I immediately wanted to write something after reading it, so here I am pouring my thoughts onto my 14" Compaq.

How should I describe a book such as this one? I've never really written a book review with much consideration. Not until I was in high school of course when we needed to do it for class. I've always been a lover of books, and always in my vocabulary means ever since I was in high school. Maybe it was due to the poems we were required to read, or the short stories that we discussed in class...I can't quite pin point the exact reason or time, but ever since then I've been a “bookaholic”

DEAR JOHN.

I guess it's safe to say that it was different. I can’t seem to classify it as a typical love story, but at the same time it somewhat fits into that category. A not so typical love story meaning it only happens to a quarter of a margin of people living on this earth, but typical in a sense that it's possible to have happened in fiction, on paper, in hopes and in dreams. I'm not going to give away too much, especially because I'm sure a lot of you are planning to read this book because of the film about to be released. But I do want to say a few things.

The book, was very Nicholas Sparks. He always had a mind that worked in a way that could conjure scenarios that make people (especially girls) go “I wish for a love exactly like that.” He was the first author that actually touched my heart, made it ache, make me want to cry and laugh at the same time and of course believe in love. He made my tear ducts dry up after reading “A walk to remember”, believe in old love with “Nights in Rodanthe”, trust time with it’s healing powers in “Message in a Bottle”, and of course simply believe in good old L.O.V.E. with his ever romantic “The Notebook”. Hell he was even the first man who made my dad cry by the pool side while reading the last book I mentioned.

Did I like it? For the most part, I did. It touched me in just the right places and was able to re-surface just the right emotions. It didn’t strike me too much as maudlin or over rated. It was lukewarm, and wonderful. I’ve somewhat have been a believer of love at first sight and having read about the love story of John and Savannah has made it easier to do so. In real life, I hardly hear stories which start with “When we locked eyes, I knew instantly…” or “Yes, it was truly love at first sight.” So having read this book gives me a little bit of hope that it might be possible to have something like it or at least something to that effect.

After reading this book, it made me realize a couple of reasons why I love to read. I do feel bad (I’m not sure if it’s the right word) for people who think of reading as a task rather than as leisure. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. But as a lover of books it amazes me how a story, an author or even just one line from a chapter of a book can transport you to different places. I love how different words can be strung together and evoke such strong emotions you never thought you’d have. By reading, I feel more human in a way where I realize to what extent something can affect me. I like testing myself at times, and discoveries are always good. So whenever something from a book strikes me, whether it may be a line, a paragraph, in the blurb or even in the dedication, I always pause and think about why it struck me. By doing this, I get to know myself more and realize where I stand in life.

It’s also nice to know that even if in reality some things are not achievable, it’s possible to just live vicariously through characters that have been made up by such talented authors. For at least a day or two, or a week even…you get lost in a world where anything is possible. You get to go on adventures, or suddenly have magical powers. You get to fall in love and dream and be different. It’s such a great catharsis, and of course an awesome way to exercise your mind and widen your vocabulary.

I’ve always known that I’ve read a good book when I can’t seem to part ways with it. It’s as if the end of the book signifies the end of my relationship with the characters. It’s the way I felt when Harry said goodbye to Clare in “The Time Travelers Wife” (Audrey Niffiniger), my heart broke the same time Erik’s did when Stargirl Callaway moved to another city in “Star Girl” and the way I wanted to be different and lovable during the final pages of “Love, Stargirl” (both by Jerry Spinelli). It’s the way I knew the words “For you a thousand times over” would affect me differently after reading “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. How I was for certain that Noah and Allie would be together wherever they were, and yes even how Harry, Ron and Hermionie would be able to save the magical world. With a good book, Shakespear was right in saying “parting is such sweet sorrow.” It’s so hard to let go because the characters seem to have been part of your life, and when their heart breaks… yours does too. When they receive good news, its as if you want to jump for joy and celebrate with them.

I’m very glad that I had 2 days off my busy schedule to be able to read. And I’m happy as well that the book I chose didn’t disappoint me. I’m pretty excited for the movie, although I’m sure that there will be some slight differences. I’m just hoping that it doesn’t disappoint. It’s weird how the book is almost always so much better than the movie (except for P.S. I love you wherein both the book and movie were amazing). Anyway, Channing Tatum is there…at least there’s some eye candy :)

I hope children now a days get the hang of reading. I hope that one day they get to feel the way I feel whenever I’m immersed in a good book.

I absolutely can’t wait to find another book, which will make it impossible for me to put down because of its awesomeness. I am waiting for the day when a line or a paragraph or the whole book will make my heart ache because I know that the ending is near. I can’t wait to find a good read that would distress me and make me feel all sorts of wonderful and beautiful.

Till then, I shall live in the memory of John and Savannah, and shall bask in their love for each other and for the full moon.