I actually saw the movie rendition of this before having read the book. I loved the movie and it follows the book pretty closely... except for the ending. The ending in the book makes so much more sense than the ending in the movie - but I won't spoil it in this review. The book is obviously way better than the movie, but Nicholas Sparks isn't my favorite author. they're just a little too gushy romantic for my taste... but if that's your style, then this book is for you.