BOOK REVIEW: "The Rescue"

The Rescue

By Nicholas Sparks

Copyright 2000

Warner Books, Inc.

Adult Fiction

3.5 Bookmarks

Everybody's favorite author and screen-writer seems to be appearing all over the place these days. With The Notebook firmly under his belt (among others) and now The Last Song out in theaters, Nicholas Sparks is going to be a permanent fixture in American pop culture. So whenever I see a new (to me) Sparks book on the shelf, I try to grab it. The formula Sparks uses for his novels doesn't really change all that much, but I always feel like any book of his is a satisfying read.

The Rescue is no different. Denise Holton, single mother of a unique child, is inconsolable when her young son goes missing after an accident. Found soon after by firefighter Taylor McAden, the three form a special bond and thus begins the story of The Rescue. While Denise struggles with the challenges of motherhood, living in a new town, and her new relationship with a man who keeps protective walls solidly in place around him, the story moves forward toward what we know will be a dramatic ending.

With sad moments, happy times shared and a final realization for McAden, The Rescue doesn't disappoint Sparks fans. Many romantic moments dot the landscape of this novel. One of my favorites being the simple moment when McAden whispers to Denise, "You're perfect".

I enjoyed reading this book (as I always do with Sparks novels), but there were a few moments that were just nearly too sad to bear. When an author is really good and getting his reader's emotionally involved, you can almost feel the pain of the characters and sometimes it's just a bit much. But if you have a strong heart, take some time to find a good Sparks novel and let yourself sink in.

BOOK REVIEW: "Dear John"

Dear John

By Nicholas Sparks

Copyright 2006

Warner Books

Adult Fiction

4 Bookmarks

I've read some good books lately and this is definitely one of them. By the author of "The Notebook", this is another tale of love and sadness that pulls you in and rips your heart out (I love a good book like that!)

In this story, John Tyree leaves home after high school, an angry teenager who doesn't understand his father, and really doesn't even understand himself. John joins the Army and comes home only rarely to visit. It is during one of these visits that John meets Savannah. She is everything that John is not. She is soft and gentle where he is rough and rugged. She is religious and committed where he is floundering. But somehow, they fall in love. Through short visits and long letters, their love grows.

But things happen, as they always do, to interrupt a good love story, and this one is no different. Will John and Savannah be able to overcome the odds and get over the obstacles that come their way? Will they be able to face the logistical challenges of their relationship? Is love strong enough? I'm not going to be a spoiler on this one....you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.

I always enjoy a good Sparks novel. They are easy, quick reads; but they are always stories you just don't want to put down. I recommend this one!