“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..” – Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook
Written by Nicholas Sparks
Published October 1, 1996
Rating 4/5

I decided to read The Notebook last summer while living in Charleston, South Carolina recovering from a bone marrow transplant. At the time I lived on Calhoun Street not far from where this photo was taken. Personally I’ve never been one to chase after love and up until my cancer diagnosis I considered my career (being an actor and creating content) my true love. Initially I read the book prepping to make a video where I compare and contrast the book to the movie while visiting the filming locations. Nearly half of the video is complete; however, Covid-19 halted the completion of the video. 

The backdrop for this photo is The American, which was featured in the film where Noah and Allie have their first date. 

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SPOILER WARNING

One of my favorite scenes in the movie doesn’t actually take place in its original source material. That scene, which was filmed only a couple blocks down from this location, had Noah and Allie dancing in the street, they also lay in the street watching the stop lights. 

Overall for romantic novels I give The Notebook a 4/5 because it really didn’t disappoint. Yes I definitely recommend it, even if you’ve watched the movie.