In honor of the book-to-movie premiere on Valentine’s Day, I figured this week would be appropriate for Nicholas Sparks’ book, “Safe Haven.” “Safe Haven” is by far my favorite Nicholas Sparks book, although I may be biased because romance novels are my favorite and my name is Katie, just like the main character.
At any rate, “Safe Haven” has the perfect combination of love, thrill and mystery to make any girl swoon. Sorry guys, this one might not be for you, but you may be obliged to take your girlfriend to see it on Valentine’s Day.
Here’s the play by play: Katie moves to the small town of Southport, North Carolina and into a run down little shack. She befriends her neighbor Jo, who is quite the quirky one. Katie often visits the local grocery store and Alex, the owner who is a single dad of two young kids, notices her. His kids are automatically drawn to Katie and Alex continuously hits on her and asks her out, only to be shut down, Katie finally caves. The reasons for her rejection are a major theme in the story, so I won’t ruin it for you. You’re welcome.
Well, the rest of the story is the same old same old plotline: boy meets girl; they fall in love. Yet, something or someone from Katie’s past is determined to make her life a living hell, another clue I’m not sharing. The characters seem like people you could be friends with, and who doesn’t want to be friends with a hot single dad? Did I mention that Josh Duhamel plays Alex in the movie?
The book will keep you flipping the pages and I can assure it does not disappoint, the only rough part is the constant back and forth between Katie’s new life and her old life, but you’ll catch on. Oh, and a quick shout out to Alex, or more so, Nicholas Sparks for proving that chivalry isn’t dead. At first glance, this book may seem like the typical love story but I promise there is so much more to it. This book deserves an easy four out of five stars.
Things you should learn from "Safe Haven:"
1.) Always be nice to your neighbors. Yes, even if they are old and creepy.
2.) If a hot single dad says he loves you and will protect you, for God’s sake love him right back. Unless his kids are brats, then maybe you should think about it.
3.) When you move to a new town, particularly a small one, make sure your quirky neighbor has friends so you know she isn’t actually insane.
4.) Nicholas Sparks is a genius.
5.) When you change your name and hair color please be ready for confusion.
6.) In all seriousness, please tell someone and get help if you are in an abusive relationship.
7.) Guys, don’t assume girls take everything wrong.
8.) But really, sometimes it’s your fault girls misinterpret things because you guys are so unclear and confusing.
9.) Drinking more alcohol does not cure a hangover.
