Wednesday, Sep 2, 2009
Book Review & Giveaway: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Grand Central/Hachette
ISBN #: 978-0-446-54756-7
Type: Fiction
Pages: 390 Hardback
Publish Date: September 8, 2009
Website: http://nicholassparks.com/
Purchase: $14.99 (HERE)
The Story
Ronnie’s father, Steve, has been divorced from her mother for over three years. While Ronnie and her younger brother, Jonah, live in New York with their mother, Steve lives in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Although it is the last place on earth that she wants to be, Ronnie is forced to spend a summer with Jonah at her dad’s beach-side home.
Steve is a professional pianist who once taught at Julliard. Since his family was separated, his daughter Ronnie has refused to play the piano to spite her dad. Ronnie is outwardly unhappy about Steve’s home, the piano situated within it, and the full 3 months of visiting that she is facing. For Ronnie, it seems like more of a jail sentence than a summer with her family. With little respect for authority or her father’s rules, Ronnie takes off the moment she arrives at his home. She heads straight down to the boardwalk/pier area where a carnival happens to be in town.
Trying to avoid her father and Jonah at the carnival, 17-year old Ronnie heads over to watch a nearby volleyball game. As she casts preconceived ideas into her mind about the crowd and the people of the community, she is suddenly hit by a volleyball player who was in pursuit of the ball. The result of their collision was Ronnie being drenched by her soda. Shortly thereafter, Ronnie meets Blaze, another wayward teenager who helps her out by giving her a dry shirt. The two teens make a connection out of their mutual parent-hating, society-rebelling mind-sets. Blaze introduces Ronnie to her friends, none of which would be “parent-approved.” The worst of the bunch is Marcus, a troublemaker who earns money at the pier and the carnival by tossing fireballs in a show.
Marcus & his gang invite Blaze and Ronnie out to Bower’s Point to drink and hang out. Later that night when Will overheard Ronnie’s father talking to Officer Pete about his daughter’s whereabouts, a concerned Will told Pete about the kids being at Bower’s Point. You see, for Will there was something special about that girl, the one with the rebellious streak and the purple stripe in her hair, that he couldn’t let go of… something in her eyes. He was officially intrigued.
After the complete and total humiliation of being hauled off Bower’s Point and breaking up the party, Ronnie is brought home by Officer Pete. Considering how badly the first night in Wrightsville Beach was, how would she be able to tolerate the rest of the summer… tormented by her father’s rules, 
annoyed by an wealthy society where she obviously didn’t fit in, and trying to navigate her way through her friendship with Blaze despite the fact she didn’t approve of Blaze’s friends, especially Marcus.
Unexpectedly, Ronnie does discovers a nest of sea turtle eggs in the beach behind her father’s home. It was this nest that led her back to Will, who volunteers at the local aquarium in addition to his volleyball playing days. What she finds in Will is a friend of the truest kind. One that will lead you to being the best person that you can be.
The Review
This novel delivers several stories that tie to one another nicely. It somewhat reminds me of his novel A Walk To Remember, an all-time favorite of mine. This book has the story of Ronnie coming of age, discovering her true self, and falling in love for the first time. This book also has the story of a family that finds a way to heal, forgive one another, and band together in the face of adversity. Like most of Nicholas Sparks other books, it exudes the warmth and compassion that this reader loves! He also writes in a Christian thread into this story, which I appreciated and enjoyed.
A prevalent dynamic in the book was the relationship between father and daughter. Even though I was once a teenager, as a parent it surprises me to see how kids nowadays view their parents. They are so quick to come to conclusions. In this story, Ronnie formed opinions of her dad that were solely based on her assumptions. She blamed him for so much that was wrong with the divorce and within their family life. She put up a wall in between them. Although Steve wasn’t the perfect father, he was a good, loving and patient one. Like all parents, there was room for improvement, however he did have the ability to see the bigger picture where his daughter was concerned. Steve held the wisdom to exhibit patience and allow Ronnie to discover the truth on her own. His approach to parenting his nearly 18-year-old daughter with problems, paid off the right dividends because it brought them closer together.
The Movie
Now… for the interesting news… Nicholas Sparks actually wrote this book after writing the screenplay for this movie. Yes, it’s normally the other way around! He wrote it in the same type of spirit as A Walk To Remember as that is what Miley Cyrus had expressed that was the type of movie she wanted to star in (or… something along those lines…). Miley Cyrus even picked out the name Ronnie for the heroine of this story.
I have to admit that I knew absolutely none of this when I started reading the book. It wasn’t until I was doing my “review research” that I ran into these facts. I’m not sure that I would have cast Miley Cyrus for this role. Ronnie has more of an edge than I picture Miley portraying. But, you never know. With Adam Shankman at the director’s chair, he just may pull it right on out of her. I’ll try to have an open mind. Like many other of Nicholas Sparks’ books, I do think this would make a great movie and look forward to seeing it next year.
The Rating
On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale,” I am giving The Last Song a rating of 9 out of 10. It has all of the components that a good novel needs… love, family, tragedy, God, and betrayal. A seasoned writer, Nicholas Sparks provides it all!
HOWEVER… to new readers… I must disclose… I’m a HUGE Nicholas Sparks fan! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nicholas Sparks… have read all of his books…. own all of his books and the movies based off of them! LOVE Nicholas Sparks!
Win 1 of 5 Copies!
YOU can win a copy of this great book. My goal is to give away one book for every 20 comments listed… that would be 100 comments… CAN WE DO IT?
Here are the rules:
* Leave A Comment – +1 entry
* Share Your Favorite Nicholas Sparks Book (list below) – +1 entry
* Share Your Favorite Beach & Tell Us Why It’s Your Favorite - +1 entry
* If You Could Help An Endangered Species (Like Ronnie’s Sea Turtles)… Which Would It Be & Why – +2 entries
* Follow Me Through Friend Connect – +2 entries
* Follow Me Through Google Reader – +2 entries
* Follow Me On Facebook – +1 entry
* Follow Me On Twitter – +1 entry
* Subscribe in Any Reader or RSS – +1 entry
* Blog or Tweet About It – +2 entries
* Leave A Comment on My Next Nicholas Sparks Post… hint: has movies – +2 entries
* Contest is open to US/Canada only, 18 Years Old & Over, Contest ends 9/15/09 *
Works By Nicholas Sparks
- The Last Song
- The Lucky One
- The Choice
- Dear John
- At First Sight
- True Believer
- Three Weeks With My Brother
- The Wedding
- The Guardian
- Nights In Rodanthe
- A Bend In The Road
- The Rescue
- A Walk To Remember
- Message In a Bottle
- The Notebook
Giving Thanks
Believe it or not, I actually was so very lucky to have received a “review” copy of this book from the publisher… so, my thanks are to Hachette and my favorite Fairy Book Godmother, M!
125 Responses
Sandy
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:46 am
I’ve not read all of Sparks’ novels, but I’m not sure anything can compare to The Notebook, no? As far as beaches, my all time favorite one, the one where I want to retire, is St. George Island in the panhandle of Florida. No highrises, just beach houses on stilts, a couple of restaurants, a spice shop/wine bar, and a three-shopping-car grocery. We go every year and when I’m not there, my heart longs for it. I love sea turtles, but I don’t want to copy that idea, so I will say the manatee. After all, we have license plates in Florida for those sweet sea cows! rnawrot at cfl dot rr dot com
BTW, love the new look!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Marlbork #2 =-.
MARIE BURTON
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 am
OK I follow, I subscribe.. And I’m leaving a comment and I’m telling you I never read Nicholas Sparks but after that hunk of a picture I am definitely Going TO! Woohoo Hottie! I had no idea.. and THen I am also going to tell you that my fave beach is/was Jones Beach, on Long Island NY.
That was facing the ocean, so the waves were AWESOME and I spent many a days there with my mom. But I also saw John Mellencamp in concert there TWICe… with my friend, and it was AWESOME.. remember the Whenever We Wanted Tour?! He was so energetic and gorgeous. “Now More Than Ever..” Yum.
So there you have like 4 entries.(marieburton2004 at yahoo)
And NOW I am telling you that this is one fantastic fantabulous makeover… holy moley Look at You go Girl! I love the color schemes, I think green is just perfect for webpages, don’t you agree? And the menu bar and the headers on the posts and how the posts are blocked off, it is something I shall never achieve with Blogger but you put us all to shame. Loving it!
This is definitely the best ever layout makeover I have ever seen, I wonder how long it took for you to fix this up? Excellent job, pat on the back!!
.-= MARIE BURTON´s last blog ..Heyer Lovers Only! Sourcebooks B&N Heyer Receipt Promotion & Giveaway! =-.
Pam R.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 am
this sounds like a good one! I’d like to be included!
+1 I’ve never read a Nicholas Sparks book (shame, shame, I know) but I’ve seen the movies The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Nights in Rodanthe. I’d have to say A Walk to Remember was my fave.
+1 My favourite beach is Batchewana Bay. It’s a nice sandy beach that never gets overrun with people; it’s close to my house; it’s on my beloved Lake Superior.
+2 There are so many endangered species I’d like to help. At the moment, I’d like to save the Giant Panda and the Polar Bear. I just think they’re gorgeous. They look so cuddly though I know they’re not.
+2 follow with google friend connect
+2 follow through google reader
+1 subscribe through google reader
Menagerie
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 am
Girl… I just did it last night. I get so bored staring at the same screen over and over… Thanks for saying such nice stuff!
Menagerie
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:03 am
Thanks, Sandy! I appreciate it!
Menagerie
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:04 am
Those are two of my favorite bears! I love them both… but esp. love polar bears!
lissa
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 am
I’ve yet to read a Sparks’s novel but this sounds pretty intriguing, I did see some of the movies
I like your new look, it loads so much faster than before, at least when I visit here
lisamm
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 am
Wow, looking good!! I love the green with the pumpkin and everything all squared off. It looks great and very refreshing!! I liked it the other way too but this is better.
I think The Notebook may be the only Nicholas Sparks book I’ve read.
Alicia
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 am
+ 1 I LOVE Nicholas Sparks – he is my guilty pleasure
I just love reading his books every year. Also, I’m loving your new look – I almost forgot where I was!
+ 1 My favorite book is The Guardian. That is the book I read at least once a year and I have wanted a great dane ever since.
+1 My favorite beach is the one on Gulf Shores, Alabama (don’t know what it’s called) I took a vacation there last year and am going back this year and my grandparents go for 2 months every year. It is just so peaceful, quiet and relaxing. I actually feel like I am on vacation when I am there.
+ 2 I follow you through Google Reader
+ 1 I follow you on Facebook
+ 1 I follow you on Twitter
Thanks Sheri
Rebecca S. Cox
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:08 am
I would love to win this book. I have read most of Nicholas Sparks’books.
+1 My Favorite is Message in a bottle
+1 My favorite beach is Amelia Island. I we always go there in the winter when there is no one there and walk the beach, listen to the waves crash, the wind howl, there is no one there but us and a few locals. The island is very small, few typical beach places that draw crowds.
+2 I follow on google reader
+1 I follow on twitter
+2 http://twitter.com/ccqdesigns/status/3711640880 here’s my tweet
Oh my gosh, I cannot imagine Miley Cyrus as Ronnie. No way.
rebecca dot cox at charter dot net
Rebecca S. Cox
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 am
+2 Oh sorry, I forgot, My husband and I work with the sea turtles on Amelia Island each year. We have actually dug out a mother turtle who dug herself into the dunes because of all the lights beachside. We go down around 5 am to check that the moms get out safely. She was around 2-300 pounds. There were 4 of us digging and trying to turn her around while she was snapping at us. It took us about an hour. When she got in the water and started swimming, she stopped and turned around and looked back at us for a moment. We have to think she was thanking us. Then we went up and marked her nest.
rebecca dot cox at charter dot net
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:02 am
I absolutely adore Nicholas Sparks’ writing. Please enter me in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) coma
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 am
So far, my favourite Nicholas Sparks book is “The Notebook”.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 am
My favourite beach is Malibu Beach in California because it’s a great place to see celebrities and it’s warm and beautiful there.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:05 am
I would help Polar Bears which are quickly becoming an endangered species. They are such big beautiful critters and I would hate to see them disappear.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
I am already a follower through Google Friend Connect.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Wanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
I subscribe through Google Reader.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Alicia
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 am
sorry – trying to unsubscribe from the comments
Bridget
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 am
I have to admit, I haven’t read any Nicholas Sparks (yet), although I’ve seen Nights in Rodanthe and loved it. Just posted about your contest on Win A Book.
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..The Smart One and the Pretty One =-.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
No need to enter me in the giveaway. This is one of the books my mom will be reviewing on my blog. Thanks for a great review.
.-= Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Interview with Mahbod Seraji, Author of Rooftops of Tehran =-.
Kathy
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
I’m so glad this is of the same caliber as A Walk to Remember because I think that’s Sparks at his best. No need to enter me, since I’m going to the author’s book signing next week. Can you hear me screaming?
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.
Marjorie
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I am a new follower and would like to win this book.
It has a good review.
Alyce
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
+1 I would like to win this for my mother-in-law who loves Nicholas Sparks books.
+1 My favorite beach is Horsefall Beach in Oregon. It is the beach that I spent the most time at as a kid, and I have a lot of great memories there: Walking with my dad in a windstorm (we were encrusted with sand), walking by myself during some of those tough teen years.
+2 I follow you in Google Reader
+2 I think I follow you in friend connect (is that the thing on your sidebar?)
+1 I follow you on facebook
+1 I follow you on twitter
+1 I subscribe in a reader.
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..August 2009 Wrap Up =-.
Jessica
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Great giveaway you have here.Count me in please. Thanks. jessica(at)fan(dot)com
+ 1 The only book of his I’ve read is The Notebook. Which I liked very much.
+1 I’m originally from Australia so the animal I would choose is the Tasmanian Devil which is in bad shape due to a mysterious cancer that is spreading between them.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Awesome giveaway =-.
DarcyO
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I would love to read this one. I’m a fan of his work.
+1 I really enjoyed The Lucky One.
+2 I follow with Google Reader.
+1 I subscribe to your RSS.
Mozi Esmes Mommy
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
The Wedding. I haven’t read much of his stuff, but I love what I’ve read!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
.-= Mozi Esmes Mommy´s last blog ..Review: Lost Mission =-.
amandasue
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
+ 1 Comment- I’d love to read this book Nicholas Sparks is such a talented author!
+1 My favorite book of his is The Notebook! And I’m just as fond of the movie too!
+1 My favorite beach is Clearwater Beach in Clearwater FL, the water is a beautiful blue with a hint of green, the sand is soft and white and the seashells are a fun way to remember it, and the sunsets/sunrises are breathtaking!
+2 I’d help save the Giant Panda, because I think there amazing animals!
+2 New follower through Google/Friend Connect
Thanks so much for a chance to read this book!
unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com
MMW
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
+1 I can’t wait to get a hold of this book
+1 The Notebook is one of my all time favorite book (and movie too!)
Sheila DeChantal
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 am
The Notebook really touched me… we read it for bookclub. I enjoy Sparks! I am in Minnesota – I wish I had a favorite beach LOL – a fav would be any beach that is quiet and beautiful where I can read undisturbed except for the gentle roll of the water washing along the shore.
I dont think I can choose one animal as I love them all and it breaks my heart to hear about the loggerhead turtles, polar bears,…
I follow on googe rss, and on twitter
.-= Sheila DeChantal´s last blog ..Word Verification Balderdash (the Thursday Thing) =-.
Beth
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
This looks great! Please enter me!
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Review: A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond =-.
Beth
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
My favorite is A Walk to Remember. The movie was awesome too!
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Review: A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond =-.
Beth
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:05 am
I follow through Google Reader (and friend connect).
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Review: A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond =-.
Laura's Reviews
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
My favorite Nicholas Spark book so far is The Wedding. I thought it was a VERY romantic and uncoventional story.
I think my favorite beach is the beach at McClain State Park on Lake Superior in the Kewaunaw Peninsula in Michigan. It is very beautiful and a place where my husband and I used to spend time when we were dating.
If I could help an endangered species it would be a panther. They used to run around Wisconsin everywhere back in the day (who can forget the panther chasing Pa in Little House in the Big Woods?), but can only be seen now mostly in zoos. Predators get a bad rap.
I am a follower on Google Reader. This is a great giveaway – I would love to read this book! I love to read Nicholas Sparks!
.-= Laura’s Reviews´s last blog ..Race to Witch Mountain (2009) =-.
Jackie
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Thanks for the review – it sounds great! i love all of his books and cannot wiat to read this one
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Piggy Paint Giveaway =-.
Jackie
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
my fav nicholas sparks book is the notebook (or the wedding, or nights in rodanthe) – okay – this question is too hard!!!! I LOVE all of his
but i do think my favorite is the notebook.
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Piggy Paint Giveaway =-.
Jackie
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
my favorite beach is deerfield beach (I used to live there) and it was so relaxig at night taking my kids down to the beach for a walk
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Piggy Paint Giveaway =-.
Jackie
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
i follow u on twitter @3littleonesblog
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Piggy Paint Giveaway =-.
Cindy V
September 4th, 2009 at 2:11 am
My favorite book is The Notebook.
I subscribe by googlereader.
Anna
September 4th, 2009 at 10:33 am
No need to enter me, as I have this book already. Just wanted to say I enjoyed your review. I like Sparks, but nothing tops “The Notebook.” I’m looking forward to reading this one soon.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins =-.
Julia
September 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
My favorite Sparks read is A Walk to Remember and I do subscribe through google reader.
Karen K
September 5th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I’m a huge Nicholas Sparks fan…It’s hard for me to choose a favourite book…maybe “Nights in Rodanthe” only because I read that one first. I haven’t seen the movie, though, have you? Would love to read this one.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Karen K
September 5th, 2009 at 7:24 am
My favourite beach is Cape May…beautiful homes and beaches.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Karen K
September 5th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I’m a subscriber
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Karen K
September 5th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Endangered species….I’ll also say the polar bears…they are beautiful.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Aliya D.
September 5th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
+1 I would love to win this book; Sparks novels are great, “mushy” reads that I love to indulge in.
+1 My favourite Sparks novel would have to be the quintessential “The Notebook” for the obvious reasons, but mostly because I remember what it felt like to fall in love for the first time with the “wrong boy”…
+1 I don’t know the name of my favourite beach, but it’s located just north of Rosarito, Mexico (before that place became scary) and abuts our beach house. It’s isolated, never crowded, clean and just lovely…
+2 Only one endangered species to save?! That is tough! Hmmm… I’d be like Noah and create a modern ark for all the animals in the world. But one would be elephants… There is something so majestic and beautiful about these goliaths.
Aliya D.
September 5th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Oooppsss… I forgot to add my email.
Aliya D.
aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca
heatherzilla
September 6th, 2009 at 2:07 am
+1 I love Nicholas Sparks. He is one of my favorite authors.
+1 My favorite Nicholas Sparks book is A Walk to Remember. (I LOVE Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter)
+1 Jekyll Island, because it is beautiful and peaceful
+2 I would help the baby seals because seeing a video of baby seals being clubbed has haunted me for years.
+1 Facebook (sent friend request)
+2 Friend Connect
Mariag
September 6th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
+1 Love his books.
+1 My favourite is the Notebook.
+1 The best beach – Bavaro Beach Punta Cana
+2 Follow on Google Reader
etirv
September 6th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
+1 I would like to be entered!
+1 Favorite Nicholas Sparks Book: The Notebook
+1 Favorite Beach & Tell Us Why: Any Laura Lee Guhrke book like Secrets of a Gentleman because her books make me teary eyed the most!
+2 If I Could Help An Endangered Species, Which Would It Be & Why – Humpback whale because it’s an endangered species in my home state Hawaii
+2 I Follow you Through Friend Connect
+2 I Follow you Through Google Reader
+1 I Subscribe via google reader
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Benita G.
September 6th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
+1 Comment – This is my first visit to your blog. I’d love a shot to this book.
+1 My favorite Nicholas Sparks book is The Notebook.
+1 My favorite Beach is St. Augustine Beach because the sand is white, the water is blue and it’s very private.
+1 If I could help an endangered species it would be the panda. One look at those guys and my heart melts.
+1 I just subscribed via email.
My fingers are crossed.
Benita G.
September 6th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Ah, Oh. I forgot to include my email. So here it is
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bloody Bad
September 6th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I follow on
twiter
google reader
friend connect
The only Sparks book I ever read was the Notebook but I loved it.
XOXO ~ Katrina
.-= Bloody Bad´s last blog ..In my mailbox, what am I reading =-.
BusyJulie
September 7th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I didn’t read the book but Nights In Rodanthe was a great movie! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
.-= BusyJulie´s last blog ..Book Review and Blog Tour – NurtureShock =-.
Lori
September 7th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Sher,
I love Nicholas Sparks’ books. I had seen the movies A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, and Message in a Bottle before I began reading his novels. I’ve now read several (Dear John, At First Sight, True Believer and The Choice). I can’t wait to read the latest!
I must admit that I really don’t like the beach that much. I go as little as possible. Not possible you say for a native Californian? Think again. I think I’m allergic to sand and am scared of the water.
The one and only beach that holds a special place in my heart however, is Kaanapali Beach in Maui. I love it! My Husband and I went there for our honeymoon 15 years ago and returned with our kids in 2007. A totally different experience for sure, but awesome!
My favorite part was, coincidentally, swimming with the sea turtles. My husband still laughs because he had to cajole me into the water and then the next thing he knows, I spot a turtle and take off following it for 45 minutes. The water was warm, the sand was not coarse or dirty. It’s truly the only beach that I’ve ever really enjoyed.
I’ve already subscribed to your RSS feed already, so I guess that’s 3 entries for me.
Love to you and the Menagerie!
Lor
kim
September 7th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Please enter me
kim
September 7th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I liked The Notebook by Sparks
.-= kim´s last blog ..NutureShock Giveaway! (ends 9/18) =-.
BevE
September 7th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I’d love to win The Last Song and good grief as far as favorite beach, there’s only one around here and I’m not sure if it’s still open, the name of it is Crane Creek – doesn’t sound very beach like does it LOL
BevE
merryweatherbookblog@gmail.com
.-= BevE´s last blog ..Serendipity Sunday – A special giveaway =-.
Amy
September 8th, 2009 at 3:37 am
Anotheer great giveaway! Please include me!
I havene’t read many of Nicholas Sparks’ books but I really enjoyed Message in a Bottle!
One of my favorite beaches will alwasy be the beach at Siasconset, Nantucket. It’s a beautiful spot and I have so many wonderful childhood memories of this beach!
Aimala127@gmail.com
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon! =-.
Amy
September 8th, 2009 at 3:43 am
+2 I have a soft spot in my heart for all types of cats and I think snow leopards are beautiful animals. They have a grace & elegance about them and the cubs are the cutest little things.
I also adore the Giant Panda. These animals cause harm to no one and it breaks my heart that they are endangered.
It’s so troubling that many endangered species are in trouble now not just because of hunters and such but the breaking down and erosion of nature, the land and the environment that has sutained them for so long.
Aimala127@gmail.com
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon! =-.
Amy
September 8th, 2009 at 3:49 am
+2 follow through Frien Connect
+2 Google Reader follower
+1 Following you on Facebook
+1 Following on Twitter
+1 Subscribe to your blog Feed through email
Aimala127@gmail.com
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon! =-.
Diane
September 8th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Hi! First time I have commented here.Please enter me in the drawing. I really enjoy the authenticity of the Nicholas Sparks books.
Thanks. Diane
Diane
September 8th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hi! My favorite Nicholas sparks book is probably The Notebook, As I am at middle age (some may say even older), I appreciate the relationship of the couple and the poignancy of sharing and also losing memories of theor lives tpogether.
Thanks.
Diane
Diane
September 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Let’s see–my favorite beach–probably the very rocky one that appears at low tide by the cottage we have rented for the past several years on Vashon Island in Washington state. I have been able to walk it most mornings to search for sea glass, my latest passion ijn collecting.
Thanks. Diane
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I would love to win a copy of this please enter me in this contest : )
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
My favorite Nicolas Sparks book is the Notebook because it gives a inside look at what unconditional Love with No boundries is like.
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
My favorite beach is Surf City, N.C./Topsail. When i was a little girl my dad use to take us there me and my mom would go out on the beach while he fished on Barnacle Bill’s Pier. I also love the Outer Banks and Shackleford Banks i was lucky enough to see alot of the wild horses that live there, that was a awesome exsperience!!
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I follow you threw Google Reader
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I follow you on facebook
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I follow you on twitter (photoquest2)
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Lori Barnes
September 8th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I subscribe by email
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Anita Yancey
September 8th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
This book sounds really good. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Anita Yancey
September 8th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I am a subscriber!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Lynette
September 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Naseem directed me to this site and I an so glad she did!
Lynette
September 9th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I’m partial to The Notebook.
Lynette
September 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I would love to help save elephants.
Because of ivory trading, the African elephant population fell by 50% in less than 20 years. Asian elephants are even worse off.
Elephant culture is one of most civilized societies on earth. As humans, we need to not only preserve them, but learn from them.
Lisa Garrett
September 9th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I love Nicholas Sparks. Please enter me.
Lisa Garrett
September 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
My favorite beach is Pensacola beach because of the sugar white sand and the turquoise water.
Lisa Garrett
September 9th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
My favorite Sparks book is The Notebook.
Sheila
September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Please enter me in your giveaway.
My favorite Nicholas Sparks book is The Notebook. +1
My favorite beach is the northern Washington coast, for the beautiful trees and rocky outcroppings, and passing whales. +1
If I could help an endangered species is would be the California Condor, because they are magnificient, beautiful, birds. +2
I blogged about your giveaway at http://giveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2009/09/last-song-by-nicholas-sparks-giveaways.html +2
Natalie A.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I would love to read this book!! Thanks for the chance!!
Natalie A.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I’m following your blog! 1
Natalie A.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I’m following your blog! 2
Natalie A.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I love The Notebook Book of his! Thanks!
Natalie A.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
My favorite beach is in Hawaii on Kauai! It’s beautiful there! Thanks!
Courtney
September 10th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Please enter me. My favorite by Nicholas Sparks is A Walk To Remember. I view it as the most “innocent” of his books. My favorite beach is where my family used to visit in Outer Banks, N.C.
If I win, my email is clp1777(at)aol(dot)com
Stacie
September 11th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the chance.
Stacie
September 11th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I follow you.
.-= Stacie´s last blog ..Naturepedic Review =-.
Nancye Davis
September 11th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I am a HUGE Nicholas Sparks fan who would love to win this book!!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Virginia C
September 12th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Hello! Thanks so much for this great giveaway!
+1 Favorite Book: The Notebook
+1 The beach at the state park 15 minutes from my house. Beautiful & nearby.
+2 Wolves. Magical, mystical, misunderstood.
+2 Friend Connect follower
+2 Google Reader follower
+1 Email subscriber
Virginia C
September 12th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Hello! Thanks so much for this great giveaway!
+1 Favorite Book: The Notebook
+1 The beach at the state park 15 minutes from my house. Beautiful & nearby.
+2 Wolves. Magical, mystical, misunderstood.
+2 Friend Connect follower
+2 Google Reader follower
+1 Email subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Sherry
September 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Awesome review, I, too love Nicholas Sparks!
+1 My favorite Nicholas Sparks book is the notebook. Not sure why, except it was the first I read, I’ve been hooked ever since.
+1 My favorite beach is Coronado in San Diego – my parents took us there all the time when dad was stationed on North Island.
+2 I follow on friend connect – Sherylinn or Sherry Cremer
+2 I follow on Goggle – Sherrylinn
+1 Follow on Facebook – Sherry Cremer
+1 I follow on twitter – Sherrylinn
+1 I subscribe via email – slcremer at gmail dot com
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Coombs Family Farms Maple Prize Package =-.
denise
September 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Please enter me. I love his books!!
denise
September 13th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I would have to say The Notebook is my favorite.
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
denise
September 13th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
For an endangered species I would have to say elephants. They are my son’s favorite.
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
denise
September 13th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
My favorite beach is in Cape Cod. I love the natural feel.
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
Christine
September 14th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Please enter me!
Shawntele
September 15th, 2009 at 7:06 am
+1 I thoroughly enjoy Nicholas Sparks books, great contest!
+1 My favorite book of his is The Notebook.
+2 I picked your feed up in my google reader.
Beth
September 15th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me. I just loved The Notebook.
Jemima
September 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I would love to enter.
I signed up on Facebook Networked Blogs
.-= Jemima´s last blog ..BBAW Giveaway #2 =-.
Nancye Davis
September 15th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
+1 My favorite Nicholas Sparks books: The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, The Wedding, etc.
+2 Follow Google Friend connect
+1 Facebook Follow Epperson Davis
+1 Follow you on Twitter (ID: @NancyeDavis)
+1 subscribe via email
+1 subscribe via RSS Reader
+1 subscribe via networked blogs
+2 Tweet: http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/4019457563
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis
September 15th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
My favorite beach is Garden City Beach, South Carolina. It is 10-15 minutes away from the hub of Myrtle Beach. Very family oriented, peaceful, and a nice vacation. I would love to go back some day soon.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Jonnie H
September 17th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Please enter me
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
Jonnie H
September 17th, 2009 at 9:01 am
My favorite Nicholas Sparks is the Notebook
Jonnie H
September 17th, 2009 at 9:02 am
My favorite beach is Melmerby Beach in Nova Scotia because growing up I spent alot of time there.
Jessica
September 18th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Ohh, please enter me, I love Nicholas Sparks! My e-mail is jessicallawlor at gmail dot com
My favorite Sparks book is definitely The Notebook…always has been and always will be.
My favorite beach is Ocean City, NJ. I grew up going there and go back every summer and it will just always have a special place in my heart
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Booking Through Thursday =-.
Darlene W
September 20th, 2009 at 5:29 am
I’d love to win this.
Arianna
September 20th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
My favorite Nicholas Sparks book would have to be The Notebook. As a 20 year old girl, well woman. I find it amazing that theres still some hope out there that theres love such as The Notebook. I would love to be able to say I have a love like The Notebook, someone who loves me enough to remind everyday of who I am, just for 10 seconds of remembering who he is.
Julie H.
September 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
+1 Please count me in!
+1 My favorite Sparks book so far was The Lucky One.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Agata
October 18th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I just finished reading The Last Song. Just a second ago. I find it one of the most inspiring books i have read. i truly feel grateful to Nicholas Sparks for creating such a wonderful book.
the first time i was exposed to NICHOLAS SPARKS was about…5 years ago.
It was then when i saw ” A walk to remember” with a group of friends. I fell in “love-or what-not” with the movie. i watched it about…10 times. In addition i watched the Notebook, and i must have watched that movie about 5 times. hehe. Then i read DEAR JOHN. i realllllyy liked that book. but i had this depressing yet uplifting feeling at the end. Now i finished the LAST SONG, and i have to say that is my favorite Nicholas Sparks so far.
Im about to read the Guardian, unless i decide to read some other Nicholas Sparks.
I dont really go to beaches.. i dont live NEAR one. thats..um..unfortunate.
I am a fourteen year old teenager and I absolutely feel uplifted and have more faith everytime i read or see a ” Nicholas SPARKS”.
Lil' Miss Sunshine
October 20th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Hi ya’ll…! I just came by this webpage after acknowledging the new movie, “The Last Song”….just wondering, is the hero, Will, in this movie a deaf guy, i hink the movie would be more WONDERFULL, if he IS deaf….so, is he???? plz answer me quickly plz!!!!!
Rachel Kinser
October 24th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author EVER!
I am working on reading every single book he has written!
My favorite book is Dear John.
brittany
November 12th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
nicholas sparks so far this is one of my favorite books by you . i really cant wait until the movie comes out i’ve been lookling foward to see it since you guys annoyced that it was coming out in april so i really cant wait
.-= brittany´s last blog ..Dancing With the Stars November 9, 2009: We’re Down To 5! =-.
ashley
January 20th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I just finished reading dear john mnutes ago, and I hate the end. I wanted to cry, and to let them be together. I HATED the end.
maddie
January 30th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
i agree with you all the way. i cried my eyes out. and i feel the nicholas sparks’ words are ingenious.
abbie
February 13th, 2010 at 11:27 am
You know it’s hard to say which book I like best. I love every book I’ve read. He is such a great writer.I quess the notebook is one of my favorite. just saw the movie Dear John. love it makes me want to read the book again. Loved that book too. I think i want to read all of them again. Stopped a stranger at the movie’s and told them they need to read all ur books. they r all very good.
thanks so much KEEP WRITING!!!
parmida
February 16th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
i have read a few `of the books and i cot to say i liove them they are so good but i didnt like the end to dear john
jj
February 16th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Agreed!I too am 14 and now I look at life from a different perspective i have so much inspiration! especially about finding the right definetly my favorite so far
Emily
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I absolutely loved the last song it is my favorite song and i am so glad i read it. it was sooo good. i can’t believe he wrote the book after the movie! i cried so hard when i read this book- its a heart breaker.
Marki
March 15th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
i just finished reading The Last Song and i loved it. im not much of a reader so after concuring the twilight series i figured id try another “romance themed” novel and i really liked it. but i felt the author could have done so much more with the story line especially with the tension between marcus, ronnie, and will. and i felt there should have been more of an ending but overall i love the book and feel miley cyrus is good to play this role even if it was made for her
jocelyn
March 15th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
omg!! i absolutlyy love thiss book. It is amaziing!! i guess its because i just love reading romantic books. I have to say this would be a great book for teens. I felt like if the author wanted us to feel as if we were Ronnie. AND iit worked!!! i felt like i could really understnd how she was feeling. When her parents diivorced and she had to move in with her dad. I havent seen the movie yet, but im sure its doing to be as awsome as the book!!
YOYO
March 24th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I thought that this book was amazing!! I love their charcters!! I ♥ Nicholas Sparks’ books!!
Dying To See… The Movie Based Upon the Book The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
April 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
[...] September of 2009, I had died and gone to heaven when I had the opportunity to review a Nicholas Sparks book for Hachette. He’s absolutely one of my favorite authors, EVER! And then, Kathy like totally turned my [...]
veronica
April 19th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
i love the last song beyond anyones wild imagination but i hate dear jhons but i guess there cant always be happy endings. 8(