I. Introduction

Love is not a thing you can find sprawling around. It is the deepest, most meaningful thing that could ever happen in your life. Memories come by, but you try to bear with them all in all.
This is what Nicholas Sparks wants to tell us. This can be found in one of his 14 published novels, A Walk to Remember (October 1999). This novel is inspired by his sister, Danielle Sparks- Lewis, who died of cancer in June 2000.Certain parts of this story were based on the real experiences. An example of this is when her sister’s husband, proposed to her despite her sickness. He said “I suppose I wrote this novel not only so that you could get to know my sister, but so that you would know what a wonderful thing it was that her husband once did for her."
It is a story of Love and Friendship that surpasses all. This tells us how faith can create miracles.

II. Summary, Theme, Characters
The story is set in the 1950’s. It tells the reminiscence of a certain Landon Carter, back when he was just seventeen years old. He tells of the story of a certain Hegbert Sullivan, a person he will find out as the closest person to someone he will love. Hegbert is a minister. On one occasion, he wrote a play called “The Christmas Angel” which tells of the story of a father sacrificing his whole self for his daughter. It is quite the same as his own story, because he supports his only daughter Jaime by himself.
Landon also tells the story of his father, who is a congress man. His relationship with him doesn’t work well, mainly because of his present absence. He also tells of a drama class, of which he is one of the only two boys attending it. Miss Garber, the teacher, tells of a rendition of Hegbert’s play, of which his daughter Jaime as the Angel. Though most of the time she is very simple, during that moment, he sees her beautiful. It wasn’t until later that he would know the reason why he appreciates Jaime.
As the homecoming dance approaches, Landon finds it hard to find a date. Running out of choices, he approaches Jaime. It seems weird, but it is his only chance to have one. Jaime agrees, but says that he must not fall in love with her. They end up dancing with each other, but then the night doesn’t end up quite nicely because the two of them also end up cleaning his ex-girlfriend Angela’s vomit.
After the dance, Jaime thanks Landon for inviting her. It is probably her first time, but indeed something to remember. The she asks a favor, of which Landon approves of. He has the lead role of Tom Thornton. In addition to it, she also has the idea of playing it for the orphans whom she takes care of.
Landon brings Jaime to his house before going to the orphanage. She is amazed of Landon’s house and tells that he is very lucky with his mom. They also talk about the future. She tells him the simplest wish she has, and that is to get married. Then they go to the orphanage, only to get quite disappointed because they cannot perform for the children.
The day of the play approaches. And at the end of every rehearsal, they Landon walk Jaime home with an unexplainable feeling every time. They talk about almost anything that comes in mind. But one day, Landon walks her home in a very bad mood, causing him to burst his emotions, making Jaime feel sad.
The play comes, and it is a success, due to Landon being inspired by Jaime. He nails all lines, especially the one when he needs to tell her that she’s beautiful.
As Landon promises to make it up to Jaime, she tells a way to do it. He is asked to collect donation cans for the orphanage. He is disappointed with the outcome, but secretly adds something to it.
They hold the program for the children, and everyone ends up happy. After this, they exchange gifts, and this leaves Landon speechless. It is Jaime’s bible, the greatest gift ever. He is in love with her. And the most unforgettable day comes, the day they first kissed.
But then, when all is good and happy, the worst thing that could ever happen comes. Jaime’s secret is out, and it is the worst secret ever. She is diagnosed with leukemia, the rarest form of it. Landon tries everything to make her feel the best way as possible. Every time he comes to her house, they read the Bible and talk, all in the Lord’s plan. Then he comes to the idea of making Jaime’s wish come true.

They married. And forty years later, Landon still feels that day. When he is 17, his life changed forever. Thus, he now believes that miracles can indeed happen.
The plot is the key element to make the story as much real as possible. It proves to be very effective in creating the atmosphere of the usual teenage story made special. It is the most important element for it has all the content and essence of Landon’s memoir.
The theme of the story is the beauty, power, and innocence of true love. It is indeed shown; therefore, the whole novel proves to be in accordance to it.
The characters are as real as possible. Landon is indeed the rascal teenage boy, Jaime the divine, ethereal girl, Hegbert the overly caring and protective father, Eric the supportive best friend, and Landon’s family the usual rich, American household. They are very effective in showing the true spirit of a good love story.
III. Analysis
Nicholas Spark is a very good writer. He did not use complicated words that made his novel understandable to all audience. These simple words that he used made his story expectable. But the story is indeed realistic. The scenes are not far from everyday life. The character of Jamie is spiritual. This was showed through bible which she always brings to her everywhere she goes.
The story, actually, made my tears fall. I just want to read this book again…
IV .Evaluation
The strength of the story is that it is very simple yet very touching. The story may make the readers fall in love. Again, the story is very realistic.
There are no other weaknesses except that the simplicity makes the story quite expectable.
The book left a mark in my mind and heart. This proved that Love will conquer all. It will make your tears fall. And make your heart love…
I can somehow relate to the story. The story of “True Love”. London did not fail in making a mark in my whole personality. It is truly a Walk to Remember…









Book Review:

“A Walk To Remember”

John Michell Lucena Hundana
IV- Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie