Natalie Barletta – Opinions Editor
Nicholas Sparks is known for penning romances that have a combination of three things. The first is having irresistible romances that the average male looks bad. The second is having such sad endings that literally should have a disclaimer saying that this book requires a box of tissues. The third is being responsible for the creation of eight chick flicks that manage to make someone more emotional (if you can imagine) than the book. That’s what makes books like ‘The Notebook’, ‘The Last Song’, and ‘A Walk to Remember’ so popular. His latest book turned movie adaption, ‘The Best of Me’ is no exception.
The novel is about high school sweet sweethearts Dawson and Amanda. Dawson comes from a family that’s considered to be outlaws, and has a reputation of being ‘white trash’. Amanda, on the other hand, is from a well to do family. The two are paired for a biology project because Amanda goes to the bathroom, and when she comes back Dawson is the only one without a partner. The two are forced to pair up, and then begin to fall in love. However, her parents don’t approve which eventually leads to them breaking up before Amanda leaves for Duke University.
Twenty-five years later, the two met up at a mutual friend’s funeral. Amanda is now married to a guy that treats her terribly and is absorbed by her family life, while Dawson has been pining for Amanda all of those years and works in the mines. A lot has happened since the two has met. However the thing that doesn’t change is the chemistry between the two of them.
As the story goes on, they begin to find their way back to their love. Unfortunately, they also rediscover the problems that drove them apart in the first place.
This novel is more than just two people than falling back in love with each other, although that is the central theme, and what will draw people to this story. There are themes about family ties, guilt, and self-forgiveness, which make the story a bit more wholesome and more interesting to read then your average romance.
The book was a quick read. Since the movie comes out on October 17, many would want to read the book before going to see the movie, myself included. It’s the kind of novel you would take to the beach, and just kick back after a long day to relax with.
‘The Best of Me’ was something that once you started; you really couldn’t put it down. You had to know what was going to happen next. Will they get together? What’s going to happen next? It is like a vortex, because once you started it, it will suck you in to read you more. You won’t be fully satisfied until you’re on the last page. Luckily, it’s the kind of book that you can read in a couple of days, so it won’t take over your life too much.
I recommend this book to those who are in the market for a romance novel. If you liked ‘The Notebook’, ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, or ‘The Last Song’, than you would enjoy ‘The Best of Me.’ It’s full of those moments when Dawson professes his love to Amanda, and you’re wishing that you were her, or that happened to you. As do most romance novels do. It’s obliviously in the genre of chick lit, so if you’re a fan of adventure and action than this isn’t the book for you. So, if you’re in the market for a good chick-lit book gives ‘The Best of Me’ a try.
Photo Credit: Tim Geers
