Why The Notebook is the best love story

Your next date-night movie awaits

Many people don't know this, but the reason I started writing romance when I got into publishing was because of Nicholas Sparks. Ever since I was in junior high, his stories just spoke to me. I loved watching couples from different situations and circumstances grow together, help each other overcome obstacles, and find the beauty of love.

For me, my favorite story and movie of all time has always been The Notebook. There's just something about the setting of the 1940s that I fell in love with. Couple that with the imperfect yet perfect for each other match that Allie and Noah are, and you have the perfect love story. I adore how the two are stubborn, fight, and challenge each other, yet they also clearly are better together.

For me, this movie is about two things: 

1. Social class doesn't matter.
2. A promise is a promise.

​First of all, I love how in this story, it is very clear that social class is an obstacle for the couple. However, by the end, Allie learns from her mother and for herself that social class does not guarantee happiness. We also see that although Noah lacks wealth, he has something the other suitors of Allie do not--grit. He isn't afraid to work hard for what he wants. The iconic house from the Notebook becomes a symbol of this. When he buys the old house he's always dreamed about and takes the time to fix it into his dream home, it shows that he has determination and, more importantly, can see beauty where others don't. It's one of my favorite things about this movie, and I have often told my husband my dream home looks a lot like this house. If you're daydreaming about this fixer upper ultimate story, I love that you can check it out in this 3D version here and relive the renovation as well as the symbol.

This movie also demonstrates that in love, a promise is a promise. Noah promises to love Allie forever--he does. He promises to set up a painting room in their dream house. He does. And when she is older and can't remember, he carries through in his promise to still love her and to help her remember. The loyalty he shows Allie is something so many of us dream of.

So many romances out there send bad messages about what love is or isn't. They're all about six-pack abs and sexy getaways and the things of fantasy. For me, The Notebook will always stand out because it is grounded in a simple, sweet reality--love can make us whole, and real love stands the test of time.

I feel myself fortunate to have found my own Noah in my life at a young age--a man who keeps his promises, who has grit, and who is loyal to our love story. As a testament to his love, one Christmas, he actually bought me a signed copy of The Notebook because he knew it was my favorite. It is proudly displayed about my desk in my writing office, and it reminds me that no matter what, love is something to strive for.

Have you checked out this movie? Is it one of your favorites? Tell me below!