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Book Review & Giveaway: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

December 3, 2009 by Darlene


Dear John by Nicholas Sparks has been around for a few years but is making a comeback as it’s been made into a major motion picture and I think it’s going to make a great movie! I have been a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks for years now and have read everything he’s written except for his very latest novel which I’m getting to. The thing is I had read Dear John a few years back and have to say that the mark of a really good story is when you pick that book up again and get completely immersed into the story and finish that book in one day. That’s what happened when I picked up Dear John and I’m glad it did because I so enjoyed reading it again. Dear John has all the elements of a good story – young love, romance, tragedy, heartbreak and sacrifice.

John is a young man who starts out life on the wrong track as a teenager. Eventually he realizes he’s going no where in his life and decides to join the army. It’s the best thing he could have done. It may be cliche, but it does turn him into a more responsible adult. At home on leave, while out surfing, John meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. They are very different people but that doesn’t seem to stop the bond they are beginning to form. They realize they are in love.

Being in love is a good thing right? Well, not so if you’re heading back into the army which John has to do. They feel their love can withstand him being away and promise to write and call each other. Finally John doesn’t have much longer to go in his service to the army and he’s heading home to Savannah. However the best laid plans can get destroyed in a matter of seconds and that’s what happened for John and the world – 9/11 changed everything. John reenlisted for another couple of years and at first Savannah understood but slowly that understanding started to wear thin. Will Savannah and John’s love withstand being apart for so long or will Savannah finally move on?

One part of this story that I absolutely loved and that brought tears to my eyes was the back story of John and his father. John had never been close with his father because his father had always been a very quiet man whose only interest was his coins that he collected. When Savannah met him she realized that he may have a developmental issue and she gave John a book to read that helped him to better understand his father. John and his father were able to have a few good years together and it was really heartwarming to read.

Ultimately this book is about love and what it means to really love someone…

  • ‘that love meant that you care for another person’s happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.’ (pg 275)

John is faced with a huge decision in the book. Do you give up your happiness and what you want for what might be best for the person you love? John makes a heart wrenching decision that changes everyone’s lives.

This novel is pure Nicholas Sparks. He just has a way of writing a book and portraying love and sacrifice in a way that always gives me the shivers. I think this is one of his more emotional books and it left me smiling one minute and crying the next but it never left me bored. I really enjoyed it, even more the second time around I think!

Hachette Book Group is re-releasing Dear John on December 7 in preparation for the movie coming out. I always like to read a book before I see the movie but I have to say that I’m pretty excited for the movie now. You can buy Dear John here in the US and here in Canada. Here’s a peek at the movie trailer…

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I’ve got 5 copies of Dear John courtesy of Miriam at Hachette Book Group (thank you Miriam) to give away to my lucky readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you do already, thanks, but be sure to let me know.
  • For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway will be open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) as the books will be coming to you directly from the publisher. I’ll draw for the winners on Sunday, December 27, 2009. Good luck to you all!

My Thanks…to Miriam with Hachette Book Group for my review copy of Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.

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Filed Under: 100+ Reading Challenge 2009, 2009 ARC Reading Challenge, 2009 Book Reviews

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. teeyah. says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:01 am

    I wanna join! 🙂 tjcabullo@gmail.com

  2. Wendy says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:43 am

    Dear, John looks SO good! I've never read the book but I really want to watch the movie too! Can't wait even though I just know I'm going to cry like crazy!

    I'm a follower and here's my mail: omgitswendy at gmail dot com.

    Thanks! 🙂

  3. Veens says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:58 am

    sounds like a good book. Good to know abou tthe movie!

  4. scottsgal says

    December 3, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    Love his books – would love to have this

    msboatgal at aol.com

  5. scottsgal says

    December 3, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    follower!

    msboatgal at aol.com

  6. Marjorie says

    December 3, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    This book would be wonderful to win.
    I follow by google reader.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

  7. Renee says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    I think this was the book I saw a woman reading in church a few weeks ago – yes, she was reading this instead of paying attention to anything being said at church 🙁

    reneesuz82@msn(dot)com

    Thanks for the giveway

  8. Renee says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    I follow you on google reader.

    reneesuz82(at)msn.com

  9. mindy says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    sounds fantastic thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

  10. Kris says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    I would love to win this book! It's one I really want to read!

    Already a follower!
    ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com

    http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/

  11. Beth (BBRB) says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    This looks great! Please enter me!

    BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

  12. Beth (BBRB) says

    December 3, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    I'm a RSS subscriber via Google Reader.

    BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

  13. Linda says

    December 3, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    I've enjoyed other books I've read by this author, and Dear John sounds like another great one. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I follow through Google Reader.

    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  14. Sadako says

    December 3, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    I wanna be entered.
    +1

    dibblyfresh1@gmail.com

  15. bermudaonion says

    December 3, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Please enter me! I subscribe in Google Reader. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

  16. fredamans says

    December 3, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    I am a follower!!

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

  17. Lenore says

    December 3, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    That does look quite emotional. I loved the film version of THE NOTEBOOK.

  18. Sandy Jay says

    December 3, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaways.

    forwhlz at gmail dot com

  19. Sandy Jay says

    December 3, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    I'm a follower.

    forwhlz at gmail dot com

  20. Anonymous says

    December 3, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Sparks books (and movies) are always tear jerkers!

    Nycole
    knycks1@aol.com

  21. Toni says

    December 3, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    Great review Dar. No need to enter me. I love your detailed and thorough format on your reviews as always. Thank you!! Good luck everyone!!

  22. tetewa says

    December 3, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    I'm a follower and love his reads, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

  23. Staci says

    December 3, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    I loved this book and I hope that the movie is good!!!

  24. Linna says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    I want this book. Please enter me.

    linna.hsu at gmail dot com

  25. Linna says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    follower. 😀

    linna.hsu at gmail dot com

  26. Wanda says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors. I've already read all his other books. Please enter my name in this draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  27. Wanda says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    I am a follower of your blog.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  28. etirv says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Please count me in!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

  29. etirv says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Follower!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

  30. LittleEagle says

    December 3, 2009 at 11:02 pm

    I always prefer a book to a movie and would like to win this one. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

  31. Jemima says

    December 3, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    Please enter me: thereadingjourney[at]gmail[dot]com

    I am already a follower.

  32. Madwoman-doing-cartwheels says

    December 3, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    Spark's books are always so wonderful and heart warming. This one I have not read and it's nice to see still another made into a movie!

    bookcat1010 at gmail dot com

  33. Madwoman-doing-cartwheels says

    December 3, 2009 at 11:59 pm

    I'm already and "old" follower (at rubymoonstone/gmail)
    on google friend connect.

    bookcat1010 at gmail dot com

  34. AmandaSue says

    December 4, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Sounds like a good book and now I can't wait to see the movie! Thanks for the chance to read this book.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  35. AmandaSue says

    December 4, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Follower thanks!

    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  36. Tabitha says

    December 4, 2009 at 1:29 am

    I saw this trailer last week at "New Moon." I agree…want to read the book before seeing this movie.

    tabitha.steinbock at gmail dot com
    Just became a follower AND tweeted this offer @testeinbock

  37. cpullum says

    December 4, 2009 at 1:42 am

    I want to see the movie and read the book!!!!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

  38. Emily says

    December 4, 2009 at 1:45 am

    This movie looks really cute and I would love to read the book before seeing it! Enter me please!

    +2 I am a follower.

    emily DOT wittenberg @ gmail DOT com

  39. Alice Teh says

    December 4, 2009 at 2:06 am

    Hi Dar, I have this book and I'm going to read it. I've not failed to cry in any of Sparks books and by your review, I know I'm going to be like a broken pipe.

  40. Kelly says

    December 4, 2009 at 2:23 am

    I admittedly have not read this yet, but I'd love to have the chance. Thanks so much!

    krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

  41. Bethie says

    December 4, 2009 at 2:47 am

    Please enter me. I just love Spark's books!

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  42. Rebecca Graham says

    December 4, 2009 at 5:10 am

    I would love to read this before the movie comes out.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

  43. Under My Apple Tree says

    December 4, 2009 at 6:23 am

    I haven't read this one so would love to have a copy.

    I'm also a follower and will add the giveaway to my blog.

    *** undermyappletree *** at *** gmail

  44. Deedles says

    December 4, 2009 at 6:26 am

    I haven't yet read anything by Nicholas Sparks. Would love the chance to win.
    djeanq(at)gmail(dot)com

  45. MoziEsmé says

    December 4, 2009 at 9:41 am

    Love Nicholas Sparks books!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

  46. MoziEsmé says

    December 4, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I'm a follower!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

  47. tetewa says

    December 4, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    I'd like to be included! tWarner419@aol.com

  48. JoanneR says

    December 4, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    Am a follower. Thank you!
    joannereynolds@sbcglobal.net

  49. holdenj says

    December 4, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    I would love to win Dear John! Please count me in!

    +2 I am already a follower.

    Thanks.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  50. guru says

    December 4, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    I love Nicholas Sparks, his books and the movies made from them.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

  51. Pamela Keener says

    December 4, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    I love Nicholas Sparks reads but have never read this book.
    I am a follower!
    pk4290@comcast.net

  52. Anonymous says

    December 4, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    I would enjoy listening to this book…thanks for the opportunity.

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

  53. Mash1195 says

    December 4, 2009 at 11:59 pm

    Please enter me. Nicholas Spartks is one of the authors I have listed for my Awesome Author challenge.

  54. Mash1195 says

    December 5, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Am a google connect friend follower

  55. justpeachy36 says

    December 5, 2009 at 3:25 am

    justpeachy36@yahoo.com

    I just love Nicholas Sparks! Please enter me in the giveaway…

    +2 I follow this blog via Google.

    +3 I blogged about the giveaway here:

    http://bookblogs.ning.com/profiles/blogs/peeking-between-the-pages-1

    And I tweeted about the giveaway here:

    http://twitter.com/justpeachy36/status/6358870209

  56. kalynnick says

    December 5, 2009 at 4:22 am

    Enter me in. thanks!

    kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com

  57. Angie S says

    December 6, 2009 at 1:53 am

    Love Nicholas Sparks! Please enter me in the giveaway.

    aksimmo@brainerd.net

  58. Alicia says

    December 6, 2009 at 6:02 am

    Would love to read this.

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

  59. Bohemian Gypsy says

    December 6, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    I really like James Patterson as an author; he really can tell a yarn. Thanks so much for the giveaway:)

  60. Jessica says

    December 6, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    I've only read The Notebook by Sparks but enjoyed it very much would love to give this a read.

    jessica(at)fan(dot)com

  61. MarionG says

    December 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    I love Nicholas Sparks books. Would love to read this one. polo-puppy-fluffyAThotmail *dot* com
    I'm a follower.

  62. Anonymous says

    December 7, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    Love Nicholas Sparks…
    Please enter me.
    RJB
    loki304[at]tds[dot][net

  63. Kaye says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Count me in please. Sparks's book are so good and they translate well into movies.

    florida982002[at]yahoo.com

  64. Kaye says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    I'm a follower.

    florida982002[at]yahoo.com

  65. Lee P says

    December 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    I haven't read any books written by Nicholas Sparks but after reading your review and the comments, I'd really love to read Dear John. Thank you for this giveaway.

    chinook92 at gmail dot com

  66. Lee P says

    December 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    I follow Peeking Between The Pages via Google Friends.

    chinook92 at gmail dot com

  67. Lee P says

    December 8, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/chinook92/status/6473239461

    chinook92 at gmail dot com

  68. ellie says

    December 9, 2009 at 12:23 am

    Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

  69. ellie says

    December 9, 2009 at 12:24 am

    I follow your blog.
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

  70. Lady_Graeye says

    December 9, 2009 at 4:03 am

    This looks so good! I am a google follower~

  71. Lily says

    December 9, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    Please count me in! It looks like a great book! khamanchie717@aol.com or ladybookwormz@gmail.com.
    I'm gonna follow your blog right now!

  72. Sahm Lee says

    December 9, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    Enter me please. Thanks for the contest!
    airalynn@gmail.com

  73. Nicole says

    December 10, 2009 at 10:54 am

    omg that looks amazing!!!!!!

    nicolemarielum @gmail.com

  74. Erica says

    December 10, 2009 at 10:56 am

    wow that looks so amazing! please enter me!!

    ericaloves @hotmail.com

  75. kristinemarie7 says

    December 10, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Please enter me. Thanks!

    kristinemarie7 at gmail.com

  76. kristinemarie7 says

    December 10, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    I also added this to my blog.

    kristinemarie7 at gmail.com

  77. Sue says

    December 11, 2009 at 5:38 am

    I always enjoy a sappy Sparks book. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

  78. DarcyO says

    December 12, 2009 at 4:26 am

    Another teary read. Please include me.

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  79. DarcyO says

    December 12, 2009 at 4:26 am

    I'm a follower.

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  80. g.g. says

    December 14, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    Can't wait for the movie but would love the have the book..so enjoy Sparks

    anjamie4 at gmail DOT com

  81. g.g. says

    December 14, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    I follow on google friend connect

    anjamie4 at gmail dot com

  82. Anonymous says

    December 14, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Love Nicholas Sparks.
    Please eneter me.
    RJB
    loki304[at]tds[dot]net

  83. Booksnyc says

    December 17, 2009 at 2:47 am

    Please enter me – thanks!

    Nicholas Sparks books are always enjoyable reads!

    I am a follower.

    Colleen (leenbeen2001 at yahoo dot com)

  84. Allison says

    December 21, 2009 at 2:30 am

    please enter me
    allygotts567 at hotmail dot com

  85. Allison says

    December 21, 2009 at 2:30 am

    im also a follower
    allygotts567 at hotmail dot com

  86. Angie says

    December 21, 2009 at 2:49 am

    I follow on Google reader

    aksimmo@brainerd.net

  87. Anonymous says

    December 24, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I would love to win this! Please enter my name—thanks!

    Sheila
    skkorman@bellsouth.net

  88. Anonymous says

    December 24, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    I love the work of Nicholas Sparks—please enter me to win!

    Donna
    dlhaley@hotmail.com

  89. Sarah says

    December 25, 2009 at 8:24 am

    Please enter me in this giveaway!

    saemmerson at yahoo dot com

    Sarah Emmerson

  90. Sarah says

    December 25, 2009 at 8:25 am

    I'm a follower.

    saemmerson at yahoo dot com

    Sarah Emmerson

  91. Sarah says

    December 25, 2009 at 8:26 am

    I tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/saemmerson/status/7027583999

    saemmerson at yahoo dot com

    Sarah Emmerson

  92. dsandyboy says

    December 26, 2009 at 12:55 am

    Count me in.

    dsandyboy@gmail.com

  93. dsandyboy says

    December 26, 2009 at 12:55 am

    I Am a Follower.

    dsandyboy@gmail.com

  94. FrankSandy says

    December 26, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Please enter me. walkerd@primus.ca

  95. FrankSandy says

    December 26, 2009 at 12:56 am

    I'm a follower. walkerd@primus.ca

  96. CherylS22 says

    December 26, 2009 at 5:04 am

    I'd love to read this book – please count me in. Thanks!

    Happy Holidays!
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

  97. CherylS22 says

    December 26, 2009 at 5:04 am

    I follow in GFC
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

  98. dsandyboy says

    December 27, 2009 at 2:07 am

    Count me in.

    dsandyboy@gmail.com

  99. FrankSandy says

    December 27, 2009 at 2:08 am

    Please enter me. walkerd@primus.ca

  100. romance says

    February 22, 2010 at 9:40 am

    Can't wait to see Dear John movie.

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