Gdyby wyrzucić strony z nazwami rozdziałów i zmniejszyć czcionkę, książka byłaby o połowę mniejsza. Dlatego też bardzo szybko się ją czyta. Jedno popołudnie i już jest po sprawie, już wiadomo, co się stało i dlaczego.

"Pamiętnik" to historia miłosna, którą czyta stary mężczyzna kobiecie chorej na Alzheimera. Łatwo się domyślić kogo dotyczy ta historia.

Noah i Allie poznali się, gdy byli nastolatkami i zakochali się w sobie. Potajemnie się spotykali, kochali się miłością prawdziwą i bezgranczną. Ale musieli się rozstać. Obiecali, że o sobie nie zapomną. Obiecali sobie wiele. Ale życie nie zawsze jest tak proste jak składane obietnice. Szczególnie, gdy rodzina nie akceptuje tego związku. Po latach znów się spotykają, a miłość odżywa.

Jest to piękna historia miłosna, jedna z najpiękniejszyh. O takiej miłości jak ta marzyłam, śniałam. Zawsze chciałabym, by mnie ktoś pokochał tak jak Noah kochał Allie. Do końca życia. By ktoś był przy mnie w chorbie, w cierpieniu, ale i podczas chwil szczęśliwych.

Płakałam przy zakończeniu, kilka łez uroniłam w środku powieśći. I jest to jednak z tych książek, do których powrócę, gdy będę jej potrzebować.

Ale choć książka mi się bardzo podobała, to do filmu robiłam kilka podejść, a i tak nie potrafiłam obejrzeć. Jakoś film mnie tak nie zaczarował, ale może kiedyś uda mi się oglądnąć go do końca.

I'd seen this movie a few years back and figured that the book was probably worth a read. When I finally ran across a copy of this in a thrift store, I picked it up.

Over all the book was a quick read. I knew what was going to happen, and the story didn't differ too much from the movie, from what I can remember (other than the very end, which I think they did better in the movie).

What I liked: I loved Spark's ability to capture the south. The house and the trees, the rocking chairs on the porch and a deluge of rain. I have a penchant for books set in the south (read Flannery O' Connor's complete works if you too have this love.) Sparks got the setting right. He transported me to the 1940's south. I could feel a light sundress on my skin and smell the okra. I felt the humidity in my hair.

What I wasn't so much a fan of: Maybe it's because I saw the movie first, but I wasn't as enamored with the characters as I expected to be. I really expected to be inside their heads and to truly understand them. It wasn't that I walked away from this thinking I didn't get them, but I think I went into the story with a really high bar. I expected to be able to blink from their eyes, and it just didn't happen. The book isn't super long (a good thing, IMO) but as a result I just didn't get to know the characters on the level I expected.

The parallel story of the nursing home, while difficult at first to adjust to, I think in the end makes the story stronger, and I do wish that Sparks had used the ending the movie used, but it is what it is.

If you're looking for a quick read, or a read that immerses you in another time and place, I recommend this book.

Name, Date Finished, Rating, & Mini Review

So I read six books this month, which wasn't as many as I had hoped but it was still a fair amount seeing as I have a lot going on like working and spending time with family.  But I really enjoyed all of the books that I read, so I don't consider it a failed month for reading.

July Wrap Up

READ: Monday 7th

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige {4/5 Stars}

~This is the first novel in the Dorothy Must Die Trilogy...? Is it going to be a trilogy? I'm not really sure.  Anyway, it was a fast paced novel. A great start to the series.  Though it was slow at times through the middle when the world was developing which I understand was needed to show the contrast between the old Oz and the new.  Which was extremely interesting to read about

READ: Friday 11th

The Elite by Kiera Cass {3/5 Stars}

~ The second novel in the Selection Trilogy.  I usually don't agree with the general public when it comes to books.  I have to agree with everyone when they say that America is infuriating in this novel.  She seemed almost bipolar in this novel.  As well, I've never really enjoyed the idea of a love triangle, and it was sort of there in the first book, but I could ignore it.  In this novel it's a main aspect, and I find that the love triangle makes American another typical whinny YA character.

READ: Monday 14th

Head Over Heels created by Francine Pascal written by Kate Williams {3/5 Stars}

~ This is book eighteen in the Sweet Valley High series.  This follows Regina Marrow and Bruce Patman two side characters, along with the usual two main characters the Wakefield twins.  I enjoyed reading about Regina and Bruce.  I overall enjoy the Sweet Valley High series because of books like this where they tell the story of different characters throughout the town, so i really gives you the feeling that you're in Sweet Valley.  You get to see the entire community, which you don't often get to see in novels.

READ: Wednesday 16th

Tomorrow's Kingdom by Maureen Fergus {5/5 Stars}

An amazing conclusion to the Gypsy King Trilogy.  It was face paced throughout the entire book.  All loose ends were tied up very nicely and practically.  I absolutely loved the ending, it was extremely satisfying, in my opinion.  Just an overall great book.

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles {5/5 Stars}

The second novel in the Leaving Paradise Duology.  I have nothing but amazing things to say about this novel and the first novel.  I absolutely love the characters Maggie and Caleb.  Simone Elkeles always has the most amazing book boys who are ever so swoon-worthy! I love the change of scenery, and how different it is from the first book, and how it still seems to work.

READ Thursday 24th

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell {5/5 Stars}

A stand alone contemporary, although Rowell is reportedly working on or contemplating a squeal.  Everything about this book was phenomenal!  Eleanor and Park's relationship was adorable.  The novel was nicely paced.  Events and situations were real and relatable.  Eleanor was refreshing because plainness, she isn't the typical pretty, thin and bubbly character.  She's just a regular girl.  Definitely a work of art!

August TBR

1. Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout (& maybe the rest of the series...?)

2. The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks

3. Crash Into You- Katie McGarry

4. A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks