Challenge Corner discussion

Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast, The Notebook begins with the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner recently returned from the Second World War. Noah is restoring a plantation home to its former glory, and he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met fourteen years earlier, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, yet unwilling to forget the summer they spent together, Noah is content to live with only memories...until she unexpectedly returns to his town to see him once again.

Like a puzzle within a puzzle, the story of Noah and Allie is just the beginning. As it unfolds, their tale miraculously becomes something different, with much higher stakes. The result is a deeply moving portrait of love itself, the tender moments and the fundamental changes that affect us all. It is a story of miracles and emotions that will stay with you forever.

Miracles- Ghosts- Reunion
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"This isn't something you do halfway." -> Yes! (hide spoiler)]

Phones Calls- Kayaks and Forgotten Dreams- Moving Water
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When I watched the movie forever ago, I was annoyed with Allie. She reminded me of Bella from Twilight. How could she lead Lon on? He was a good guy and didn't deserve what she was putting him through. Reading the book with Allie's perspective in mind (and as someone who now has been in a relationship with someone who was nice, but wasn't right for her)... I understand her more now. Having a partner who supports your loves (Allie's art, in this case) is incredibly important. However, if you're having doubts about your relationship, you need to address that with the person you're in a relationship with before searching out an ex. I'm with you, Cristina- it's not fair for Lon. (hide spoiler)]

Swans and Storms
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Okay, so I forgot about this scene completely. Now I remember why I was upset with Allie.
No. No. No.
Ughhh Nicholas Sparks, don't romanticize cheating please. Emotional cheating, physical cheating- all of it. Please, just no. Not a fan. (hide spoiler)]

Courtrooms- An Unexpected Visitor- Crossroads
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Allie's mom's apology felt somewhat anticlimactic and a little out of place. "Noah, I actually always liked you. Sorry for messing up your relationship. Allie, I love you even though I found you cheating on your fiance. Allie, follow your heart now that you've led Lon on." I feel like this book moves too fast for big changes like this to make the impact the author was looking for.
Allliiiieeeee- what are you doing?? Whyyyy? [Knocks head against wall] (Also, side note: Noah, you were okay being the "other woman" with Allie. With this in mind, guilt tripping her isn't really 100% kosher as she makes her decision with what to do with her relationship problems.) (hide spoiler)]

A Letter from Yesterday- Winter for Two
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Major kudos to Lon for taking the breakup so well. I can imagine how painful that talk was for both Allie and Lon.
The old couple parts are really cute. I wish more of the book was about this. Old Noah and Allie are so wonderful together, as he tells her all about his "wife" (her). He's so romantic, and his time spent with her, even as she doesn't remember him, is heart-wrenching and touching. I loved Allie's letter to Noah- "you are my best friend". This whole chapter about their love for each other redeemed the book for me. Old Noah and Allie are complete #relationshipgoals (hide spoiler)]

Ending
Okay- the whole last chapter is amazing. This is the love story I was waiting for.

Cristina wrote: "Ghosts: [spoilers removed]

Phone Calls: [spoilers removed]

Swans and Storms: [spoilers removed]

Finished: [spoilers removed]"

"this is unrealistic as fuck, swans are one of the most aggressive animals i've ever encountered in my life" --> this is hilarious!