Review: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

release date: September 8th, 2009

Recommended for: people who love a quick, easy read about life and love

Teaser quote:
Life, he realized, was much like a song.

In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation, but it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile (pg 376, ISBN 978-0-46-54756-7)

My rating: 5/5

My thoughts:
Being a teenager is hard enough, throw in a divorce and, well, it's like adding fuel to a fire. Ronnie is experiencing the typical life of a 17 year old, just waiting to turn 18 and live her own life her way. She is hanging with the wrong crowd and in the rebellious stage constantly arguing with her mom. Three years earlier her Dad left and she hasn't spoken to him since. When her parents decide Ronnie and her brother should spend their summer vacation with their Dad, you can imagine how happy it made her. Surprisingly, over the course of the summer Ronnie not only falls in love, she discovers herself.

As a parent, there are so many things you want to shelter your children from. There is the desire to share your stories in hopes that they learn from your mistakes and yet some lessons that just can't be taught. Ronnie's Dad allowed her the freedom to evolve from the resentful teenager to the loving, caring, intelligent woman that was always present and it was beautiful to read. You are left with a feeling that everything works out in the end.

Reading Nicholas Sparks, I knew Kleenex would be a requirement. What I didn't know was when and for how long! Let's just say that the last 1/4 of the book took twice as long to read as I attempted to wipe away tears, a runny nose & read through blurry eyes.

http://www.nicholassparks.com/

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click here for your chance to win a copy of The Last Song

Giveaway: The Last Song

Not only am I super excited for this release next Tuesday, I have the opportunity to share the love with one lucky winner :)

#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 story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.


Watch for my review early next week :)

For aspiring writers, I came across a couple of videos that may interest you :)


Nicholas Sparks - Video 1

Nicholas Sparks - Video 2



now for the rules :)

Contest End Date: Sept 15, 2009

Open to Canadian & US addresses only

For one entry, comment below with your email address

Additional entries:

+2 for being a follower

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+4 for referring a friend ( just get them to mention your name & blog)

Good luck everyone!