Just a few weeks ago, I finished the book - The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks and I can definitely say that this is, by far, my favorite book of his. As usual, it had some of Sparks' trademark elements such as love and loss, but this book, in particular, had a little more dash of suspense to it. Just so you know what I am talking about, here is a brief overview of the book:
Julie Barenson has just lost the love of her life, Jim. But in his death, came life (because Julie had gotten puppy as a gift from her husband, Jim). Along with this final gift of his was a letter, in which Jim has promised Julie that he will always be there for her. Four years later, Julie decides to find love again. Julie goes on a couple of dates but never seems to find the man that could make her as happy as she once was. This leads her to a series of dates with a man, who for many may seem like the perfect guy - Richard. She inevitably, though, ends up falling for her husband's best friend, Mike. Not to give any more away, but this newfound romance brings her to a path of danger and jealousy but also, the hope of a happier future.
I really urge you to buy the book and not solely rely on my short synopsis of the book. However, just to get you started, I would like to say why I loved this book so much.
First, in this book, I enjoyed very much how the author shifts the point-of-views in the chapters. For instance, a few paragraphs of the chapter might first be focused on Julie then after a while, it shifts to Mike. This allowed me as a reader to imagine the scenes as if it were being played in a movie. Also, it allowed me a better understanding of what the characters thought of during that particular situation.
Second, I enjoyed the realistic feel the story had. It did deal with an issue (spoiler: this issue is common among famous personalities) that is very relevant to our world today. To be honest, this issue did not necessarily scare me at first, but upon reading the book, I realized the gravity of the situation and sympathize deeply for people currently experiencing this.
Third, I like the development of the characters. It was all gradual yet it seemed to have more of an impact, that way because it allowed me to understand better their way of thinking. I, particularly, liked how Richard's character developed throughout the whole story.
Fourth, I love how the theme of Hope was exhibited through this novel. From Jim's death up to the end of the novel, it exhibited this theme subtly yet with great impact.
Lastly, I loved how this book had a dash of thrill and suspense in it. The author made me feel as if I was the character in trouble. To be able to make me feel something while reading a book is a mark of a genuine and great author.
Those are all the reasons as to why I loved this book. Because of my love for the story, I was trying to imagine what it would be like if it were turned into a movie and who will play what characters. With the help of photoshop, I made "fake" movie poster for it.
From the characters, I decided that if the book were turned into a movie, I would really love Chelsea Hobbs (from Make It or Break It) to play Julie Barenson and Josh Dallas (from Once Upon a Time) to play Mike.
I chose Chelsea Hobbs because of the following reasons: 1) she is about the same age as Julie in the book, 2) she seems to possess the same kind of beauty I've imagined for Julie, and 3) she acts well. Moreover, I chose Josh Dallas because of the following reasons: 1) he also is near the age of the character in the book, 2) he has the "good guy" look (which is perfect for Mike), 3) he possesses similar qualities to Mike in the book, and 4) he also acts well. Finally, I think these two would make a cute couple in the big screen (if ever, the Guardian was going to be made into a film).
The picture below is a separate movie poster, which I made for Richard. The reason why I chose Matthew Goode to play the character because: 1) he is also of similar age to Richard from the book, 2) he has this sort of mysterious look in his eyes (which would be perfect for the character of Richard), 3) he also possesses the same characteristics as Richard (dark hair, good-looking, etc.), and he acts very well. So why can't he play a good Richard?
Hopefully, this book will be turned into a movie. I, also, hope that future movie producers/directors may see this blog and consider my casting choices. Still, if none of those things happen, I still really urge you to read this book because it is one you will surely find hard to forget.
*pictures were edited by me, Millie, only for the purpose of showing my love for this book and my eagerness for it to become a movie, so please don't make fun of it too much and I'm still kind of fresh in photoshop and I also, don't have any formal training in it so please don't be super critical about my work)
