Nicholas Sparks spins love stories that capture millions and play well both on page and on screen.
We’re breaking down our 5 all time favorite Sparks’ books turned movies — the ultimate love stories that usually end with his audience in tears.
1. The Notebook
When we asked our SheKnows Facebook Fan Page readers their favorite Nicholas Sparks’ book-turned-movie of all time, hands down The Notebook won. And we totally agree! This beautiful love story for the ages was just as amazing on the page as on the screen – thanks to the chemistry of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.
Who could forget when Gosling, drenched from the rain, belted out his life long love and devotion to McAdams when he said, “It wasn’t over, it still isn’t over!” and proceeded to kiss her and take her to bed for the first time. Well, our love of The Notebook, both the movie and the book, isn’t over either — it’s our number one favorite Nicholas Sparks’ book-turned-movie of all time.
2. Nights in Rodanthe
Who could forget the story of Adrienne Willis, a woman with her life in chaos, who retreats to the tiny coastal town of Rodanthe, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, to tend to a friend’s inn for the weekend. There, she hopes to find the peace and answers she so desperately needs to deal with the conflicts in her life — a wayward husband who has asked to come home, and a teenager who resents her every decision.
A major storm hits just as Adrienne and the inn’s only guest — Dr Paul Flanner, who faces his own crisis of conscience – turn to each other for comfort. We adored this tale of one magical weekend and how the experience was a life-changing romance for both Adrienne and Paul – played beautifully by Diane Lane and Richard Gere in the movie version.
3. A Walk to Remember
This story of young love and loss left us like so many of Sparks’ stories – in tears surrounded by a box of used tissues.
A Walk to Remember is one we’ll never forget — the story of two North Carolina teens who seem totally opposite. He’s the cool guy, she’s the totally uncool girl.
He’s lost, she’s got faith that he so desperately needs. It’s a beautiful story of first young, young love, faith, giving people a chance.
And Shane West and Mandy Moore sizzle on screen as the young lovers, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan. We loved the scene in the movie when West puts the tattoo on Moore’s shoulder – and the many other gestures he does for her to help her complete her list of things to do before she dies.
4. The Last Song
SheKnows reviewed The Last Songin the Fall when the book first came out and learned that Sparks was already working on the screenplay version which he was writing with Miley Cyrus in mind. Cyrus plays 17-year-old troubled teen, Ronnie – who, after getting in trouble in New York City, is sent to her dad’s beach house for the summer along with her younger brother.
The book is another winner for Sparks – and tells the story of first love, summer love, the love of a family dealing with divorce, illness and change. Cyrus tries her dramatic chops in this new film out this weekend and SheKnows says it’s one of our favorite Sparks’ books-turned-movies. Fans of the book won’t be disappointed at the big screen version – and, of course, you should bring along the Kleenex.
5. Dear John
It was just last month when Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum brought this Sparks’ novel to life on the big screen. Dear John was Sparks’ tribute to September 11 and it was a beautiful story of love and choice. John, who was troubled in his youth but grows up when he finds his place in the Army, spends his two week leave at the beach where he meets a conservative college student, Savannah, who he falls in love with.
They spend the next couple years writing a constant stream of love letters to stay in touch. When 9-11 happens, John makes the tough decision to extend his tour of duty – a decision Savannah understands but which leaves her alone and dealing with her own crisis. The story is about finding and keeping love, choices and how far you’d go for the woman you love. We adored Tatum as John and the beautiful Seyfried as Savannah – and all we have to say is: Dear Nicholas, we can’t wait for your next love story.
Read on for more Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks exclusively discusses The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks exclusive: The Nights in Rodanthe interview
Miley Cyrus dishes The Last Song
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