The Notebook

*Spoiler Alert*
   Before I had even heard of Nicholas Sparks I had seen the majority of movies inspired by his books. It wasn't until just recently that I realized he wrote one of my favorite movies ever, A Walk to Remember. It was then that I went on a rampage. I looked him up found the books I already knew from watching the movies and stocked up. Now, I have a stack of about five Sparks books and just finished my second one. Of course, A Walk to Remember was my first and I recommend it to everyone. Now, the next one I read was The Notebook. Though the story is simply magnificent some of the details within are questionable. Despite this, by the end of the book Nicholas had me in tears. It wasn't something I could hold in. Just Noah's love for Allie, even though she didn't remember him in her old age, was beautiful.
   Every time I think about the book or the movie I am reminded of my Great Grandparents. Not too long ago my Great Grandmother passed leaving my Great Grandfather behind. I didn't spend much time with her in her last few moments but I heard that she was struggling with remembrance as well as Allie did.
   A few weekends ago, at a family reunion, I was sitting next to my Great Grandfather when an older gentleman approached us and talked to him. I remember letting my eyes wander, giving them privacy but I just couldn't make my ears leave their conversation. I won't go into details about their conversation but in the end my Great Grandfather said something along the lines of, "To me she was perfect and there is no one in this entire world who can replace her." I just about broke into tears then after he said that and even now as I rewrite his words. Even though that's not exactly what he said the meaning is very clear.
     Sometimes in a world of fiction there is truth. Nicholas sparks said so himself that The Notebook was inspired by people in his life. And sometimes, based off of true stories are some of the best out there. So much more real than what we can create in our head. Even though loss is a sad thing it's a way of life. But God created such a wonderful place to live with Him, where we won't have to endure pain such as loss. And in the future I can only pray to have a man that will love me like Noah loved Allie or like my Great Grandfather loved my Great Grandmother or how God loved His Son or how Jesus loved us. You don't have to be a romantic or poet to understand love, it's so simple, but yet so powerful.
   Now, back to reviewing this book. Really, it is a good story. But when you get to the chapter title Moving Water it's a bit...detailed. I was really disappointed and just kind of flipped over until the scene was over. There were other parts in the book I would have loved to take a white out to. Other than those few moments the story in itself really was good. Allie and Noah both made horrible mistakes while they were apart and together but they had a happy-ish ending.
   I don't recommend the book, just in the sense of situations and vivid details and I'll give the book a rating of about 2 1/2 stars.