Dear John

Nicholas Sparks

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• ISBN-10: 0446528056
• ISBN-13: 978-0446528054

The story of ne'er-do-well-turned-army-enlistee John Tyree, 23, and well-to-do University of North Carolina special education major Savannah Lynn Curtis. John, who narrates, has been raised by a socially backward single postal-worker dad obsessed with coin collecting (he has Asperger's syndrome). John bypasses college for the overseas infantry; Savannah spends her college summers volunteering. When they meet, he's on leave, and she's working with Habitat for Humanity (he rescues her sinking purse at the beach). John has a history of one-night stands; Savannah's a virgin. He's an on-and-off drinker; she's a teetotaler. Attraction and values conflict the rest of the summer, but the deal does not close. Savannah longs for John to come home; her friend Tim longs to have a relationship with her. On the brink of John and Savannah's finally getting together, 9/11 happens, and John re-ups. Savannah's letters come less and less frequently, and before you know it, he receives the expected "Dear John" letter.

This is the first novel by Sparks that left me feeling depressed with a smile. Johns oh so love able character draws you to turn the page and never put it down. A story of love, loyalty and friendship that ends with an unexpected twist that will leave you longing for more.

Finished: January 24, 2010