The name of Nicholas Sparks has been very resonant as much as his novels get because he is one of the authors from the contemporary literature who makes an effort to really reach out to his readers (yes, he tweets.) After the success of his world-renowned novels like A Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Dear John and The Last Song, not to mention their critically-acclaimed film adaptations, Sparks did not seem to put out the fire just yet to his burning passion for writing and inspiring other people to the 3 L’s- loving, living life to the fullest and letting go. Even with his earnest attempts to create something fresh every time he begins a novel, his previous works which are The Safe Haven (September 2010) and The Best of Me (October 2011) did not deviate much from these three themes.The Safe Haven is embedded on a much more audacious approach as it speaks of taking risks when it comes to love and life. This novel has also tackled an issue in our society which is happening most likely in the corners of our own homes but is constantly being shoved at the back of the closet- domestic violence. When can somebody determine when the line has already been crossed? Is a black-and-blue love affair really worth it? How can a person start to let his/her guard down after having been hurt from previous experiences? Can love really be an enough fortress for someone?
The Best of Me on the other hand speaks of love having been reunited by a single course of fate or in this novel’s case, by a mentor of a former high school couple who died, obliging two people of now two different paths to come together once more. Even if the plot seems to be a revision from Sparks’ other novels like The Notebook which spoke about choosing security first before genuine love, The Best of Me, the story has a fair share of its own complexities which focuses on having an infidel marriage, dealing with an alcoholic spouse, and questioning one’s self about the decisions he/she has made earlier in his/her life. Is it wise to choose a secured life over the love of your life? Have you become that person you would have pitied twenty five years ago?
After seventeen novels and a recognizable amount of fame, Nicholas Sparks has been able to stay true to his commitment in moving his readers, letting them contemplate about life even further and stirring their hearts to the fullest. Nicholas Sparks is not just an ordinary author who writes to sell books and make dough. He is an author who experienced life itself.
