Overall Thoughts: I highly enjoyed this novel, despite my initial disappointment (which will be explained later). This is one of my favorite books, but not at the top of my list.
Length: It is a shorter read. According to GoodReads it is 207 pages, but my eBook was 123 pages. Either way it is shorter.
Plot: Landon Carter, who is 57 years old, tells the story of how his life changed when he was 17 years old. So he goes back to 1950s. Landon Carter, when 17 years old, is a popular teenager, whose actions are influenced by his friends. He and his family are not liked by the minister, Hegbert Sullivan, of their church. Reverend Sullivan has a daughter named Jamie, who has a strong faith. She never knew her mother, since she died during childbirth. Jamie tries to be nice to everybody. Although many find her oblivious, she catches on to things and is quite a smart girl. She also can be funny as well. She also believes everything that happens is part of the "Lord's plan." When Jamie asks Landon to play the lead in the annual Christmas play, their relationship takes off. They begin to spend more time together. Landon acquires a new perspective on life and Jamie brings out something new in Landon.
Reactions: Laughed, cried, and was confused out of my mind!
Book or Movie First? I watched the movie first. It ranks as one of my favorite movies. The story lines differ quite a bit.
Likes: Love the story and the two main characters: Landon and Jamie. At first I thought that there were loopholes in the characters and their behavior. Then I realized the way Landon acted really showed the influence Jamie had upon him as well as how human he really is. He would sometimes feel like being kind to Jamie and then one minute neglect her and pretend they weren't friends. I liked how Jamie brought out the best in Landon and made him a better person. I thought Sparks captured the romance and relationship well. I love the story line of the movie better though. I also loved the emotion that this book made me feel. I cried when I read this book. I didn't bawl my eyes out, but I did have some tears running down my face.
Dislikes: The writing at times did not flow well. It seemed as if the chapter should end, but it didn't. The jump between events lead to this abrupt change in the writing. I also thought Sparks used too many "I would find out later" phrases. It got annoying and seemed a bit juvenile to me.
Explanation: Here we go. I had gotten this as an eBook from my library once before and had gotten pretty far (8 chapters). The eBook expired and I had got engulfed with school work so I decided to wait before I got it out again. The second time I got it out I started all over because I didn't think I remembered enough or the place I left off. Upon reading the beginning I began getting a bit bored as I started to remember the background of Landon Carter and his family. As I got further into the book, I started getting less bored as I ventured further into the book.
Now it is as easy as this... I have three favorite lines in the movie. I felt that my absolute number one favorite line would be in this book, since it was emphasized in the movie. Also, it sounded like a Nicholas Sparks-esque line. Now I understand he probably helped with the screenplay, but this line made the movie for me. If you are curious what line it is, it is "Love is like the wind. You can't see it, but you can feel it." I waited forever for all the lines to come, but they never did. That is where the disappointment lies.
After I read...I was quite confused whether I liked it or not and whether it would be a favorite. To be honest, I was quite mind blown. Although I had seen the movie first and knew what was coming, I was mind blown at what I had just read. It was an awesome feeling! I just sat there and let tears run down my face. The book just made me think and reflect on my life. That was one reason why I was crying. I also was crying because the story is a sad one, but at the same time a feel good one. If I wasn't the type of person who let my face relax and just let go, I wouldn't have cried.
After debating for awhile I decided it was going on my favorites list. Although I was a bit disappointed, I got over it. I loved the story, the characters, and the way I felt after reading it.
Would You Recommend It? I would, but I wouldn't hype it up. I recommend it to anyone who wants a short read that makes you think and reflect. Also, anyone who likes sad, but feel good reads would enjoy this. If you enjoy faith as well, this may be a good read for you. I can't say if you should watch the movie or read the book first. Just know if you watched the movie first, the book is different. I don't think you could go wrong by reading the book first because I feel the movie would surprise you.
For favorites (scene, character, line, etc.) just message me on GoodReads or Shelfari!
(Picture was found on Google. I can't remember what site exactly. Just know I am not taking credit for the picture)
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