John Tyree is tired of living life with no future in sight, determining to do something about it he signs up to become a soldier. Life at home has never been what he could consider normal; his father who was left to raise John had quirks that made him odd and hard to understand even to his son. Often times John would feel as though he didn’t belong and the army became a blessing in its ability to create meaningful friendships. It has given him the maturity he lacked while living at home.  

While on leave and surfing he happens upon one of the most beautiful women he has ever laid eyes on.  This beauty was not superficial but instead one of warmth and radiance that envelopes the senses capturing his heart from the moment they met. Savannah, knows that this is the man that she could spend her life loving, the intensity of him keeps him etched in her mind. Leave is coming to an end and with it uncertainty follows, together they promise to keep in touch and work through this challenge determined to be together one day. But in one day his world comes crashing in around him, with the delivery of a single letter. 

Nicholas Sparks once again bring us a tale from the heart that uses issues so prevalent to what people are going through right now that it leaves you tender after reading it. John Tyree like so many soldiers see both the blessing and the curse in the paths they have set for themselves. For readers that have not had this life experience this character opens your eyes to the reality from one soldiers eyes. In Savannah we find a remarkable faith filled woman with only the most honorable of intentions. Her passion for life and her dream of making the world better leaves you in awe of her selflessness.  The combination of both characters creates so much magnetism it is impossible to tear you away from the story.  

Like so many books written by Nicholas Sparks, Dear John is one that will prove to be impossible not to pass on to someone you care about. Books such as his are meant to be shared, treasured and learned from each showing a side of human strengths and frailties. It is what makes people fall in love with they way books were intended to be. These experiences gathered throughout his novels leave an enlightening feeling that stays with you long after the last page is finished. Dear John is no exception, as this latest book affects all types of people and every political background.

Reviewed by Joyce