Review: Nicholas Sparks Has Done it Again!

by Erica Taglione

Nicholas Sparks is the author of many well known novels, some that have been turned into movies. Maybe you have heard of some? The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, Message in a bottle?

His latest love drama is called Dear John. The story takes place in North Carolina during the summer of 2000. This is where the main characters, John Tyree and Savannah Curtis, meet for the first time. John is on summer leave from the Army and Savannah is with a group of friends rebuilding homes that were wrecked in a hurricane. In a matter of two weeks, they fall in love. When John’s leave from the Army is up, they decide to have a long-distance relationship, by promising to write each other about their lives. This relationship goes through the test of time, and brings John and Savannah to places they never could have foreseen.

The book, now turned movie, attracted many young women (and unwilling boyfriends) to the theater for opening weekend. The book, no doubt, is better than the movie. However, it seems many young fans were impressed by the story line. The movie strayed from the original plot, but managed to keep an intensive love story alive.

For those who have read the book, beware! The movie may disappoint. The book and movie have different endings, and leave the viewer with a different message. The characters even take on different roles and have different personalities.

Although the movie took a different direction from the book, it wasn’t horrible. If you are looking for a reason to have a 105 minute sappy love-fest; this is the film for you. Take a girls-night-out and enjoy another tale from Nicholas Sparks. What would we do without him?

Not to worry! Nicholas Sparks will be back, and soon! At the end of March 2010 The Last Song, another Sparks novel will be introduced to the world via film. It stars Miley Cyrus, who spent time with the author, developing the main character, and even naming her! I recommend reading the book before seeing the film,  it’s one of his best!