The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks, is a story of young passion and the heartwarming endurance of the love shared by Noah and Allie. The story differs from the movie only slightly; the risqué ending of the book, for ex- mple, is altered for the theatrical version.

The adoration between Allie and Noah is admirable, es- pecially through the obstacles they are thrown into. War, unaccepting family members and the confusion of young love tears the couple apart for years.

During the break up Noah goes on with his life without truly continuing; he lives life without company, spending all his time reviving his house and canoeing in his lonesome. Heartbroken and forlorn, he searches for a woman like Allie, but to no avail. Allie, on the other hand, becomes engaged to Lon Hammond, a respectable man. She feels doubt in her engagement. A part of her is still holding on for the kind of love she shared with Noah, the kind of love where your soul feels complete, where all your attaention re- volves around loving and being loved by that one person. Both Noah and Allie continue to yearn for the love they once shared.

After years of being apart, Allie visits Noah to inform him of her engagement…but will she be able to keep hold of her emotions? Dun dun dun dun dunnn.

Okay, so the book is a bit idealistically romantic and will be favored by readers who enjoy a good tearjerker love story; Nicholas Sparks, however, is the master at tell-ing the kind of romantic story that touches your heart and soul with tender compassion. To not shed a few tears within the last few minutes or chapters is truly to have a heart of stone.

I give it 4.5 paws.