I am so happy that I read the book first. That way, I was able to truly enjoy the way the author of the book, Nicholas Sparks, wanted this truly amazing love story to be portrayed. This movie did not do the book any justice. I did not feel the chemistry of the main characters the same way I felt it in the book. I also believe that the director strayed too far from the actual basis of the story. I could not wait for the movie to be over.