BOOK CLUB: The Last Song – 1st Discussion Post

The Book Vixen

Have you read any of Nicholas Sparks’ novels before? What was your first read by him? What is it about his books that you like? If this your first book by Nicholas Sparks, what about this book appealed to you? Has anyone seen any of his book-to-movie adaptations?

I have read most of Nicholas Sparks’ books. It all started in 2004 when I saw the movie The Notebook. I fell in love with that movie and became completely obsessed! When I found out that it was based on a novel, I ran to the closest bookstore and picked up a copy. And that is how I fell in love with Nicholas Sparks and his writing. He writes the most incredible, emotionally draining love stories. Yes, I cry every time I read one of his books.Yes, my heart aches (well, most of the time). But he keeps me coming back and begging for more. I look forward to his yearly releases.

Since The Notebook, I have read all of his books except for The Last Song (which we’re reading now), The Wedding (on my shelf waiting for me) and Three Weeks with My Brother (which I probably won’t be reading). I cannot wait for his upcoming release, Safe Haven, which will be available (and in my possession) on September 14th, 2010.

I have seen all of the book-to-movie adaptations with the exception of The Last Song. Here’s the list of his book-to-movie adaptations:

  • Message in a Bottle
  • A Walk to Remember
  • The Notebook
  • Nights in Rodanthe
  • Dear John (I enjoyed this movie and I love the cast that was picked but I have to be honest, this movie bugged me. I do not like how the movie ending strayed so far from the book ending. The movie ending was left wide open whereas the ending in the book was complete, the reader got closure.)
  • The Last Song (Interesting fact: Nicholas Sparks finished the screenplay for this movie before he began writing the book.)

I will watch The Last Song after I have finished reading the book. I’ll be getting the DVD when it comes out on August 17th. Just like with his books, I collect his movies. Also, I am excited that The Lucky One will be made into a movie (projected to be released in 2011).

I started a Book Club for The Last Song because (1) I wanted to read the book already (I’ve had it for almost a year and haven’t been able to get to it) and (2) to share the experience with other Nicholas Sparks fans. I can’t wait to get started!

The Last Song Book Club:
13 people participating
4 people have read the book
2 people have seen the movie
1 is a Nicholas Sparks virgin

The Book Vixen (that’s me!)
The Book Junkie's Bookshelf (Book Club co-host)
I Have a Dream
My Own Little Corner of the World
Lilium's Realm
Lovin' & Livin' Life Reviews
Vision Quest Fail
Kiss My Book
I So Rather Be Reading (Kelli and Natalie)
Book Soulmates
Swords for Fighting
The Unread Reader



 

About Brianna: Supermom by day, naughty reader by night. Addicted to chocolate, Twitter, her iPad, her Kindle, and 99¢ Kindle deals. You can follow Brianna on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

11 comments:

  1. Wow! You are a big fan, I see! I've heard great things about The Lucky Ones. Don't know why I haven't read it yet, but I need to! Wanna do it before the move comes out.

    Thanks for hosting! This is great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My SIL says Three Weeks with My Brother is her favorite. I think it's the only one I dont own but hopefully I get to read it!=)

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Missie - I am a HUGE fan! LOL You should definitely read The Lucky One. It's one of the few books of his that has a HEA :)

    @Chas - Really? Okay, maybe I need to check it out. I am hesitant though because it's non-fiction O_o

    ReplyDelete
  4. I never realized how many books this guy has written, I'm way behind lol. I want to read Dear John just because I thought the ending was weird, now I know why I felt that way. My cousins who are obsessed with him say The Rescue is their favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  5. @Caitlin - When you say you thought the ending was weird for Dear John, you're talking about the movie, right? If so, then yes, that ending was weird. The ending in the book is completely different and Mr. Sparks doesn't leave anything open.

    The Rescue is one of the few books that has a HEA. I recommend that book to those who prefer a HEA :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. 3 Weeks With My Brother was his biggest tear-jerker yet. It was great though and it made me like him even better.

    ReplyDelete
  7. @Kelli - oh hell, y'all going to make me read that book, aren't you.....

    ReplyDelete
  8. Alright, I am the Sparks virgin! :) This is going to be fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are a huge Nicholas Sparks fan! I am not a huge fan, but I do enjoy reading his books.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I haven't read Three Weeks with My Brother either...I might have to check this one out too.

    I haven't read Dear John, yet so I'm not quiet sure how the ending of the movie differs from the book....should be interesting to find out!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved The Rescue - the kid man, the kid. He was the one that made me cry in that book.

    Nicky Sparks is a master of making tear jerking scenes. Let me tell you Dear John had me crying half way though - and it takes a lot for me to cry over a book.

    ReplyDelete