Helpful Score: 2
As all of Sparks' books do, this one kept me reading until late in the night. I could not put it down. The characters are more relatable than some of his other books. Loved it!
Helpful Score: 2
I was so excited to read this book and I love Nicholas Sparks, but I was sadly disappointed with this story. This book was very unrealistic and some what disappointing.
Helpful Score: 2
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-of-me.html
The Best of Me is the story of Dawson and Amanda - young love destined to last forever. She is from the "right" side of the tracks. He is from the "wrong" side of the tracks. They come together as teenagers, are forced apart by families, and reconnect many years later. It would seem like a typical Nicholas Sparks story from the sound of it.
Except that it's not. Added to this story is a mix of drugs, alcohol, violence, and some truly unsavory characters. That is completely unexpected in a Nicholas Sparks story and not in a good way. The appearance of characters like Ted and Abee is jarring and out of sync with the tone of the Dawson and Amanda's love story. It is like reading two different books.
The story is also melodramatic - accidents, alcoholism, guilt, injuries, threats, violence, ghosts, forgiveness, retribution. The different aspects do not fit well together to make a cohesive story. The ending, while not completely predictable, goes over the top in drama.
Perhaps the idea was to venture beyond the typical Nicholas Sparks story of family and love. Unfortunately, the shift from that focus is so great that it may leave fans of Nicholas Sparks wondering why the best of Nicholas Sparks is not found in this book.
The Best of Me is the story of Dawson and Amanda - young love destined to last forever. She is from the "right" side of the tracks. He is from the "wrong" side of the tracks. They come together as teenagers, are forced apart by families, and reconnect many years later. It would seem like a typical Nicholas Sparks story from the sound of it.
Except that it's not. Added to this story is a mix of drugs, alcohol, violence, and some truly unsavory characters. That is completely unexpected in a Nicholas Sparks story and not in a good way. The appearance of characters like Ted and Abee is jarring and out of sync with the tone of the Dawson and Amanda's love story. It is like reading two different books.
The story is also melodramatic - accidents, alcoholism, guilt, injuries, threats, violence, ghosts, forgiveness, retribution. The different aspects do not fit well together to make a cohesive story. The ending, while not completely predictable, goes over the top in drama.
Perhaps the idea was to venture beyond the typical Nicholas Sparks story of family and love. Unfortunately, the shift from that focus is so great that it may leave fans of Nicholas Sparks wondering why the best of Nicholas Sparks is not found in this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Always love Nicholas Sparks' books. This one is a tear jerker for sure. Great story, but felt sad at the end. He just is the best story teller.
Helpful Score: 1
This book started out so slow for me. But by the middle I was hooked. It starts off with 2 people who fall in love as teenagers then eventually go there seperate ways. One gets married and has 4 kids the other ends up working on a rig living by hisself. They meet again when a friend of theres dies. The ending was so good yet so sad. I wasnt expecting an ending like that by Nicolas Sparks
Helpful Score: 1
After reading this book I will never again waste my time reading something by Nicholas Sparks. Awful!!
Helpful Score: 1
I love Nicholas Sparks but this book just did not do it for me. The ending was awful. You get involved with the characters and then the ending is a real disappointment.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books, a little different than the others, I really enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
Haven't found a book of Nicholas Sparks I haven't liked yet & this one didn't disappoint me either. I think I have read every book he has written. Great author!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was okay, but not as good as his others. The story line was so-so, and the ending was just way too rushed.
I got this book yesterday and could hardly put it down. Another great book by an equally great author.
Interesting concept...I enjoyed it.
To me all of Nicholas Sparks are fairly predictable. This one, however, took on some darker elements in connection with the main male character. I enjoyed the book, as always. Love, hope, loss, promise are all recurring themes. A high school couple separated for decades are reunited for one weekend. The tragic events that ensue bring to light that sometimes, love transcends life. Very good read.
Once again Nicholas Sparks writes another good story. He never fails to entertain me with his beautiful tales of love. Had to have Kleenex on hand. It was a bit predictable but still give it A plus!
another heartful novel from Sparks
I can describe this book in one word, wonderful.
I love Sparks's books as you sort of know what you're getting. I realized that I am done with his books, I am tired of getting a heart wrenching love story.
Really ridiculous. The ending was completely contrived and totally defied belief.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a beautiful love story. I don't know what everybody else is talking about. But everybody has their opinion. Can't wait to read more of his books.
After reading this book I will never again waste my time reading something by Nicholas Sparks. Awful!! Wish I could give it minus stars.
I am a fairly recent fan of Nicholas Sparks. This book was a good book. Was it his best? No, but I still enjoyed it. The ending twists and turns - whoa - came out of nowhere - enjoyed the book.
It was a little slow to start and although not one of his best, the ending made up for it! So sad! Worth reading for Sparks fans.
If you enjoyed Dear John you will like this book. I did not like either one. Horrible ending - I would not waste my time.
Nicholas Sparks knows how to write romance, for a guy that is surprising. He builds and describes love relationships that one can only yearn for in real life. I really like his books but this one feels like a combination of The Notebook and another of his past novels combined. A predictable ending....a death! Geez why must he always kill someone off. But he certainly is not original with his surprise ending--no surprise there, but won't spoil it for you all who haven't read it. Let's just say what are the odds that it's from someone we all know.
Twenty five years after highschool the ex sweethearts are brought together again. Attending the funeral of their long time friend Tuck. They find instructions left for them by Tuck that will impact their lives unimaginably.
You love Nicholas Sparks, you'll love this story. That's the bottom line. Yes, it's a tale that's been told before, two teenagers from opposite sides of the track fall in love, part ways, and reunite. And yes, the ending may seem a little tacked on and forced. But he's masterful with the details and storytelling...though a bit cheesy and inclined toward the use of cliches, which all writers know is taboo! Still, there's something satisfying about listening to imaginary lives that someone has fashioned and formed so well that they're real.
I recommend it!
I recommend it!
Childhood sweet hearts are forces to go different ways. meeting again at a friends funeral twenty years later. attraction is high as if the never parted. They realize you can't go back in time. Chance steps in and he giver a most precious gift that withs her always.
Amazing !!! That's the best way to explain a book by Nicholas Sparks.
Love Nicholas Sparks but unfortunately did not love this book.......was just an okay read for me!
I am starting to wonder about Sparks..his most recent books have been filled with unsavory dark characters, and I really don't care for them. Also, what was up with all the profanity in this book? I like Sparks because his books were clean books that I could read with my grandma, not so much with these last few. And the ending felt way too rushed. I will seriously consider before buying or reading any of his future books. This one I really didn't enjoy so much.
This review is from: The Best of Me (Paperback)
I am giving this 3 stars for 3 reasons...
1. Loyalty to a long time favorite writer
2. he really does have a way of writing very descriptive/intresting characters and places
3. had I known if it was a "nights in rodanthe" ending..or a "safe haven" ending I would have skipped this book and not been disappointed.
I won't go into the plot because it's already been written by other reviewers but let me just say that this book has every cliche imaginable.*mini spoiler* boy from wrong side of tracks, rich girl, separated by parents that dont understand..boy waits for girl, love rekindled years later, girl doesnt want to split up family...I assumed that Mr. sparks would twist cliches and make magic out of them like he's been known to do. let's just say that did not happen. I will say that my personal preference in these types of books is to have a happy ending and I was quite disappointed when this one did not. If that is not a requirement for you, you may love this book. I wish there was a way to know ahead of time since it can be hit or miss with the happy endings in his books.**spoiler alert** I was quite disappointed when Mr. sparks made me fall in love with these characters and GAVE hope that their love would actually survive, only to find out that Dawson died in the end. When amanda' s husband was in an accident with her son I knew it would be predictable for her husband to die so that she and dawson could be together and I didn't want it to go that route; but I thought that would be the last straw she needed to leave him, since it was his fault he was so drunk he had to have his son come get him in the first place. Then the last and final cliche that her son got Dawsons heart as a transplant made me angry. It made you think the whole book was meaningless. There were hints here and there that Amanda just needed time and he just had to wait for her, and the author left the door open for her to leave.. with two of her kids being older and leaving home soon..and her admitting she would never love her husband the way she loved Dawson....she even had her moms blessing! So now what is she supposed to do?? Live the rest of her life blaming a husband she will never love enough and living with regret? I don't understand...I know there is often"meaning" and lessons learned in books and that life isn't always a happy ending but thats the real world..not the books I read to escape the real world for a brief moment. I don't know what it was about this book, I actually liked "a walk to remember" and" message in a bottle" without the happy ending...but there was just something about this book where I knew what was coming and I really didn't want to finish it. I think it was the fact that you fell so in love with these characters and you really cared about them coupled with the fact that the author gave you so much HOPE!
**ps..was anyone else so glad that this book wasnt filled with singing "cicadas"? Omg..I didn't read his books in order but I remember that there were like 4 books I read in a row were the cicadas sang or chirped or whatever every five minutes! So glad he got the hint lol..
I am giving this 3 stars for 3 reasons...
1. Loyalty to a long time favorite writer
2. he really does have a way of writing very descriptive/intresting characters and places
3. had I known if it was a "nights in rodanthe" ending..or a "safe haven" ending I would have skipped this book and not been disappointed.
I won't go into the plot because it's already been written by other reviewers but let me just say that this book has every cliche imaginable.*mini spoiler* boy from wrong side of tracks, rich girl, separated by parents that dont understand..boy waits for girl, love rekindled years later, girl doesnt want to split up family...I assumed that Mr. sparks would twist cliches and make magic out of them like he's been known to do. let's just say that did not happen. I will say that my personal preference in these types of books is to have a happy ending and I was quite disappointed when this one did not. If that is not a requirement for you, you may love this book. I wish there was a way to know ahead of time since it can be hit or miss with the happy endings in his books.**spoiler alert** I was quite disappointed when Mr. sparks made me fall in love with these characters and GAVE hope that their love would actually survive, only to find out that Dawson died in the end. When amanda' s husband was in an accident with her son I knew it would be predictable for her husband to die so that she and dawson could be together and I didn't want it to go that route; but I thought that would be the last straw she needed to leave him, since it was his fault he was so drunk he had to have his son come get him in the first place. Then the last and final cliche that her son got Dawsons heart as a transplant made me angry. It made you think the whole book was meaningless. There were hints here and there that Amanda just needed time and he just had to wait for her, and the author left the door open for her to leave.. with two of her kids being older and leaving home soon..and her admitting she would never love her husband the way she loved Dawson....she even had her moms blessing! So now what is she supposed to do?? Live the rest of her life blaming a husband she will never love enough and living with regret? I don't understand...I know there is often"meaning" and lessons learned in books and that life isn't always a happy ending but thats the real world..not the books I read to escape the real world for a brief moment. I don't know what it was about this book, I actually liked "a walk to remember" and" message in a bottle" without the happy ending...but there was just something about this book where I knew what was coming and I really didn't want to finish it. I think it was the fact that you fell so in love with these characters and you really cared about them coupled with the fact that the author gave you so much HOPE!
**ps..was anyone else so glad that this book wasnt filled with singing "cicadas"? Omg..I didn't read his books in order but I remember that there were like 4 books I read in a row were the cicadas sang or chirped or whatever every five minutes! So glad he got the hint lol..
I am enjoying this book of Nicholas Sparks. It is better than the last one. He seems to have taken a darker turn in his books with characters that are more dangerous. It is a note that I agree with other readers that I don't care for.
I also enjoy reading books by this author but would say this was my least favortie. The story does go by fast & there is an interesting twist at the end.
I loved the book, all of Nicholas Sparks books are so interesting and fun to read.
I liked the book, but it's not within my favorite book style. Too lovey-dovey and not enough action or historical fiction for me. I'm glad I read it, and I enjoyed other of Sparks' books, but this one left me a bit flat.
Loved this story.. the movie was actually good too
Very good.
This is a sappy romance. If you like that kind of thing, go ahead and order this book. If not, don't....it's not like I care.
