The Best of Me

By: Nicholas Sparks

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In this number one New York Times best-selling novel of first love and second chances, former high school sweethearts confront the painful truths of their past to build a promising future - together.

"Everyone wanted to believe that endless love was possible. She'd believed in it once, too, back when she was eighteen".

In the spring of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in their small town in North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

Now, 25 years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back home for the funeral of Tuck Hostetler, the mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance. Neither has lived the life they imagined...and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. As Amanda and Dawson carry out the instructions Tuck left behind for them, they realize that everything they thought they knew - about Tuck, about themselves, and about the dreams they held dear - was not as it seemed.

Forced to confront painful memories, the former lovers will discover undeniable truths about the choices they have made. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?

©2011 Nicholas Sparks (P)2011 Hachette

Nicholas Sparks does it again

The story telling ability of Sparks always amazes and entrances me. It s enhanced by Sean Pratt’s brilliant narration. While the story was expertly woven I was somewhat surprised by the turn the book took at the end. Happy ending?? Sort of?

Much sadder than I thought it would be

Pretty well written. Some sections used a lot of detail...more than necessary, I think, to get to the point. Overall, a somewhat typical Nicholas Sparks romantic drama, but just more violent and sad, I think.

the best of me

wonderful story and in-depth characters
easy to get lost in the narrative and among the characters.

Awesome story !

I listened to this book via Audible. The narrator’s voice was so wonderfully amazingly companionable that I found myself reaching for the book just to hear his voice and enjoy the experience. The narrator is Sean Pratt. Now on to the story of the book itself. The story took hold of me, kept me totally engaged. I anticipated how it would end. The author writes so fluidly. His weaving of the various elements is masterful. The words he chooses for the characters to express themselves and the way the author leads the listener effortlessly to the final scene are so satisfying. Another reviewer said it was depressing. I saw that review but chose to select the book anyway. I’m so glad I did. I found it amazingly tender and heart-warming and it left me with tears in my eyes yet smiling. Loved this experience. Highly recommend.

Great listen

Such an emotional and great book. The ending was slightly predictable, but I enjoyed listening to this book. Nicolas Sparks is one of my favorite authors and again he’s moved me to tears.

Wonderful Book

I didn't realize this book had been made into a movie. I can fully understand why. It was very good.

Great Story of love, loyalty and courage.

I truly enjoyed this book, it was read wonderfully and was told with such feeling, the characters are so well described and the the expressions so well played out, I highly recommend this wonderful book, it was my first romance novel but will not be the last.

Tears!

This was an awesome story. I cried. I’m not afraid to admit it. Dawson was an amazing man.

Another winner for Nicholas Sparks!

The story was engaging and the reading of it was wonderfully done. I definitely recommend.

The Best of Me

This was a book, first I have heard by Nicholas Sparks. I did not want to put it down. Do not want to give away any details to spoil for the readers. There was one part that I was disappointed about and that was. Wishing there had been a female voice for Amanda. Other that all was so good. How they are able to read all the characters one sentence changing to another. Just amazing. Correction, Not them, the Narrator.