• The Best of Me

  • By: Nicholas Sparks
  • Narrated by: Sean Pratt
  • Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,296 ratings)

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The Best of Me  By  cover art

The Best of Me

By: Nicholas Sparks
Narrated by: Sean Pratt
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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

Featured Article: 10 Outstanding Contemporary Fiction Authors for Fans of Nicholas Sparks


Nicholas Sparks is a bestselling and widely beloved author of contemporary fiction—23 novels and counting! His stories about complicated relationships, unexpected love, loss, sacrifice, and rediscovery are written in a descriptive, emotional, and earnest style. There’s no other author exactly like Sparks, but if you’ve already made your way through his catalog and you’re looking for more listens of similar appeal, here are 10 other fiction authors you might enjoy.

What listeners say about The Best of Me

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Amazing book

This was such an awesome book. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Great romance Novel

While I really liked the book, I liked the movie adaptation better. Also, I liked that the movie included more scenes from their past while the actual book didn’t talk about that enough

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A must read

I am a Nicholas Sparks fan, and love all of his books. This one was no exception. I could not put it down, what a wonderful, touching, and amazing story. You will not be disapointed.

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14 people found this helpful

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Amazing book

This book was amazing it made me go through all the motions. As I was listening to the audiobook I was able to visualize everything that was going on in the book it’s amazing the emotions you feel happiness sad and anger. I strongly recommend it.

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A charmer

Sweet like the rest of his books. I highly recommend it. Though somewhat predictable still a tear jerker

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A Reader's Comments

This is a unique romance novel. If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks then this novel is for you.

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fabulous story!

this book was a poignant story and wonderfully performed. the narrator did a great job of speaking for all the characters distinctly. I highly recommend this book of love and loss.

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The end was a big surprise.

Many memorable moments, both happy and sad. End was not expected, and yet satisfying.

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Enjoyable

A good take on life's choices and true love lost, found and ever lasting.

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Made me cry

shocked by the ending. Made me cry. I loved it. read it today. enjoy it

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