Dear John - Nicholas Sparks

TITLE: Dear John

AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks

SUMMARY: An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love--and face the hardest decision of his life. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Sparks is one of the few authors I've read that can move you in so many ways and in the end, whether it's the ending you wanted or not, you're left with a tale that leaves an imprint on your heart.

I was suppose to get lots done the day I started to read this and instead of working out or doing laundry I sat and read. I couldn't put this book down and it totally messed up my day of productiveness, which I'm okay with because when you're lost in such an inspiring book laundry really can wait, sadly there are no such things are laundry gnomes.

John Tyree was a brilliant character and his personal growth was what made this book so addictive. Watching him change from a rebel to a really deep and carrying gentlemen was beautiful. While the book is plugged as a romance I think what always sets Sparks apart from others is all the small storylines he incorporates. "Dear John" is so much more than just John & Savannanh's romance.

The tale of John reconnecting with his father after so many years of separation is often what had me grabbing for the kleenex. Their journey, that was first nudged by Savannah, was heart breaking and beautiful and will especially move those that have had a parent with a disability, strong or mild. Even the story of Alan, Tim's younger autistic brother, left its mark and he was a minor-minor character. Somehow Sparks' makes every single character compelling.

As always, there's so much content and layers to the plot and characters. They feel tangible to me and their journeys, while often breaking your heart at some point, are honest and real. It's life and life is never perfect, there are flaws and mistakes and regrets but you push through and make the most of it.

A true journey of love and what it means to love and at times, what it costs.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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