I loved this book! The Best of Me is, as sad as I am to say
it, the very first Nicholas Sparks book I have ever read. Why? I have no idea,
because he is an amazing author. His writing style is impeccable and just draws
you in. With that being said, I will be reading more Nicholas Sparks books in
the future.
The Best of Me is a story about two high school sweethearts,
Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole, who, despite all odds against them and coming
from two entirely different worlds, fell in love in high school. They came from
a small town in North Carolina, Oriental. After their senior year of high
school, just as they are getting ready for what the future has in store, they
are torn apart and set off on two very different roads. The story goes back and
forth between their love in high school to the present, twenty five years
later, when they are both brought back to Oriental for a funeral of a mutual
friend, Tuck. Both Amanda and Dawson have lived their lives, but not in the way
they thought they would, and they both can remember how passionate their love
was for one another. While in Oriental, they are forced together and pushed to
face their memories while uncovering truths about themselves.
This is a story about young love, and how, even though years
can pass, feelings sometimes do not go away. The theme of right and wrong and
morals is strong throughout the book, and it leaves you wondering which
decision you would essentially want Amanda to choose. I was torn myself, as a
reader. You see the love that her and Dawson have for each other and really
wish for them to have that love and happiness in their lives. Yet, you are also
aware of the new life she has had with her husband and her children. Even
though they have their challenges, they are the path that she chose.
As someone who has found and is still with the love of my
life, I could not imagine not having that. I can’t imagine not being with the
one you love, your best friend, your soul mate, and it really tugs at the heart
to know that Amanda and Dawson have had to give all of that up and go their
separate ways. You realize that not everyone has a marriage full of love and in
that sense, I was hoping for the passion between them to be reunited. Yet I was
also very aware of her present life with her children, and didn’t want her to
leave what she had forged with Frank. The whole time I was reading this book, I
didn’t know which decision I wanted Amanda to make. I can’t even imagine the
internal struggle she was faced with. It was very evident how hard it was in
her words to Dawson and in her inner monologue.
I loved the way Sparks wrote, linking memories from the past
with the present and filling in the blanks by jumping time frames. His
characters are so well developed. I felt as though I knew exactly who they were
while I was reading, almost as though I had grown up alongside them and had
been witness to their love. I love how Tuck has gotten to know the two of them
so well and as his dying wish wants them to come to the realization of their
true feelings. Yet he is not one to push too hard, he just puts the wheels in motion
and allows them to make their own decisions. Tuck was a very smart man.
The ending really ties things together in a way you’d never
imagine possible until the last few chapters. The irony of it all is so very
sad, yet stunning. Sparks knows just how to wrap things up so you’re not left
wondering.
