Title: See Me
Author: Nicholas Sparks
First published October 13, 2015
482 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781455520619 (ISBN10: 1455520616)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
In “See Me”, Colin Hancock is on a mission to turn his life around. After a troubled past of violence and poor choices, he’s committed to getting his teaching degree and staying out of trouble.
He’s not interested in anything serious, but fate has other plans when he meets Maria Sanchez. Maria is a successful lawyer with a haunting past that brought her back to her hometown.
As they fall in love, they must confront their pasts and the challenges that come with them. Sparks fly and tensions rise in this emotional and suspenseful story of two people who find unexpected love in the midst of crisis.
“See Me” will remind you that love can come from the most unexpected places, and that true love sees us for who we truly are.
About the Author
Nicholas Sparks is a beloved storyteller known worldwide for his best-selling books, which have sold over 105 million copies in more than 50 languages. His breakout hit, The Notebook, was written in just six months when he was 28 years old, and was published in 1996.
Nicholas followed up with a long list of successful novels, including A Walk to Remember, The Rescue, Nights in Rodanthe, The Last Song, and many others. His latest book, The Wish, was released in September 2022.
Nicholas Sparks’ stories have been adapted into popular films, including The Notebook, Dear John, and The Lucky One. He also co-wrote a non-fiction memoir, Three Weeks With My Brother, with his brother Micah.
In addition to his writing, Nicholas is a philanthropist who supports a variety of local and national charities. He is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program at the University of Notre Dame, and he co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina.
As a former scholarship athlete and coach, Nicholas has a passion for sports and helping young people. He contributed to the success of New Bern High School’s track and field team, which set several world records.
Nicholas also founded The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a non-profit that provides scholarships and funds educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. The Sparks family covers all operational expenses for the foundation, so 100% of donations go towards programs.
Thanks to their generosity, over $15 million has been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects.
Editoral Review
See Me by Nicholas Sparks: A Captivating Tale of Second Chances and Redemption
Nicholas Sparks, known for his emotionally charged and heartwarming stories, once again delivers a powerful novel with See Me. Published in 2015, See Me is a departure from Sparks’ earlier works of romance and is a blend of thriller, mystery, and romance genres. The novel explores themes of redemption, second chances, and self-discovery, which are trademarks of Sparks’ storytelling.
The novel follows the lives of two main characters, Colin Hancock and Maria Sanchez, who are drawn to each other despite their past traumas and struggles. Colin is a troubled young man who has a criminal record and is trying to start a new life in Wilmington, North Carolina, by studying law.
Meanwhile, Maria is a successful lawyer who juggles her career and taking care of her family. However, their past keeps them from fully embracing their newfound love, and their relationship soon faces a series of unexpected challenges.
They start receiving threatening messages and learn that someone from Colin’s past is now back and wants to harm them.
The settings of the novel are beautifully described, bringing Wilmington to life in vivid detail.
Sparks’ writing style is effortless, and one can quickly become lost in the prose. One of the strengths of See Me is the complex and nuanced characters, particularly Colin and Maria.
Sparks provides readers with a deeper understanding of their struggles and motivations, making them relatable and sympathetic. The novel also delves into issues such as domestic violence, post-traumatic stress disorder, and familial relationships, making it incredibly relevant to current events and societal issues.
Nevertheless, See Me is not without its flaws. The pacing of the novel is sluggish in some parts, particularly in the first half of the book.
Some of the supporting characters and subplots are underdeveloped and feel unnecessary. However, these minor issues do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In conclusion, See Me is another fantastic novel by Nicholas Sparks, showcasing his skill as a writer of emotionally charged stories. It may not be his best work, but it is still an engaging and poignant read that will appeal to fans of his works, as well as new readers.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic thriller, and is looking for a heartwarming story of redemption, second chances, and the power of love. With its compelling characters, beautiful writing, and relevant themes, See Me deserves a 4/5 rating.
