Yes, I Read a Nicholas Sparks Book, and Didn’t Hate It.

For those of you who have already started sharpening their pitchforks and lighting their torches, I would like to say, "How very old school of you…"

Besides, it isn't as bad as it sounds. It was decently written and it wasn't as cheesy as I originally thought. My friend, Ang Palaging Nagdadalaga, might think I'm crossing over to the dark side (she threw The Notebook halfway through reading it), but I have a very good reason for reading the book. Honest, I do.

Besides the fact that it might be the first topic for a book club I'm about to join, its movie version is coming out very soon. The movie stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried and anybody who has seen Channing Tatum, or even just a shadow of Channing Tatum, or even just a hint of the abs of Channing Tatum, knows that you don't miss a movie he's in. You just don't. It's physically painful to even think about not seeing those gorgeous lips and broad shoulders, and the sexiest eyes you can ever hope for, and if you're a girl or my friend Tiyo Roman, you know what I mean.

So, I decided to give the book a try. I mean, it couldn't be worse than some of the books I've read. I've read pieces of literature that spit at the word literature. I've read Twilight, for Pete's sake. So, I borrowed a copy from a friend at work, and dove headlong into it. 

It was nice. I'm not saying bad. I'm not saying awesome. It was nice. And I know, that coupled with the previous comment about Twilight and this opinion, I'm incurring the wrath of a lot of people out there, but I've to be honest. Let me explain. 

Dear John tells a story of a 23-year-old ex-rebel who fell in love with a too-good-to-be-true girl 2 years younger than him. He was on a two-week leave from the military and she's doing goody-two-shoes stuff for Habitat for Humanity. We all know from the trailer and book jackets that they fell in love, and had this pact about the full moon, and she showed him a way to love his father, and he showed her that he's not that scary even with the tattoos. It was a run-of-the-mill love story. Seriously. I know a lot of people who've read it are thinking, "But there's more to it than that." Maybe. But with my limited emotional range, I might have missed it. 

First off, the very first chapter already tells you they won't end up with each other. That's not a bad thing, but it makes you guarded, still. Then the girl is so righteous. I know she's supposed to be nice and kind and one of those little rays of sunshine, but I hate people that are categorized as little rays of sunshine. She thinks she's better than other people. She doesn't have an edge. I'm not into characters that don't have an edge. So now you're thinking, "Bella has an edge."

Nope. Bella doesn't have an edge. Bella has daddy issues. Nothing wrong with having daddy issues, because Angelina Jolie turned out fine, but Bella is also extremely whiny. And overacts. When a guy leaves you and you go catatonic, then maybe he made the right decision.

Anyway, Dear John's heroine isn't a weakling, like Bella, but she doesn't give much to the story. The reason for their not being together is also so stupid that they deserve to not be together. Besides, he'll find another girl. Don't think the separation is a tragedy. He's only 29, people! Seriously.

Now before you go thinking I'm starting to sound like I hate the book, let me tell you why it's worth reading.

The main male character's relationship with his father is something that can touch anybody who has had problems with their fathers. It's touching and truthful and so damn sad. The description of North Carolina brings to mind lazy sunny afternoons and childhood memories. Not that I have ever been there, but … you get what I mean.

Don't take my word for it, though. Find a friend who has a copy and spend a couple hours with it. With the book, I mean. Not the friend. Or both, if you want. 

Anyway, give it a try. You never know, you might even think I'm an idiot. I'm sure you already think that, but let's find another reason.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

hu-haaa!!! this is it!! the jump start of our book club..hahaha! i can imagine you blabbering in your british accent..hahaha!

Rose Frances said...

LOL... But I just know I'll love the movie. Should be a fun discussion after...

Unknown said...

hu-haaa!!! this is it!! the jump start of our book club..hahaha! i can imagine you blabbering in your british accent..hahaha!

Rose Frances said...

LOL... But I just know I'll love the movie. Should be a fun discussion after...