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cowgirlmads's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I literally cannot rate this book. Now that I've put it down, I think the only thing I can muster up the courage to say is that I hate Savannah, and I hate John.
I never read love stories, especially Nicholas Sparks, because I feel like they somewhat encourage... unhealthy(?) Types of love. These characters were incredible in the beginning of the novel, I never put spoilers in reviews because personally, I only read reviews to decide whether or not I should read the novel. But I really want to hear other peoples thoughts after this posting, because I just don't understand the point. Yes, Tim and Savannah were great and yes it did show love in a more realistic way. John never would've worked out w Savannah, because of distance. It sucks becoming an adult and realizing the importance of timing, and when people in love say that 'the stars align' they don't mean that the love they share fell from the heavens, they mean that so. many. instances. of divine timing had to happen in order for them to reach the point they were at.
At the same time, I really did not like Savannah and I'm really frustrated that Sparks made her character degenerate in the way she did. She debated cheating, and the B.S. 'Oh I'm soooo in love with you we just cannot stop ourselves!!' narrative that Sparks was trying to pass off as romantic, honestly came across as... yucky. I wish Tim had died in the end, because at least then it would've made her disloyalty worth it. I'm also incredibly disappointed in John giving up the last pieces of his father; his coin collection, for his first love. Dear Savannah should've been the title of this book instead because it really just made me pity the lack of awareness and self-respect John had. The last few chapters of this book suck, and it's not because they don't end up together. The plot in the end just seemed so scrambled! Tim told John to take care of her, he lived anyways. John went over what an importance his father was and finally understood the depth of his Aspergers and how the closest he'll ever get to understanding his father was his coin collection, which he then sold (probably out of guilt!). Savannah, who was characteristically defined by her integrity and good-will, basically cheated on her partner because he had MELANOMA??? And they admitted that they didn't even passionately love each other, they just had companionship!! And then... SHE CHEATED!! I just feel like this book started really romantically and cute, and half-way through they touched on topics of deteriorating long term relationships, and distance, and settling, and cheating... in a way that was disgraceful. I think this novel tried to justify struggle love, and normalized settling in relationships. John had so much character development, and it all came crashing and burning when he sold his coins. Sparks wrote about love as if it's a disease that makes people stupid. And I agree, but if that's the narrative you're sticking with... At least make it worthwhile!! This book felt like it was neither here, nor there!! It had elements of a dramatic love story, overly exaggerated to sympathize with the characters. But it also touched on the realistic aspects of relationships, like choosing a partner that can give you the future you want, and the impacts of illness on a marriage. The last few chapters made little to no sense, and it came across as if a different writer wrote it.
I never read love stories, especially Nicholas Sparks, because I feel like they somewhat encourage... unhealthy(?) Types of love.
At the same time, I really did not like Savannah and I'm really frustrated that Sparks made her character degenerate in the way she did. She debated cheating, and the B.S. 'Oh I'm soooo in love with you we just cannot stop ourselves!!' narrative that Sparks was trying to pass off as romantic, honestly came across as... yucky. I wish Tim had died in the end, because at least then it would've made her disloyalty worth it. I'm also incredibly disappointed in John giving up the last pieces of his father; his coin collection, for his first love. Dear Savannah should've been the title of this book instead because it really just made me pity the lack of awareness and self-respect John had. The last few chapters of this book suck, and it's not because they don't end up together. The plot in the end just seemed so scrambled! Tim told John to take care of her, he lived anyways. John went over what an importance his father was and finally understood the depth of his Aspergers and how the closest he'll ever get to understanding his father was his coin collection, which he then sold (probably out of guilt!). Savannah, who was characteristically defined by her integrity and good-will, basically cheated on her partner because he had MELANOMA??? And they admitted that they didn't even passionately love each other, they just had companionship!! And then... SHE CHEATED!! I just feel like this book started really romantically and cute, and half-way through they touched on topics of deteriorating long term relationships, and distance, and settling, and cheating... in a way that was disgraceful. I think this novel tried to justify struggle love, and normalized settling in relationships. John had so much character development, and it all came crashing and burning when he sold his coins. Sparks wrote about love as if it's a disease that makes people stupid. And I agree, but if that's the narrative you're sticking with... At least make it worthwhile!! This book felt like it was neither here, nor there!! It had elements of a dramatic love story, overly exaggerated to sympathize with the characters. But it also touched on the realistic aspects of relationships, like choosing a partner that can give you the future you want, and the impacts of illness on a marriage. The last few chapters made little to no sense, and it came across as if a different writer wrote it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Infidelity, Terminal illness, Mental illness, and Sexual assault
martapsalvado's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Violence, and War
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Car accident, Self harm, and Sexual assault
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