The Christmas Angel

Without a doubt, Nicholas Sparks is one of the most prominent novelists of today. With his stories filled with morals about love and life, he easily wins and breaks hearts of readers and viewers.

His first novel I read was Safe Haven. It was different from what I expected. Different in a good way. What's not to like when you got romance and thriller rolled into one. But for a Sparks classic, here's one.

A Walk to Remember (2004)
by Nicholas Sparks

The novel, set in 1958, tells the story of Landon Carter, and how he falls for the daughter of the town's Minister, Jamie Sullivan, during his senior year in high school at Beaufort, North Carolina.

Jamie is the nicest person in their community, everyone says. She carries around the bible everywhere she goes; does a lot of charity work for the orphanage; and always wears the kindest smile. But she does not have many friends her age. While Landon is her exact opposite. He's rich, and friends with the popular kids in school. Yet, despite their differences, they fall in love.

You have to promise me you won't fall in love with me.

As I read the novel, I keep forgetting that Jamie was young, and no matter how calm she may appear, she is scared to die. There is probably nothing more depressing than knowing you can no longer be with the people you love. And that is Jamie's predicament that she will never escape.

The plot is your typical coming of age love story, with a predictable conclusion. But with moving events, and unforgettable characters, it still leaves a mark. Besides, stories involving deaths of any kind, especially of the protagonist, are always too painful. But I like the idea of how love make two people the best versions of themselves. Because it's supposed to.

Of course, what's the whole point of such novels anyway if it would not make you believe, even for a short period of time, that Landon Carters exist in this world. Let a girl dream.

(c)