Book Review: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

“I have faith that God will show you the answer. But you have to understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what God wants you to do. That's how it often is. God's voice is usually nothing more than a whisper, and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments, the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.”

― Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song

Nicholas Sparks, an American author, published The Last Song in 2009. The Last Song is Nicholas Sparks' fourteenth published book and the inspiration for the same-named movie. Grand Central Publishing issued The Last Song on September 1, 2009, and it immediately topped the weekly bestseller charts. As well as topping the Wall Street Journal's fiction list, it topped the hardcover fiction charts for Publishers Weekly, the New York Times, and Publishers Weekly. The Last Song outsold all other books in its first week, according to the ranking from USA Today, which includes sales of a book in all media.

The story that follows is a fascinating tale of love in its many manifestations, including first love and the love shared by parents and children. As only a Nicholas Sparks book can, it illustrates the various ways that deeply felt relationships may break our hearts. . . as well as heal them.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

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 alienated 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.

My reaction to this novel...

Nicholas Sparks is one of the authors I turn to when I need a good cry. I can't stop crying every time I read books from him. He has an uncanny ability to make the readers cry like the story is real. Every time I read one of his books, I feel as though I am going to burst. This one is included. In fact, I had a general concept of what would transpire in the story. When you read his books, you learn to predict how the plot will end, but even if you get the ending right, you'll still be surprised by the feelings that will suddenly flood through you. That's how he makes me feel.

Of course, love is a major topic in this novel, but so is forgiveness. The daughter's unfolding events during the course of a summer were also well-captured by the author, as were the sentiments of two kids to their parent's separation. I particularly loved how he presented Steve, the father, as someone who is trying to change for his children. I feel connected to the characters in this book, and it also appeals to my emotions, which occasionally allows me to disconnect from the outside world. It also inspires the reader to have a strong confidence in God, even if all of their questions are not immediately resolved.

I like how, despite the fact that Sparks is known as a romance author, he consistently finds new methods to put love in the spotlight. I was completely astounded by the story's ability to portray so many different ideas and emotions. Additionally, it is even better because the tale was lengthier and the characters had deeper character development than ever before. Even though I have to admit that Marcus' punishment was insufficient for me since I was so irritated and upset with him that I had predicted the worst for him, I still found the narrative to be extremely moving and loved all that transpired, even though they did not emphasize Marcus' punishment thoroughly.

I really appreciated the romantic love story contained inside the lines of this book, but Steve, was the very finest part of the novel. Reading Steve's outlook on life and his actions justified the hours I deprived myself of sleep. I can't imagine ever forgetting this tale, and I heartily recommend it to all readers out there.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

“Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.”

Being separated from someone we love is incredibly difficult. We worry that being apart could weaken our love. However, even if they are thousands of miles away, our love will only deepen if we have real faith in our relationship to the individuals from whom we shall be parted. As long as there is faith, there will always be love, thus we must have good faith in our relationship.

“Never forget that God is your friend. And like all friends, He longs to hear what's been happening in your life. Good or bad, whether it's been full of sorrow or anger, or even when you're questioning why terrible things have to happen.”

This is absolutely true. We can always rely on God. Even though we occasionally only think of him when we are facing problems, he is always willing to listen. God is a friend who truly wants to hear from us about everything, even our joys and sorrows. He will give us consolation in our hour of need without passing judgment. Even when we think we are alone, he is always there. He will always be by our side at all times, so all we need to do is trust him and open our hearts to him.