The Choice

By: Nicholas Sparks

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life, including boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies, he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.  

Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him...and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen.

Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage, and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heart-wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

©2007 Nicholas Sparks (P)2007 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"A tender and moving love story...Sparks' latest does not disappoint." (Publishers Weekly)

Wow

The Choice is by far Nicholas Sparks' best book. I have listened to several, enjoying most. I was so into this book and the story, I couldn't believe it. Parts were a little dragged out but I realized I didn't mind since it prolonged the enjoyment of the book. If you like relationship books, it's a great listen. I highly recommend it. BTW, I've never taken the time to review any book before but this one was worth it.

an emotional tug

While I did, in the end, enjoy this book at times it felt like the author was putting me through emotional extortion. He is tricky in his use of wording, so as to keep the reader constantly guessing where the end of the plot is going. He wrings every drop possible out of you and, at times it is annoying. The main part of the book is a very enjoyable love story. So, if you are up for an emotional roller coaster, go for it! The character development and setting are great. The narrator is very good. I'll look for him again in the future. Finally, I can't imagine anyone doing justice to this story in an abridged version. So, if you do listen to it, enjoy the long version.

Good Read

I generally like all of Spark's books, but this one was a good light hearted one with a twist. It touches on the daily trials and tribulations and I think that people can relate. A good read - the narrator is excellent.

What a choice to have to face!

Get a box of tissue for this one. What a great story!
My new favorite.

Great Book

Loved the book. It had many surprises and I would highly recommend it. Mr. Sparks has created another great book.

Such a Sweet Story

What made the experience of listening to The Choice the most enjoyable?

The characters, the narrator, this beautiful story.

What did you like best about this story?

The story moved me to tears. Such a sweet love story, and love stories aren't really my thing, In fact I had purchased this several months ago started it and blew it off. Figured I wouldn't like it. I scanned my library and remembered this. What a sweet surprise. The characters are people you can relate to. Just very simple, everyday people. And an actual love story that is believable.

Have you listened to any of Holter Graham???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am not sure. But I loved his performance in this. He has a beautiful voice. One you don't get tired of hearing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes. When you have felt that sort of love in your life you understand what this poor man was going through. I loved him for loving her the way that he did.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to any one. Even hard nosed mystery buffs like me. Its nice sometimes to enjoy the beauty in life sometimes, not all the suspense.

Another Sparks tearjerker

If you loved the Notebook then you will love this one too. It's a typical N. Sparks story. It dragged a little at the beginning but the ending was well worth the listen. Just be sure to have the tissues close by....

Don't see the movie first

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not so much for me. It was a let down after watching the movie first. Travis' father in the movie was a great character altogether missing in the book. The banter by Travis was pretty good but I thought Gabby's fell short

Who was your favorite character and why?

Travis by far.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Holter Graham?

Yes But for this book, a woman should have narrated Gabby's character. But Holter probably did as well as any man could have

What would have made this romance irresistible?

More of a struggle getting together.

Any additional comments?

Again, I would not recommend this for anyone who has already seen the movie. It's usually the other way around but I thought the director took the book and made it better.

the ending was a let down

good story and held my attention until the end. I felt more should have been focused with the end rather to just quickly tie up loose ends with a few pages. The end was not as developed as well but none the less a good read.

Not My Favorite Sparks Book

What did you like best about The Choice? What did you like least?

I mean, it was a love story so that's what I liked best. BUT, I felt like the story line was choppy. Also, it unfolded over an unbelievably short amount of time. Then, the skipping of years was super confusing. This is kind of like "The Notebook" gone bad.

What could Nicholas Sparks have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Make the story less predictable, add more depth and time to the story line.