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The Notebook  By  cover art

The Notebook

By: Nicholas Sparks
Narrated by: Barry Bostwick
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Publisher's summary

Experience the unforgettable, heartbreaking love story set in post-World War II North Carolina about a young socialite and the boy who once stole her heart—one of PBS's "Great American Reads".

Every so often a love story so captures our hearts that it becomes more than a story—it becomes an experience to remember forever. The Notebook is such a book. It is a celebration of how passion can be ageless and timeless, a tale that moves us to laughter and tears and makes us believe in true love all over again . . .

At thirty-one, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At twenty-nine, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tragedy into triumph, and may even have the power to create a miracle . . .

©1996 Nicholas Sparks (P)2004 Time Warner Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A classic tale of love."—Christian Science Monitor

"A one-night read . . . If you are in need of a good cry, The Notebook is absolutely the right book."—USA Today

"The lyrical beauty of this touching love story . . . will captivate the heart of every reader."—Denver Rocky Mountain News

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What listeners say about The Notebook

Average customer ratings
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Performance

I did not like how the reader would be really loud then really quiet. I had to keep turning my volume way up and down and did not like this through the whole story. I also did not like how music played randomly through the narration, was distracting. Great story though!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Love Story

I saw the movie but I will always think the book, and now listening to the audio is so much better. I cried as hard, even harder, I felt the pain and felt the joy. Nicholas Sparks is an amazing man who has managed to capture all the emotions of the heart. I truly love him as an author..and he is probably my favorite. I would highly recommend this audio.

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Love the notebook

I personally love the movie more but the book was where the story started so I love it too. I did not care for the music in the background of the audiobook. It was hard to hear the narrator when the music would take over.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely the most moving & beautiful story!!!

I LOVE this story! This is the most touching, moving, & BEAUTIFUL story I've ever read and heard!! My utmost honor & regards to Nicholas Sparks for writing so masterfully. And to Barry Bostwick for his reading to portray the strength of emotions. I'm ready to read and listen to "The Notebook" again ;-)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I'm not crying...you're crying.

I've watched the movie a million times, so I knew what I was in for. I loved this innocent love story so much and bawled like a baby.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Music

I love the story. Easy to follow. only complaint is the random loud crappy music that plays over the reading. Drowns out the reader

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

that was it?

I wanted to listen to the book cause I felt that it would tell me more then the movie did. but I still have questions. the ending was good but I felt like... what happen next. the vision of old people french kissing is crazy to me makes me think if that's what my grandmother wants???

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Short but still perfect

Love how pure this love story . I enjoyed Faith being spoken in the character. Approved : Even better than the movie (per usual for books)

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Half a great romance

Having read two of his other books, I knew I could expect a beautiful romance from Sparks, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the first half, even found it difficult to turn off, but the climax seemed to come too soon, and I found myself wondering, "What else can happen?" The story seemed to be over." Well, the second half went on and on and nothing else of consequence ever did happen. He seemed to be really stretching. Worse, the last half was overly sentimental, cliche, and redundant. I'd give the first half 5 stars and the second half one.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful listening experience

I continue to enjoy Nicholas Sparks, whether listening or reading. This was such a lovely and moving story.

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2 people found this helpful