Collection
Description
John, a high school dropout, enlists in the Army not knowing what else to do with his life. While in the Army he meets Savannah, they fall in love and she awaits his return from the Army. After 9/11 John feels it's his duty to re-enlist. During their long separation Savannah falls in love and marries someone else.
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Romance — 2007)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Monkeypats
Honestly, the only good thing I can say about this book is that it was a fast read. This was my first Nicholas Sparks book and will definitely be my last. His writing style seemed obvious and very basic, making me recall the writing style of books I read at the age of eight. I found the story to be
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extremely predictable as well, evoking almost no emotional or intellectual response from me. To anyone out there considering this book, I suggest spending your time reading something more interesting, better written, and less predictable! I can recommend many! Show Less
LibraryThing member hellonicole
Here's my beef with Nicholas Sparks ... he makes me care when I don't want to. Not that I didn't want to get into the books or know the characters or that I had any reason to not want to get into the story. But from the start, something about John Tyree turned me off. I can't even begin to explain
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what or why. He describes himself as a fairly normal guys, like quite a few guys I know in real life. And maybe that's it. Maybe the way John seems to change over the course of the story - change without changing in some ways - seems a little too good to be true. Whatever the case, by the time John meets, and falls in love with, Savannah Curtis I'm feeling a little skeptical. Call me a cynic, others have. Show Less
LibraryThing member keegopatrick
I read this book in preparation for a "date night" with my girl. I believe that it was the first romance novel that I have ever read and found it to be a fairly easy book. The plot was pretty good as well but I found the book to be tremendously sad and personally would have preferred a happier
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ending even though how it did end provoked much thought from me. It made me contemplate the meaning of love and the motives for love. I realized that love can often be a very selfish emotion. My problem with the end of the book is that from experience Tim will probably once again have cancer in the not very far future and John gave all of his money away. In my mind John will become a washed up, broke veteran and Tim will once again have cancer which will leave Savannah in the same exact position that she was in. Maybe I am just being a pessimist but those were my first thoughts when I finished the book and I just assume give you my honest appraisal. My favorite aspect of this book was Johns relationship with his father. I don't know if everyone felt this way or if it is just because I am a man but I found this to be very compelling! Show Less
LibraryThing member swickham331
This book, like most books by Nicholas Sparks, is a great read, but predictable. The book tugged on so many different emotions. I highly recommend reading this book. Great love story.
LibraryThing member oceanbreeze217
Easily Sparks' best book to date. A smooth read. And several shockers are throughout the book. I loved the wonderful ending, as well.
LibraryThing member rooy
Enjoyed Dr Johm far more than his latest, The Choice. Maybe because I've been in this exact situation that I really relate to it. Found it a real tear jerker.
LibraryThing member sharlene_w
This carefully woven story of a young couple separated by his military obligations sets a benchmark for friendship and love. Nicholas Sparks proved in “The Notebook” and “Message in a Bottle” that a man can be sensitive and romantic and that there is such a thing as true love. He brings it
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home again here with an ensemble of characters that are all believable and likeable and a storyline that uplifts. The greatest message of this book, however, is of a love greater than romantic love—understanding and acceptance of the individual, whatever their flaws. Show Less
LibraryThing member momma2keira
Another great work of fiction from Nicholas Sparks. The characters are wel developed and likeable. I listened to the AudioBook and thought that Holter Graham did a superb job! The ending was heartwrenching and yet left you with that "feel good" warmth. Story of what it means to truely love
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someone... flaws and all. Show Less
LibraryThing member mcdh0001
I really like this book. But that isn't a shock because I usually enjoy all Nicholas Sparks book. Although this was a shock because it wasn't like most of them where there is somewhat of a happy ending. I won't deny that I was sad that the characters did not get together in the end. But I think the
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message of the book was great, that if you love someone you put what is right for them before what you want. Great read, and fast read! Show Less
LibraryThing member dbhutch
John, who falls in love with Savannah, tells this story. He enlists in the military after proposing and he leaves for war. As he about to return to her 9/11 happens and he is gone for a longer period of time. Her letters become more and more infrequent and she falls in love with and marries her
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friend Tim, and John finds himself reading the typical Dear John letter. Show Less
LibraryThing member acoogan
Dear John is a classic love story. It explains that love is not just a physical attraction it is something much deeper, the ability to do what is best for the one you love even if it is not the best for yourself. I would recommend Dear John because it is a great book and an easy read.
LibraryThing member DF1A_SarahP
John is in the army and he meets Savannah on leave. They fall in love. But struggle when he returns to Germany. They try to write letters and call but it ends up not working out.
LibraryThing member StephanieRae13
A story of real life love with heartbreak and happiness! Dear John is definitely worth reading
LibraryThing member kimnastics
A sweet love story with a disappointing ending. I wouldn't read it again. I finished it feeling unsatisfied.
LibraryThing member snuri
I thought the novel Dear John by Nicholas Sparks was a very sad romance. Though if it was otherwise plotted it wouldn't have told a tremendous story. It perfectly portrays how every love story doesn't have a happy ending, sadly, but it still leaves you with a feeling of content that it'll all be
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alright. The way Sparks right is also beautiful, I think, and it helped with the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member verka6811
As different from his quiet father as fire from water, John Tyree enlists in the Army for a fresh start and an escape from the awkward situation at home. Working his way up the ranks, John comes home to Wilmington, North Carolina out of obligation rather than a genuine desire to see his father. On
Despite the short duration of their stays in town, John and Savannah feel drawn to each other and are quickly spending every free moment together. Savannah is young, at times naive, and attached to her family, while John is old beyond his years and accustomed to short, meaningless flings. Their differences aside, both are swept away by their feelings and find themselves declaring their love for each other as the few weeks of their stays wind down. Savannah promises to write and wait for John to return from his tour of duty and they count down days to his next leave and his discharge from the Army. Then September 11th happens...
John is torn between the duty to his country and his desire to go home to Savannah, and hopes that she understands his ultimate decision to re-enlist. Savannah is initially supportive and the couple begins another countdown to John's new discharge date, but the distance only exacerbates their differences and creates rifts they may not be able to cross.
"Dear John" was the first Nicholas Sparks novel I've read, and I immediately understood the appeal of his writing. He writes with an understanding of the passion and urgency two people feel when they fall in love and made me feel invested in the story at hand. I blocked out the outside world and turned page after page, eager to know what happened to John and Savannah and hoping for a happy ending despite the cliche such an ending would represent. "Dear John" is an easy and compelling read, and one that may surprise you and defy your expectations.
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one such leave, John happens to be in the right place at the right time as a young co-ed's purse is knocked into the ocean and he rushes to assist the "damsel in distress". So begins his relationship with Savannah Lynn Curtis, who is in the area building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Despite the short duration of their stays in town, John and Savannah feel drawn to each other and are quickly spending every free moment together. Savannah is young, at times naive, and attached to her family, while John is old beyond his years and accustomed to short, meaningless flings. Their differences aside, both are swept away by their feelings and find themselves declaring their love for each other as the few weeks of their stays wind down. Savannah promises to write and wait for John to return from his tour of duty and they count down days to his next leave and his discharge from the Army. Then September 11th happens...
John is torn between the duty to his country and his desire to go home to Savannah, and hopes that she understands his ultimate decision to re-enlist. Savannah is initially supportive and the couple begins another countdown to John's new discharge date, but the distance only exacerbates their differences and creates rifts they may not be able to cross.
"Dear John" was the first Nicholas Sparks novel I've read, and I immediately understood the appeal of his writing. He writes with an understanding of the passion and urgency two people feel when they fall in love and made me feel invested in the story at hand. I blocked out the outside world and turned page after page, eager to know what happened to John and Savannah and hoping for a happy ending despite the cliche such an ending would represent. "Dear John" is an easy and compelling read, and one that may surprise you and defy your expectations.
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LibraryThing member redrhondahonda
This is the second Nicholas Sparks book that I have read. I really enjoy his writing style. This book does have a sad ending but I believe the choices the characters made are like many real-life situations.
LibraryThing member jo-jo
I will start this review I will tell you that I have only read a couple books by Nicholas Sparks and quickly decided that his writing just wasn't my cup of tea. When a good friend of mine couldn't stop raving about Dear John I decided to give it try...and I'm very glad I did.
This book is narrated
As John grew into a teenager he seemed to distance himself from his father. He couldn't understand it, but for some reason his father never seemed to want to take the initiative to strengthen their relationship. All his dad seemed to care about were his daily routines and his coin collection. John becomes so frustrated with his father that it really is not a surprise when one day he decides to join the Army in an attempt to distance himself from his father as much as he possibly can.
John grows up in the Army and probably learns more about being a man that he learned from his father. He still goes home on his Leaves and finds that with his newfound wisdom he is able to continue a relationship with his father. It is when John is based in Germany that he comes home on a Leave and meets Savannah, who will leave an impression on his heart forever.
It is easy for John and Savannah to start a relationship because as they spend time together they feel comfortable as if they have known each other for a lifetime. Before they realize what is going on they find themselves confiding their secrets, dreams, and fears with each other. Savannah sees a piece of John that no-one has ever had access to, and she also helps him to understand his father in a whole new light. The development of the father-son relationship is one of my favorite parts of this book.
John and Savannah are caught up in the whirlwind of their romance and understand that they will have to part soon. John will have to return to Germany and Savannah will have to return to college. They vow to keep in touch with each other and they do manage to successfully carry on a young relationship for quite some time. During the difficult time of being apart they both look forward to when John's service is complete so they can spend the rest of their lives together.
I'm not going to share any more about this book as I don't want to give too much away. Parts of the story were predictable to me and I think that is why I have steered away from Sparks novels in the past. I probably will continue to not actually 'read' his books, but I will be adding him to my list of audiobook authors that I do enjoy. I also loved the voice of the narrator of this book-it was like running into a young and polite serviceman on the East coast. If you are a Sparks fan I think you will enjoy this one.
This book is narrated
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by John and he starts out by telling us about his background. His mother walked out on him and his father shortly after he was born so his father did his best to raise John on his own. They seemed to live in an area where many families were financially thriving, so John always felt a bit left out around the other kids. Having to save his money all week to buy a burger on the weekend and spending time working when his friends were enjoying life was just what he became used to. As John grew into a teenager he seemed to distance himself from his father. He couldn't understand it, but for some reason his father never seemed to want to take the initiative to strengthen their relationship. All his dad seemed to care about were his daily routines and his coin collection. John becomes so frustrated with his father that it really is not a surprise when one day he decides to join the Army in an attempt to distance himself from his father as much as he possibly can.
John grows up in the Army and probably learns more about being a man that he learned from his father. He still goes home on his Leaves and finds that with his newfound wisdom he is able to continue a relationship with his father. It is when John is based in Germany that he comes home on a Leave and meets Savannah, who will leave an impression on his heart forever.
It is easy for John and Savannah to start a relationship because as they spend time together they feel comfortable as if they have known each other for a lifetime. Before they realize what is going on they find themselves confiding their secrets, dreams, and fears with each other. Savannah sees a piece of John that no-one has ever had access to, and she also helps him to understand his father in a whole new light. The development of the father-son relationship is one of my favorite parts of this book.
John and Savannah are caught up in the whirlwind of their romance and understand that they will have to part soon. John will have to return to Germany and Savannah will have to return to college. They vow to keep in touch with each other and they do manage to successfully carry on a young relationship for quite some time. During the difficult time of being apart they both look forward to when John's service is complete so they can spend the rest of their lives together.
I'm not going to share any more about this book as I don't want to give too much away. Parts of the story were predictable to me and I think that is why I have steered away from Sparks novels in the past. I probably will continue to not actually 'read' his books, but I will be adding him to my list of audiobook authors that I do enjoy. I also loved the voice of the narrator of this book-it was like running into a young and polite serviceman on the East coast. If you are a Sparks fan I think you will enjoy this one.
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LibraryThing member lisa.pearlman
This is my first Nicholas Sparks novel. I am not a huge reader but I love to read. I thought Dear John was an excellent book for me. This would be a good book for someone who loves to read but loses attention fast. It also would be good for people who read slow because it flows really well which
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makes it a fast read. I loved the father son relationship aspect of the book. Savannah and Johns love reminded me of my first love in high school. Nicholas Sparks writes in a way that you can actually feel your own stomach filled with butterflies. Other reviews that I read said it was predictable but I thought the total opposite of that. I thought there were great twists and turns in the book. I definitely would recommend this book to all the romantics at heart that also like a little sad story worked in with all the love, it makes it very realistic! I would not recommend the movie after reading this book! The movie totally butchered the book in my opinion. From reading this book my next book is another Nicholas Sparks book "The Notebook". Show Less
LibraryThing member fredamans
I can't wait to see the movie after listening to this audiobook. I just hope it is as good as the original story.
Right from the very beginning of the story, you can tell there is something special about the two main characters, and their relationship. I especially love the effect Savannah has on
I don't care for the accent the narrator chose to use for Savannah, though I find her character to be quite funny. After much thought, I wonder if the crazy accent had anything to do with that....
There is some real and beautiful emotion in this book, that any reader will appreciate. I thought it was a fantastic book!
Definitely a recommendation!
Right from the very beginning of the story, you can tell there is something special about the two main characters, and their relationship. I especially love the effect Savannah has on
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John. His entire character seems to calm around her, including his manners and he cusses less.I don't care for the accent the narrator chose to use for Savannah, though I find her character to be quite funny. After much thought, I wonder if the crazy accent had anything to do with that....
There is some real and beautiful emotion in this book, that any reader will appreciate. I thought it was a fantastic book!
Definitely a recommendation!
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LibraryThing member JDove
I love Nicholas Sparks writing; however I was so sad when I finished reading this book that I don't know if I would recommend it to anyone. I didn't go see the movie because I thought it would depress me. I am not usually emotional when reading, but I cried a couple of times while reading this.
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John ends up alone, gives away his money and Savannah is married to someone who knows that she does not love him as much or in the same way she loved John. It's just sad for everyone. I felt horrible that I was reading the end wishing Tim would die from cancer so John and Savannah could be together. Show Less
LibraryThing member monachelibrary
John Tyree, an angry rebel, had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. During a furlough, he meets Savannah Lynn Curtis, the girl of his dreams. The affection is mutal and evolves into a love that forces Savannah to wait for John until he finishes his duty. Little did
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they know that a tragedy such as 9/11 is about to occur. Along with many other brave men and women, John must choose between the love of his life, and his country. Show Less
LibraryThing member lorilovee
I LOVEE THIS BOOK ONE OF THE BEEESSTTEESSTTT BOOKS EVER MADE(: nicholas sparks is likeee SOUUUPPERRR amazzingg(: ****10 STARS****
LibraryThing member mahallett
very predictable. the hero was kind of unlikeable. he didn't realize his father was peculiar. when this was suggested to him--quite nicely--he got so upset and broke one guy's nose and someone else's wrist. first of all he was in the army(LOSER), then he re-enlisted because of 9/11! then he sold
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his coins(COIN COLLECTOR!) to pay for medical treatment for his beloved's husband. savanna was an irritating, naive drip. the reader was good. Show Less
LibraryThing member crazy4reading
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words Dear John? Well for me I thought about a guy receiving the break up letter from their girlfriend. I will say that is exactly what Nicholas Sparks' book Dear John is about. I read this book in 6 days and I enjoyed the story.
The two main
I have heard great things about this book and have to say that it was a good book but not one of my most faves this year. I felt that most of the book was predictable and that I knew what was going to happen before it happened. If you are looking for a nice easy some what relaxing read then Dear John is just the book you are looking for.
The two main
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characters are John Tyree and Savannah Lynn Curtis. The main secondary character is Tim. John and Savannah meet each other while John is surfing at the local beach he lives near. Tim is a long time friend of Savannah. Tim, Savannah and a few other college students are in North Caroline to build houses for Habitat for Humanity.I have heard great things about this book and have to say that it was a good book but not one of my most faves this year. I felt that most of the book was predictable and that I knew what was going to happen before it happened. If you are looking for a nice easy some what relaxing read then Dear John is just the book you are looking for.
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Genres
Publication
Warner Books
Original publication date
2006
ISBN
9780739476338