3.5 really. When it comes to Nicholas Sparks, even though I've only read a couple books, I've come to expect that by the time I get to the end, one of the characters will be dead. If that's not the case, there is still not much a chance of a happy ending. Maybe I just haven't picked up the right book by him yet. But every time I read a book of his, I'm left feeling sad and cheated. I spend so much time investing in the couple, only for it to blow up in the end. I'm sad. I'm frustrated. And for whatever dumb reason, I'll probably keep reading his books until I find one that doesn't make me feel this way.