- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
It's possible that Sparks might have enjoyed his level of popularity by writing these stories strictly from imagination, but in fact his family's struggles play an important role in many of his books, especially the earliest novels. (For exampleThe Notebook, his tale of a great love affair extending into old age, was inspired by his wife's grandparents; Message in a Bottle drew from Sparks' father's life story and A Walk to Remember from his late sister's.) In addition, a three-week trip he and his older sibling Micah undertook in 2003 became the basis for Three Weeks with My Brother, a unique memoir as moving and tenderhearted as any of his fiction.
Sparks is very methodical about his writing, an approach he makes transparent on his web site with several essays, updates on works in progress, and notes on the mechanics of his novels. Unsurprisingly, critics have faulted him for being too formulaic or cliched. Still, Sparks never fails to move his stories along quickly, maximizing emotional impact and featuring strong, down-to-earth characters. His endings also tend to depart from convention a bit, revealing tragedy where the walk into the sunset should be.
Although he is often classified as a Romance writer, Sparks is quick to point out that his books don't really satisfy the requirements of Romance publishers. Instead, he admits to writing love stories, a different genre altogether. Whatever he cares to call them, one thing's for sure: Nicholas Sparks continues to strike gold with his bittersweet novels of love and loss.
Blockbuster film adaptations of Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and The Notebook have turned Sparks into a successful Hollywood franchise.
Sparks' wife is probably one of the most envied wives around. She met Nicholas in college at spring break, where he informed her that they would be married. She laughed him off, but they were married just over a year later. He told Barnes & Noble.com in a 1999 interview, "I suppose I'm a romantic. Ladies Home Journal has even called me the Most Romantic Husband in America. In fact, I sent my wife a dozen roses today."
Sparks was still selling pharmaceuticals and had only just delivered the final version of The Notebook to his agent when she called, two days after receiving the manuscript, telling him she expected "something big." That something big materialized within the week: a $1 million offer from Warner Books.
Sparks holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
When I began reading The Last Song, my first thought was this is the perfect book to read to finish out the summer. I thought it would be light, but an enjoyable read. To my delight, it became so much more as I read more of Ronnie's story.
Ronnie and her brother Jonah are sent to North Carolina to spend the summer with their estranged father. Their father left his prestigious position at Julliard to pursue his dream of being a concert pianist. His time away put a strain on his family and eventually ended his marriage. He now calls Wrightville Beach, NC home.
Ronnie never forgave her father for ruining their family. In fact, she hasn't spoken to him in three years. She's livid that her mother is forcing her to do this. As soon as she sets foot in her father's house, she's determined to plan her return back to New York. As soon as she enters her father's house, she puts distance between them by spending her first night away from his home. It's on this night that she first meets Will followed by Blaze. It's this night that will change her summer.
The Last Song is told in four differing points of view: Ronnie, Steve, Will and Marcus. Through each perspective, Mr. Sparks reveals more of the story and at times flashing back to the past to provide more history. Each character has something to add to the events of that summer and reading it in his or her own voice adds to the realness of the story.
Early on I had a hint of how the novel would end. As I realized my assumption was right, it didn't prepare me for the emotions I felt as I continued to read. The Last Song isn't only about love. It's also about learning how to forgive yourself for your past mistakes so you can move forward. This is evident as Ronnie struggles to forgive herself for allowing her anger and hurt to prevent her from having a relationship with her father. During this summer, Ronnie realizes despite her behavior, her father's love remained unconditional.
Steve, Ronnie's and Jonah's father, spends time quietly reading his Bible. It's during these devotionals, that Steve has forgiven himself and draws closer to God. Mr. Sparks did a fantastic job of using Steve's devotions to illustrate that through God, new beginnings are possible, despite your past, if you have faith, believe and put your trust in God. He continues to illustrate new beginnings by restoring broken relationships between a parent and child, the destroying and reconstruction of a church and learning to love and respect yourself.
The Last Song is an emotionally charged novel, one that I highly recommend. I suggest you read with tissues nearby. It will grabbed the reader and won't let go until the very last page.
42 out of 45 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Cynnniee
Posted December 19, 2009
I Also Recommend:
This was my first Nicholas Sparks book that I read, and I absolutely loved it! I haven't read a a decent book in a long time, so I was ecstatic to find out what this book had in store for me, and it did not disappoint. I honestly could NOT put down the book for my life, I would stay up until four in the morning reading it...I was exhausted, but the book was so worth it!I loved everything about this book, and I strongly recommend everyone to read it.
31 out of 32 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.laura24
Posted January 8, 2012
I Also Recommend:
I have been a fan of Nicolas Sparks since his first release and was never disappointed. The last song was one of the best books I have read.
26 out of 26 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KittenKB
Posted September 9, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I have been a fan of Nicolas Sparks since his first release. I also own a copy of every book and I have to say that this book by far is the worst book I have ever read. Its great if you are a tween that adores Miley Cyrus but Mr Sparks has let down his fans that rely on a more mature read. This book lacks the draw of his other books and by the end of the second chapter I was bored to tears. Hopefully Mr Sparks will focus on writing better books and stop focusing on making movies. He's an author NOT a playwright. I have to say that I question my loyaly and will start thinking twice about purchasing his books. I returned this book the day after I bought it and was told that several people had done the same thing. Not a very good sign when the book has only been out 2 days.
26 out of 116 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BucMom2
Posted December 19, 2009
Definitely a different kind of book by Nicholas Sparks, but still GREAT! More than just a romantic story. This one looks at relationships between children and their parents too!
14 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.englishtcha
Posted November 11, 2009
I enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks, and I must say that this book met my expectations. Like most of his books, it is a tearjerker. That is what I expect from his books, and I was not disappointed.
13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 29, 2009
I Also Recommend:
This is the first book I have read by Nicholas Sparks and I was not let down. It was an amazing book that was both heartwarming and breaking. It shows love in all of its different forms. The story is about a girl named Veronica "Ronnie" Miller who has been sent, along with her younger brother Jonah, to spend the summer with their father. She has not talked to her father Steve in three years after her parents divorce. Steve who used to be a former concert pianist and taught at Julliard now lives in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Ronnie will meet some unusual characters and have a summer filled with first love, growing closer to her father, and going through both the greatest happiness and pain in her life. The story is told from four different perspectives: Ronnie, Steve, Will, and Marcus. Throughout the book I laughed and cried. The story is very well written and will leave you thankful for who is in your life. This book has an unexpected twist and I highly recommend.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.When you feel you are ordinary individual living life in a world that demands extraordinary how do you reconcile yourself to that. Is aspiring to be just enough acceptable or will it cause you more angst that happiness. But what if our individual ordinary is extraordinary due in fact to being who you are. It is a lovely ride we are taken on if we just stop talking and start listening to the quiet whisper of the one being that is always going to guide us.
Steve Miller is on this journey of inner reflection and has experienced life in the spotlight as a concert pianist and was great but surrounded by gifted. When it became too much he left New York, his wife and children and moved back to the town he came from, the last place he ever thought he would return. Life there had not ideal having been raised by emotionally stagnant parents but the faith of one pastor inspired him as a child and now as an adult to be and achieve more. Steve aspires to have one wonderful summer with his eighteen year old daughter Ronnie and ten year old son Jonah. They have been separated for 3 years after the divorce and Steve knows time is running out on his ability to be with them. He needs to put his life in order and let his children know how much he loves them and the future he sees for them. The problem is his daughter would rather be anywhere but with her father and while an equally gifted pianist she refuses out of spite to play. She is angry about the divorce, bitter about the way life is treating her and finding out that being in trouble is apparently getting her more attention that behaving. An eighteen year old has enough to deal with and now she has to spend the summer in nowhereville with her father; perfection is not the name of this adventure.
But Ronnie finds herself gravitating to trouble at first but as the summer progresses new purpose shows itself and clarifies that life is not all black and white there is some gray. While her father and brother bond while building a stained glass window to replace the one destroyed in the church fire, Ronnie finds that there are other ways to rebuild her broken relationship with her father. But the most unexpected surprise for her is finding love with someone who is not dark and depressed but fun and interesting and likes her just as she is, complicated and moody.
But with every silver lining there is a dark cloud lurking behind it and when the rain starts pouring on Ronnie the horror that happens is one she never saw coming. Will she be strong enough to deal with the grief she must face and the heartbreak that is inevitable - not knowing how amazing you are is the biggest surprise for all of us. When you are faced with adversity and owning up to your mistakes a person shows their true character when they rise to the occasion, take ownership of the situation and move past it.
With any Nicholas Sparks book you are taken on an emotional journey that leaves you feeling both elated, drained and out another box of tissue. In this book Mr. Sparks finds a way to explore not only adult emotions but those of a child on the brink of adulthood who faces fears and mistakes and shows the growth process. I believe the greatest gift a writer can bestow upon a reader is a sadness that a book has just ended because you feel like a friend is being parted with. Enjoy this latest entry for you two will be asking "would I be able to do what Ronnie accomplished" and hopefully the answer is yes.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.angeleyesAS
Posted September 5, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's mother insists that she and her little brother, Jonah, spend the summer with the father who left them years earlier at his beach house in North Carolina. Secrets are uncovered as they make their way to reconciliation. This is another wonderful, heartfelt, typically "Sparks" novel that will have the reader in tears.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 21, 2010
I Also Recommend:
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It made me laugh and it made me cry.Its a story of how people can get through in life and even when this get though someone there will aslways love you.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ohSNAP10
Posted November 26, 2009
First off it threw me off because theres a huge twist in the story! I thought one thing was going to happen but then there was a curve ball out of no where. It made me laugh, cry, and it was one of the greatest books ive ever read. its taught me to always be thankful for what you have because you never know when its going to be gone. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of a good Love Story
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. This is another must read novel by one of my favorite authors. An unforgettable story of love in all its myriad forms-- first love, love between parents and children--- The last Song demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts. and heal them. This great love story will have you in tears at times.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.xokaiitllynxox
Posted May 27, 2010
Unlike any other of Nicolas Sparks' book, The Last Song, is not just about love. It's about how a father and daughter reconnect after many years, and needless to say this was a tear jerker and emotional rollercoaster.
When Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's parents got a divorce she refuses to talk to her father who has moved from her New York City where Ronnie's brother, mother and her live to North Carolina. Needless to say her plan works. But after those three years, her mother decides it would be a good idea to let Ronnie and her 10 year old brother, Jonah, stay with their father for the summer in his new home of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Ronnie reluctantly agrees but when she gets there she wants nothing to do with her father and she goes out and meets new friends. Before long she meets the volleyball-playing heartthrob, Will. She become so preoccupied hanging out with Will that she fails to notice her father's failing health. Soon you see Ronnie regain her relationship with her loving father and the hatred towards him disappear.
Nicholas Sparks did an excellent job writing this book. From his vivid words and description you can tell he took his time researching Wilmington and coming up with the characters personalities. This is unlike any other book that I have ever read. To find out what happens with Ronnie's dad and the unbelievable ending. You have to read The Last Song By Nicholas Sparks.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 21, 2010
Seventeen-year-old Ronnie Miller is forced to spend a summer with her father that she has intentionally avoided for three years. Once a common ground and shared hobby between the two, the piano is now a strong barrier between Ronnie and her father. Ronnie's past experiences with her parents influence her daily actions both for better and for worse. Within hours of arriving at her dad's house, Ronnie meets the volleyball player/mechanic/ turtle rescuer and they eventually fall in love, and their relationship soon adds a glimmer of hope to her dreaded upcoming court date. Steve, Ronnie's father, simply accepts her for the way she is, and rather than pressuring her, he takes the time to listen whether she wants to talk or not. While some aspects of the plot are predictable, Nicholas Sparks added extra details, feelings, and unexpected twists that keep the reader involved. When I first picked up The Last Song, I was hesitant on rather I would enjoy it or not, because I'm not the type of person to enjoy the "Cinderella love story." However, before long I was unable to put the book down, and I realized that the story is more about a father-daughter relationship that is able to relate, in some way, to anyone who reads it.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Last Song is definitely another masterpiece from the acclaimed author, Nicholas Sparks. He has done it again!!! This book out of all the other books he has written has to be the best ! (at least in my humble opinion.)
This Last Song now has a special place in my heart. The plot in this book hit very close to home. The last few chapters are drenched with my tears. Personally I think all of Nicholas Sparks books should come with a warning.
Warning: please be advised side effects may include puffy red eyes, over work tear ducts. and a overly abundance use of Kleenex. Proceed with caution in a private place do not read in public. Thank you.
This book is a must read for any YA fan who enjoys "real life" stories . It touches base with a ton of issues that today's teenagers deal with, divorce, loosing ones way, and the discovery of strength in one's self.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 29, 2010
I very much enjoyed this book. It is an easy read that is very enjoyable. Only took me 3 days to complete. Sparks does a nice job developing the story line, even though it is a little predictable. I really like his writting style. I just wish I would have read it before knowing that the movie was coming out. I enjoy envisioning the characters in my head as opposed to already having a mental picture before reading it. But still, an excellent read!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 19, 2010
This book is another excellent book by Sparks. This story is about the trials of a young lady that is hurt by her parents recent divorce and angry that she is being forced to spend the summer with her father in North Carolina, leaving her New York City home.
Ronnie is newly graduated from high school and not sure what she wants to do. She has given up music due to the pain it brings to her. It reminds her of her father and all the time they spent together. He and her mother are recently divorced and he is living in North Carolina. Her mother sends her and her brother to spend the summer with their father. This angers Ronnie, while her brother is thrilled. Roni meets new people. Blaze and her friends may lead her into trouble. But the hunky volleyball star isn't exactly her type. These relationships all pose their own problems. She has enough to worry about without adding more. When she finds out things about her father she is ashamed and regretful of her behavior. Through pain and suffering she finds out what is really important and the meaning of love in many different places.
This is one of the best books I have read in some time. It is so descriptive that you can picture the entire story in your mind. You won't want to put it down once you begin reading it. I would recommend it for all ages.
This book is great for any age reader. The young and old alike can find a character to connect with. The trials and tribulations that Roni goes through are very real in today's world.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I picked this up so I would know what I was getting myself into when I took my daughter to see the movie and I'm so glad I did. This is the story of the typical angry teenager who is rebelling against everything her divorced parents are asking of her because of what she thinks she knows about them. She has a little brother who adores her and yet, she takes risks and does things that she knows will push her mother's buttons. She is picked up for shoplifting and believes this is why her mother is sending her to her father's for the summer.
Ronnie's parents have been divorced for three years and she has had no contact with him since he left. He has made attempts through letters, but they have gone unopened and the thought of spending any time with him makes her more angry than she can verbalize. The only thing they had in common was their love of music and playing the piano. Both are extremely talented, but Ronnie refuses to allow that connection to remain and even goes so far as to tell her father to stop playing when she is around. He goes so far as to build a wall around the piano in his house so she doesn't have to see it to show he respects her needs. Ronnie doesn't know what to do with this kind of parent, since her mother was certainly not that way.
Ronnie makes some interesting and dangerous friends as soon as she arrives. Some fo these friends will be her downfall, and others will be her salvation. While she is growing up, her brother and father begin to build their relationship by spending time flying kites and creating a beautiful stained glass window for the neighborhood church. As the window begins to take shape, so does their relationship. Ronnie's relationship with her father develops as well, but through a very different set of circumstances and in the end allows her to become the young woman her father always knew was there.
The second half of the book was a heart wrenching, difficult read. I won't give away the details because I think it is important for you as a reader to uncover what Sparks has hidden in the pages and should have been obvious to me from the second I read the title. There are so many layers to this story and the voices of each character are vital to the telling of the story. Grab a box of Kleenex and enjoy the story!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.IF YOU LOVE NICHOLAS SPARKS YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. I FOUND THAT I LOVED THE MAIN CHARACTER REGARDLESS OF HER BEHAVIOR ONLY BECAUSE YOU GET TO KNOW THE INNER HER SO WELL. ANYONE WITH A TEENAGE DAUGHTER CAN RELATE TO THE KNOW IT ALL ATTITUDE AND SELFISH BEHAVIOR THE CHARACTER GIVES, BUT YOU LOVE HER ANYWAY. THE LITTLE BROTHER IS A HOOT AND I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE HIM HOME. THE LOVE STORY IS VERY TYPICALLY OF SPARKS BUT WITH A TWIST!! ONE WORTH PICKING UP THE BOOK FOR. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE MOVIE!!!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.go-green-girl
Posted March 21, 2010
I Also Recommend:
This book is definitely in my top 5 best books! It's an easy read that captures your heart from the first page. I know i had a hard time putting the book down and forcing myself to go to sleep every night. The plot grabs every teen girl. I know every teen girl will want the romance Ronnie finds herself in as she falls more and more in love and has the perfect summer ever. Her family crisis with her parents only adds to the realistic theme everyone can relate too. The Last Song is a definite must read!!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
#1 bestselling author Nicholas Sparks's new novel is at once a compelling family drama and a heartrending tale of young love. Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable