I’m a litte (really a lot) late with this. Finding time to read is definitely a challenge in my life. In all truth I read 2/3 of this book in 1 night.
If you’ve seen the movie “A Walk to Remember”, you know the lovability of the characters. I had not read this book before and was surprised at the stark difference. I’d call the movie loosely based on the novel.
We still get to meet Landon and Jamie, and watch as they fall in love. The book dragged a bit in the first half, but in all fairness I enjoy high energy thrilling mystery and adventure novels. Once I became engrossed in the romance of the story, it was hard to put down without seeing that first kiss.
Had I not already known some of the plot, I’d say the suspense of Jamie’s secret was well kept. There were little clues along the way; the little things that Landon noticed but dismissed. Landon falling in love with Jamie was gradual and better played out in the novel compared to the film adoption. They took things slowly which played well into the 1950s setting. You got a good feeling of southern life and expectations, and a spectacular image of North Carolina.
Supporting characters such as Eric and Margaret were important to gaining an understanding teenagers in that period. Eric filled his friend role quiet well, throwing sly daggers at Landon at all the right times. He did take a somewhat abrupt 180, maturing with no one noticing.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. I’m happy to say that my favorite lines from the movie are actually in the novel. You know the overly romantic proposal scene. Though the lines scripted for the film are paraphrased from the novel, it was happy moment when I read them. If you’ve only seen the movie, I recommend reading this book. It’s almost like you are reading a completely different story.