Title: The Choice
Author: Nicholas Sparks
First published September 30, 2007
272 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780446579926 (ISBN10: 0446579920)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Travis McGee is a man who cherishes his life aboard the Busted Flush, Slip F-18, Bahia Mar, Lauderdale. However, when an old army buddy calls him for help, Travis knows he has to leave his home behind.
His friend’s sister’s fiancé has been murdered in New York City and the authorities are claiming it as a standard mugging. Travis knows there’s more to it than that.
The fiancé was digging up dirt on his real estate investment firm, and someone wanted to keep the secrets from coming out. Travis is determined to discover the truth, but he soon finds himself in trouble.
He’s captured and taken to a mental institution where they’re pumping him full of drugs. Can Travis escape and keep his promise to his old friend?
Or will he be trapped forever? Discover the next thrilling adventure of Travis McGee in Nightmare in Pink by John D.
MacDonald. “Travis McGee is one of my great fictional heroes, someone who has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.” – Jonathan Kellerman
About the Author
Nicholas Sparks is a well-known author who has captured the hearts of readers all over the world. His books have been bestsellers on the New York Times list, selling over 105 million copies worldwide in more than 50 languages.
Alone in the United States, he has sold over 75 million copies.
One of Sparks’ most famous stories is The Notebook, which he wrote over a six-month period when he was 28 years old. Since then, he has written many other novels, including A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, The Lucky One, and The Last Song.
He has also co-written a non-fiction memoir with his brother Micah.
Sparks’ novels have been adapted into several successful films, including The Notebook, Dear John, and The Longest Ride. His work has also been adapted into a musical featuring the music and lyrics of Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks is a resident of North Carolina and is actively involved in various local and national charities. He is a significant contributor to the Creative Writing Program at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and an annual fellowship.
He also co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina.
Through the Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a nonprofit he founded in 2011, Sparks provides scholarships and funds educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Over $15 million have been distributed to charities, scholarship programs, and projects.
Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations go directly to programs.
Editoral Review
In “The Choice,” Nicholas Sparks once again explores the complexities of love and the tough decisions that come along with it. Sparks is a prolific author known for his sentimental romances and The Choice stays true to his genre.
First published on September 30, 2007, the book tells the story of Travis Parker and Gabrielle Holland, two neighbors who develop an unlikely friendship that transforms into a life-changing romance. The main character, Travis Parker is a fun-loving bachelor who enjoys throwing spontaneous parties and living life to the fullest in his comfortable North Carolina home.
Gabrielle Holland, on the other hand, is a deeply reflective medical student from a conservative background, who has goals that don’t necessarily involve finding a partner. They connect after Gabrielles dog is hit by Travis’ truck, and Travis becomes an important figure in Gabrielle’s life through a series of well-timed coincidences.
Throughout the novel, Sparks explores themes like love, family, and the power of choice. Family is a significant theme in “The Choice” as Gabrielle’s mother falls ill, and her relationship with her father becomes strained.
Sparks also delves into the meaning of love and how it can impact someone’s life. Gabrielle and Travis’s relationship is unconventional.
Sparks takes the time to build their characters, allowing for a multifaceted romance that is both endearing and heart-wrenching. The book delivers on the emotional depth often associated with Sparks’ books.
Sparks seamlessly builds up the tension, making readers care about the characters, their choices, and their lives. The pacing of the story is excellent, and Sparks expertly weaves together the various elements to create a heartwarming yet emotionally charged tale of love and loss.
However, some readers may find The Choice formulaic, predictable, and not as romantic as Sparks previous novels. Nevertheless, Sparks writing is still sentimental, engaging the reader’s emotions throughout.
Some critics argue that cliches and predictable storytelling are trademarks of the romance genre, making The Choice a book that will please Sparks fan base. Somewhat surprisingly, The Choice addresses modern social issues, such as gender roles and autonomy, that are pertinent to today’s society.
Gabrielle and Travis’ respective personal and familial struggles touch on the difficulties encountered while balancing personal choice with the influence of external factors, a topic that remains relatable today. Overall, “The Choice” is an enjoyable read, filled with compassion and attention to detail.
While it may not be groundbreaking or significantly profound, it’s a comforting tale that wraps the reader in a warm embrace, providing a distraction from everyday life. Fans of romantic fiction will love this book, but it may leave less avid readers feeling indifferent.
In conclusion, The Choice by Nicholas Sparks is a touching, heartwarming romance novel that deals with the difficulties that come with love and the decisions that shape our lives. It is a moving tale that is delightful, filled with sentimentality and depth.
The book is a good fit for lovers of romance seeking a heartwarming story. If you need an emotionally charged read that transports you into a warm summer romance, pop this on your summer reading list.
We give it a rating of 4.5/5.
