BOOK REVIEW: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

3/5⭐️

First off, this 25th Anniversary Edition of The Notebook is gorgeous! 😍 The Notebook is probably one of my all time favourite romance movies. I am so happy to have finally read the book. I was surprised at how much the book and movie differed.

"I didn't plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us."

The book follows Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton as they fall in love as teenagers one summer, but this was no ordinary love. After years apart and with no contact, mostly due to Allie's parents not approving of the relationship, Noah still could not forget her. He looked for her in every relationship he had after her, but their love was irreplaceable.

Years later Allie sees Noah in a newspaper article, pictured standing in front of the plantation home he promised to one day own and restore, and she decides she needs to go see him. When she shows up on his doorstep, they both realize just how strong their love was and still is, but this time her engagement to another man stands in their way of their relationship.

"You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love."

I love how this book highlights that true love conquers all and that nothing can stand in the way of true love. Noah and Allie's story gives you hope and makes you believe in love again. Having a love like theirs is really special and valuable and should be held onto.

"You and I were different. We came from different worlds, and yet you were the one who taught me the value of love."

I loved both Noah and Allie's characters. I loved how much they brought out the best in each other and inspired each other while accepting each and every part of each other, despite all their differences, their different backgrounds and their different upbringings. Their love is definitely something to strive for and worth waiting and fighting for.