ending is sad ... sad means tragic and melancholy ... but on the contrary it's sentimental and realistic !!! Such a romantic novel and the last paragraph <3 <3 " ..."

I completely agree with you! Sparks has done several interviews in which he discusses the endings of his books. He generally tries to alternate endings in his books every so often, from "happy endings" to more realistic, tug-at-the-heartstrings endings throughout his many books, to keep his readers on their toes. I think it's one of his greatest qualities as an author. It keeps his books from being predictable, and I love that.

[Maureen]

Tim is to be blamed for this breakup between John and Savannah.

[Nicole]

Its kinda not fair that John doesn't get the girl and he'll just stay on the side and watch the girl he loves love someone else.

[Tarek]

Nichole wrote: "personally, i hated the ending. im an army wife and it was...offending kind of. Military men leave for war sometimes. That's their job. I think if Savannah really loved John, she would have waited...."
I totally agree with you

[Donna]

So far the NS books that I have read have had the couple that were together at the end of the book to be the proper choice for a follower of Christ. The ones who were divorced did not marry their heart's desire without their first spouse being dead, and the others stayed with their husbands and their wedding vows.

Savannah made her choice (a poor one grand it but it was her choice) to marry someone that she loved as a friend and she should stay with them as long as they are not abusing her or cheating on her. She is left working on her marriage as everybody has to do when they are truly sincere in their desire to be married.

[Solaris]

Maybe I am wrong but the book ending is not far away from movie ending. The book does not say they will never go back together. Tim is back from the hospital but there is no guarantee that he will live a long life. The movie ending shows in my opinion the continuation of the book ending. Tim dies and Savannah and Jone come back together.

[Emily]

I know this is old but I just recently read this book and I have to agree. This was my first Sparks book and I thought because he was known for romance that the book couldn’t possibly have a depressing ending. I was shocked when John and Savannah didn’t end up together but I do see how the ending is more real life. I’m just so sad with it and a little disappointed.

[Michele]

"Dear John" was one of my favorite Sparks books. I loved the back and forth letters, and kept thinking, come on John, you need to go home to your girl. The book ending was not only sad, but disappointing. The movie ending was much better. Sometimes I do like for a book not to have a predictable ending, so I guess, for that, the book achieves that.

[Hannah]

I just watched the movie on Netflix. Yes, I am the definition of late. I am so freaking depressed about the ending. Wish they showed something more than a hug. It would have given me better sleep last night. I cannot imagine the anger and DEPRESSION from those who read the book.

[Sharla]

I totally agree that it was sad! I was balling.

[Kaylee]

This book was one that while reading I was sad, but after finishing and dwelling on it for a while, I am even more sad. More sad because I was in a "Dear John" situation myself, so seeing all aspects of this scenario really hit home for me. I really enjoyed it and it was a very good read for me, I just wish I could hug John and Savannah both, but for different reasons. I have not watched the movie, and I do plan to, but I am still mourning this book even though I finished it 6 months ago. If you do not know what a "Dear John" letter is in the military, I recommend looking it up since that is where this book comes from.