Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review & Giveaway: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

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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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. 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! 🙂

  7. 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

  13. 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

  21. 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!!

  26. 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

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

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

    bookcat1010 at gmail dot com

  34. 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

  36. 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

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

    krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

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

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

    +2 I am already a follower.

    Thanks.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

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

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

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

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

    florida982002[at]yahoo.com

  65. 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

  83. Please enter me – thanks!

    Nicholas Sparks books are always enjoyable reads!

    I am a follower.

    Colleen (leenbeen2001 at yahoo dot com)

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

    Happy Holidays!
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com