Nice story, but could have had better Christianity and had other objectionable content.
Plot
Jamie Sullivan is the typical minister's daughter. She's humble, modest, considerate, and innocent. She carries her Bible everywhere, is nice to everyone, and loves to help in anyway that she can. Landon Carter, on the other hand, stirs up trouble, is rich, and is peer pressured into acting like someone he's not. As he reluctantly starts to get to know Jamie, his attitude changes and the inconceivable happens: he starts to fall in love with her.
Morality
Jamie and her Father, Hegbert, are the only devoted Christians mentioned in the book. Some of the students at school make fun of Jamie and Hegbert, but some apologize in the end. It could be just out of pity though. The book seems to focus more on the romance more than the Christianity. The objectionable content, like the profane language, alcohol content, and sexual content took away from the good Christian examples in the book.
Spiritual Content
Hegbert Sullivan is a Baptist preacher and both he and his daughter are very serious Christians. They read the Bible, pray, and there are verses stated in the book. Jamie and Hegbert are made fun of. Fornicators are talked about, but only as a joke. Even Landon starts to read the Bible and pray, but in the end, it doesn't say whether he truly accepts Jesus and becomes a believer or not.
Violence
There is no violence, but there is almost a fight at the dance.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Eric Hunter has shots of bourbon and beer. The punch bowl is spiked at the homecoming dance and many people get drunk. One girl gets sick from the alcohol and passes out.
Sexual Content
It's said that Landon's grandfather died while sleeping with his mistress. Landon has had several girlfriends, one of which he French kissed. Eric and his girlfriend were found behind the bleachers at the dance. There's some sweet kisses shared between Jamie and Landon. Hegbert has rules about boys not coming into the house when he's not home and the rules are followed. There's talk about fornicators and there's a remark about second base.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
There are several swear words such as: s***, b******, h***, and d***. Crap is also used.
Conclusion
It was a sweet romance story, but I have mixed feelings about this book. It definitely could have been a cleaner Christian story, but it took a different direction. Romance is the focus, not solid Christian teaching. Jamie's romance with someone who is probably not a Christian should be viewed most critically.
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