The Notebook

The Notebook Reviews


by Nicholas Sparks



Overall 4.5 star rating4.73 of 5 (by 26 users)



The Notebook Review Summary

The Notebook", Nicholas Sparks' first published novel, is the story of Allie Neslon and Noah Calhoun, two North Carolina teenagers who spend one joyous summer together, only to be separated by WWII. They don't meet again for 14 years, when Noah comes back to town to restore the house of his dreams. Naturally, Allie is engaged to a very successful man, but, when Noah comes back into her life she has some choices to make. The device that drives this story, though is the notebook, kept by an old man in a nursing home who spends his days reading poetry to the residents. This is a story of love never ending, emotion and heartbreak, but ultimately of finding "the one". As one reviewer notes,"I was heart broken for the characters in this book but was extremely pleased with the outcome." Only the most cynical reader will not be moved by this story. The Notebook has become a modern classic.
81% of people rated The Notebook as 5 stars
81% of people rated The Notebook as 5 stars%
81%
15% of people rated The Notebook as 4 stars
15% of people rated The Notebook as 4 stars%
15%
No one rated The Notebook as 3 stars
No one rated The Notebook as 3 stars%
0%
4% of people rated The Notebook as 2 stars
4% of people rated The Notebook as 2 stars%
4%
No one rated The Notebook as 1 star
No one rated The Notebook as 1 star%
0%
92% 92% of people recommend The Notebook 8% of people don't recommend The Notebook 8%
 

The Notebook Ratings and Reviews

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3
helpful
votes
a fiction reader, chronic book buyer

MAR
26
2008
This book knows how to touch your heart.   I somehow started out with Nicholas Sparks but can't remember which one of his books I read first.  It grabbed me & now I sit & wait for him to bring out another masterpiece.  This story line is easy to read, easy to follow, keeps you attached to the book waiting for the end but then when it does, you want it to continue so you can have some more enjoyment.
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5 star rating
2008 Advisor
LindaBee
Williamsport, MD



1
helpful
vote
an avid reader

MAY
2
2009

The Notebook was written by Nicholas Sparks. I have to say this writer is very in touch with the heartstrings of women. The book is easy to read and makes you want to finish it in one day. The chapters aren't long and drawn out with enough description to make you feel like you are in the setting of the book. The story is about young first love that transcends time. It follows Allie and Noah through changes of love lost and found and love refound. And makes you wonder if that first love was the real love of your life or just puppy love immaturity. As always with Nicholas Sparks books the setting...

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5 star rating
kellgemini
Sanford, FL



1
helpful
vote
avid reader

FEB
27
2009
The Notebook is a great story for those of us that have lived this horror and it hits home with me as it describes my parents last 10 years and the heartache family and caregivers suffer with loved ones afflicted with Alzeihmers disease.  Nothing is worse than watching your loved one slip away day by day. 
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5 star rating
reviewer
ksue
Quincy, CA



D
avid reader

NOV
2
2009

This book is the ultimate in true romance. A story of 2 people who are true soul mates and go thru a lot to be together forever. My own emotions ran the gambit while I read. I laughed , I cried, I even got angry at some points.

I actually saw the movie before I read the book and I feel the book wins of course. There was so much more information and I could read over a favorite part which is not as easy with the movie even if you own it.  The book kept me riveted and I hated to put it down even when I was so sleepy I was dropping the book everytime I nodded off.

I am lucky enough to have found...

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5 star rating
reviewer
Dove917
Pueblo, CO



D
an avid reader, a fiction reader

NOV
19
2009

I love to read and I have read many books in my lifetime, but The Notebook has got to be one of the best books I've ever read. It is such a wonderful love story. I think that even the guys out there who wouldn't normally read something like this would find it a good read. 

It is one of those books that you can't put down. You are always wondering what is going to happen next with Allie and Noah. There are times when you are reading the book and you really don't like what you are reading, but you just keep reading along hoping that it will turn out the way you want it to. 

Not only is it a great...

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5 star rating
reviewer
nicksmama
Clemson, SC



D
avid reader

FEB
3
2009
If you haven't read any books by Nicholas Sparks, you are still sure to know who he is from this best-selling novel, turned movie, The Notebook.  I have read this book three times thus far and just saw the movie on television the other day, so I am sure I will read it again in the near future.  As all of Nicolas Sparks' other novels, The Notebook is definitely a page-turner.  Once you start reading, you are hooked!  Such a love story that explores true love vs. society's expectations.  This novel starts with true love and ends with true love. 
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4 star rating
reviewer
Beckd303
Cincinnati, OH



D
avid reader

MAR
30
2008
I have read the book and seen the movie. I always read the book before the movie, because my imagination is so much better than what ends up on film. This book is a masterpiece. A truly touching story of love and loss, but loss in such a different way. I was heart broken for the characters in this book but was extremely pleased with the outcome. I would highly recommend the book and then the movie. As always, I laughed, cried, was happy, sad, angry. Mr. Sparks really knows how to write fantastic books.
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5 star rating
reviewer
evaughn69
Valley Falls, NY



D
an avid reader

NOV
7
2008
Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors and did not let me down with this book.  This book is a story that reminds you that love is everlasting.  The story brings you through an array of emotions from love, joy, hope, faith to sadness and loss.  The movie was also a tear jerker but I did miss the pieces of the book they left out.  I would highly recommend reading the book and then seeing the movie.  I always think the books are better though... 
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5 star rating
reviewer
sahmjenn
Andover, MA



D
an avid reader

AUG
28
2008

The Notebook

I aint into long movies and when everyone said this will make you cry like a baby.  Well I broke down and watched the movie and got the book and they were right you do cry like a baby.  But it is geniune tears of feeling, life, love, joy, and hope.  This story inspires people to search for true love that is everlasting.  I would recommend this story to anyone of any age. 


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5 star rating
reviewer
Tks1Angel
San Angelo, TX



D
into romance novels

NOV
26
2008
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is in a genre all of its own. This is one of those rare books that you cant put down. Full of intriuge it keeps you guessing til the end. I absolutely loved it and had to read it again and again. The characters are full of so much depth you begin to feel as though you really know them and the feelings are so well worded that your heart cries and laughs right along with the book.
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5 star rating
reviewer
kaylaskinner085
Olive Hill, KY



D
a fiction reader, a sci-fi buff

JAN
11
2008
This book starts out with a mystery.  Who are they?  What will she decide?  What did she decide?  And then life; the sadness, the longing, the hope.  If you really need a good cry this book will deliver.  To me the end is everything.  The book can be great but if it ends poorly it was a waste of my time.  This book ended with grace.
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4 star rating
thatabramswoman
Saint Louis, MO



D
an avid reader

MAY
4
2008
This book is fast becoming a classic for many readers. This was my first nicholas sparks book and it didnt disappoint. If you are in the mood to curl up with a good book and a box of Kleenex, this book is a good choice. It will inspire you to want to believe in true love again. It touches the heart in ways that are hard in such a cynical world we now live in.
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5 star rating
reviewer
singingechoes
Clarksville, TN



D

AUG
11
2009

Wow!  This book is incredibly touching.  I cried for quite a while after finishing it, because the story really stays with you.  The writing is significantly better in this novel than most Nicholas Sparks' novels, or maybe the story is just so great, any problems with the writing are not noticeable.  Either way, I loved this book!!!


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4 star rating
reviewer
hshall02
Las Vegas, NV



D
avid reader

JUL
7
2008
I read this many years ago and it is still among one of the most touching books I have read! The movie was very heartwarming as well.  Stresses true love and devotion.  Nicholas Sparks is a terrific writer and touches your heart and soul. Wonderful!
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5 star rating
reviewer
lainey4
Harrisburg, PA



D
chronic book buyer, a fiction reader, a woman, an avid reader, re-reading the classics, into romance novels

JUN
11
2008
I absolutely love this book. Nicolas Sparks is a great writer and really has a knack for touching the heart with his novels and this one is no exception. The depth he creates in his characters is really very good quality to add to an already great plot.
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5 star rating
domino13
Palm Coast, FL



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