The Notebook: A Review

If you want a book that tells 'Happy Ending' in bold, capital letters then read this. Well, there were some conflicts, yes but as I read the story, I felt like Allie and Noah is the luckiest (fictional) couple I know.

The story started with them sharing a childhood, puppy love that didn't last long(well only a summer) and the inevitable happened as they separate apart. Then they met again. After 14 years. I couldn't help relating to the story on that part and twas actually hard for me to read it as I relived my own memories. Twas like swallowing a bitter medicine to me. I knew from that point that I need it. I need to read this and decide for myself.

And then during the mid part, when the story was running smoothly and quite predictable, the author suddenly shifted the steering wheel to an abrupt, hard turn, making me felt flummoxed for a moment. One chapter they were young and Allie was about to choose between Noah, her childhood love, and Lon, her lawyer fiance, and then the next they were old. A bad fast forward. twas like two standalone stories entwined into one. Sparks should have explained further the part after Ellie chose so that it didn't looked like Noah and Allie got their happy ending in a snap.

Then the last part, there were already old and sick with two different disease. Noah had arthritis and Allie had an Alzheimer's disease and she kept on forgetting Noah la la la. That made me think that there were two different stories in one. Sparks could have produce two stories out of this one if he had extended the novel. Twas both a good and a bad thing. Good because it spare the reader from boredom and let them have the happy ending they want sooner. Bad because it felt more of a summary rather than storytelling. The reason why I only give 4 instead of 5 stars.

Nevertheless, the story is beautiful as expected from Sparks. If I couldn't had relate to it, I would be so neutral. But it struck me. And I couldn't help crying and mustering a bittersweet smile as I finished it.

Safe Haven: A Review

2nd book I've read from Sparks. I don't know how will I make a review without giving spoilers. 'Cause this book is full of surprises. It will literally make your mouth hang open in shock. So if you don't want any spoiler better stop reading now.

As I said, this is only the 2nd time I read his novels but I already found similarities between this one and Nights in Rodanthe --- letters, someone close to MC or LI  had died and/or is emotionally distress. I don't know if it also goes with the rest of his novels.

Another thing is almost all his characters are matured people which make them reliable enough to hold the story. Although sometimes they're too good to be true like for example Alex. There were times that I wondered if a father like him do exists.

Then Kevin, the villain. I couldn't remember hating a character so much, I wanted to skip the part of his story. And if the author didn't describe him as 'handsome'I actually pictured him as a waddling guy with a beer belly. ugh

I found the ending a bit of non-closure particularly the part after Katie (btw, felt like the name Katie suits her more than Erin) killed Kevin. Twas a self-defense but she should have at least been interrogate especially she killed a cop, if you know what I mean. Twas like she just killed an annoying fly and then 'haha, we can eat peacefully again'.

Nevertheless I enjoyed this novel (you see, I always try my best to read any book as a reader and then make a review as an *err* writer). This novel is a helluva of emotions. If you're up for one with romance and thriller then give this one a chance.