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5 Minutes for Books — The Choice

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

This is the first of two reviews and giveaways at 5 Minutes for Books. Scroll down or click here for the second one.

I had an exciting opportunity to participate in the first ever blogger conference call with bestselling author Nicholas Sparks to mark the release of his novel The Choice. I learned a good bit about him, most of which can be summed up to say that he’s a busy guy. He reads like crazy, which is probably one reason that he writes such readable stuff. Rule number one of being a writer is “Writers read.” He was speaking to us from a hotel room where he had been on a publicity tour for ten days. He had read seven books in that time–a couple of novels and some heavy non-fiction as well. He also works out for a couple of hours every day, coaches a track team, and has started a private school, in addition to being a husband and the father of five children, and oh yeah–writing a bestselling book every year. I will be posting more about the interview later this week on my personal blog, Snapshot, if you’d like to hear more of the Q&A, and you can always browse his extensive website, NicholasSparks.com.

When I picked up The Choice, I was drawn in right away. Travis Parker sometimes feels like his life looks like a beer commercial–good times with good friends. All of his buddies have paired off and started families. He enjoys experiencing family life as “Uncle Travis,” but still doesn’t feel like he’s missing out . . . Until he meets his next door neighbor Gabby Holland. Because the story is told as somewhat of a flashback, it pulls the reader along in a suspenseful way. I read this book in only a few sittings, never being satisfied with only one chapter before I turned out the light. Travis Parker is a man’s man, but a man who truly appreciates women, or at least this one particular woman:

There was definitely something about Gabby that interested him. It wasn’t simply that she was attractive; there were pretty women everywhere. There was something about her straightforward intelligence and unforced humor that suggested a grounded sense of right and wrong. Beauty and earthy common sense were a rare combination, yet he doubted she was even aware she possessed it.

I have read a Nicholas Sparks book or two, as well as seeing a couple of the movie adaptations, but it’s been a while. (Incidentally, one question he answered was regarding the differences between the book and the movie projects. He said that he’s always been pleased, and he fully knows what he’s getting into. The same story gets told, even though many of the details end up being changed. Telling a story in a novel is very different from using the visual medium of film, so it often makes sense to make a few changes.) This story did not disappoint, and I will be checking out some of the others that I’ve missed along the way. I’m actually looking forward to reading his memoir, Three Weeks with My Brother. Sparks admitted that the kernel of the idea for most of his books came from either one of his experiences or that of a loved one, and by reading his books in order, one could get an idea what was going on, but pointed to the memoir as the book that clearly revealed the most about him, since it was actually about himself, not just an idea that became a fictionalized account.

The publisher is giving away 5 hardcover books and 5 audiobooks to our readers. Please leave a comment (and state which format you prefer), and come back next week to see if you’ve won. These prizes can ship to either U.S. or Canada. If you want to guide me to my next one by telling me your favorite Sparks’ story, please do!

From last week’s columns:
#46, [email protected]Sportsmomma wins Queen of the Castle.

The three winners of Dangerous Admissions are
#25 — Cynthia
#40 — Vickie
#37 — Rachel Bolin

Reader Interactions


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174 Comments

  1. I LOVE Nicholas Sparks! Would love to win a hardcopy of The Choice.

    If anyone needs a romance ‘fix’ similar to Nicholas’ books, I just read Coinage of Commitment and couldn’t put it down. Yummy!

    Good luck to everyone 🙂

    Reply

  6. Nicholas Sparks is a very good author,so far The
    Notebook is my favorite I have not read The Choice,
    so please enter me to win

    Reply

  21. I just found this site, so I hope I’m not too late to enter… if not, then I would most definitely LOVE a copy of the book to read. Which I will then promptly pass along to someone else!!

    Reply

  27. I love Nicholas Sparks Books. I have read every single one of them except “the choice” which I do have on hold at the library. I have also seen the movie adaptations of his books, but the books are always better, hands down.

    I sometimes post about books in my blog. I’m currently reading “Marly and Me”. I’ll post about it soon!

    Reply

  31. Let’s see….how about the audiobook, but if you draw my number and all those are gone, I’ll take a hardcover. Will that work?

    Reply

  38. My mother-in-law and I always read Sparks’ books together. It’s a fun little bonding adventure between the two of us!

    Reply

  39. I would love to win a hardback copy! My favorite book of his is The Notebook, it is a tear jerker…have tissue handy;-)

    Reply

  40. I love Nicholas Sparks’ books and can’t wait to read this one. Please enter me in the contest!

    I’d like the hardcover please 🙂

    Reply

  42. I would love a chance to win the hardcover copy. I’ve read all of his other books and own about half of them. I’ve been looking forward to reading this one.

    Reply

  45. I love Nicholas Sparks as well. I have read all his books. Please enter me into the contest. I would prefer the hardcover but would also be happy with the audio version.

    Reply

  46. Sparks is my favorite! I especially love The Wedding and The Rescue… he has a way of writing that sucks me in and I can’t put the book down until I finish it. I can’t wait to read The Choice!

    Reply

  48. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite! I especially love The Wedding and The Rescue… he has a way of writing that sucks me in and I can’t put the book down until I finish it. I can’t wait to read The Choice!

    Reply

  56. I have read every Nicholas Sparks book [most of them more than once] and am very excited about his newest!

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  59. HUGE Nicholas Sparks fan! I would love an audio version of this book so I can listen while I “work” (sew!) Thanks!

    Reply

  61. I would love to read one of his hardback books. I’ve never read one or seen one of this movies, so would be interested in checking it out. Thanks!

    Reply

  62. Nicholas Sparks is an amazing author! I have read all his novels, my favorite was “The Wedding”. I would love to win the hardback version of his new novel, “The Choice.”

    Reply

  66. The Notebook is my all time favorite book. He is a beautiful writer and I look forward to reading your interview on your blog.

    Laura

    Reply

  69. I’ve loved all the Nicholas Spark’s books I’ve read. The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, The Wedding, they’re all great!

    Reply

  72. I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Nicholas Sparks’ books! It helps that he’s a local, so I can relate in an unreal way to the surroundings. It’s almost all I’ve read in the past two years. He was at a book signing locally promoting this one, and I missed him by about 5 minutes. I was disappointed, because I was going to have the 7 books I have by him signed, and buy the new one. I, like many others, recommend The Wedding, and True Believer, but only with At First Sight to follow up. TB was my least favorite until I read AFS, and it was redeemed. I’d love either version, really, if I’m lucky enough to win!

    Reply

  75. I would love a copy of this book. I have The Notebook and A Walk to Remember on my bookshelf but haven’t actually read them yet. I’ve heard The Choice is good. I don’t use audio books though.

    Reply

  76. I would LOVE a print copy. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author. I had a baby 8 months ago and would love to read an adult book… 🙂

    Reply

  80. I am a huge fan! I love a walk to remember, The notebook,and the guardian. I would love either audiobook or hardcover!

    Reply

  83. I would like to win the audio book 🙂

    Nicholas Sparks is one of those authors that I specifically look for every time I am at a used book store. I would recommend the Wedding, The notebook or The rescue. Nights in Rodanthe is also a must have.

    You mentioned reading Three weeks with my brother, this really is a great memoir. It had me laughing and crying the entire time.

    I would love the Audio book of this.

    Reply

  87. I have read The Wedding and it was a great book. I would love the chance to win another book by a wonderful author.

    Reply

  89. Great- I’ve been looking forward to another Nicholas Sparks Mommy nap break- with a book-His books are so readable and my husband enjoys them as well. We loved the Notebook and a Walk to Remeber movies- they are great movies and I’ve turned my mom into a fan as well. thank you for the chance=)

    Reply

  94. This sounds like a great book! I have not read Nicholas Sparks yet, but will be starting now. A hardcover would be perfect.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  99. I’ll take either (I didn’t realize he wrote The Notebook– need to read that & see it!)

    I’m a BOOK-A-HOLIC! 🙂

    Reply

  108. I love all of his books but my favorites are A Walk to Remember and The Notebook. Even if you’ve seen the movies- the books are still a must read! Please enter me!!

    Reply

  111. I love Nicholas Spark’s books! Please enter me…I would prefer a hardback, but will take audio if I have to 🙂

    Reply

  117. Ohhhh this sounds so good! Thanks for such a great review. I would love to add the hardback to my collection!! 😀

    Reply

  119. Oh how I would love a great book to read! I loved Nicholas Spark’s “The Notebook” so I am sure this would be a great read too!

    I would love to have the hardcover (and some free time to actually relax and read it should I win 😉 )

    Reply

  121. I tried to send this to 5minutesformom about a week ago. There is a contest at my blog in honor of Breast Cancer Survival month and you can win a host of goodies such as White Diamonds perfume, a bracelet, teddy bear, etc. Come on by if interested. Deadline to enter is this coming Wednesday at 6pm!

    Sorry to place this here, couldn’t find anywhere else to post it in contests.

    Reply

  126. HI Please enter me for the Nicholas Sparks book. I loved 3 weeks with my brother, probably because it was from the heart and true. It reminded me of my sister and growing up with her. Nicholas Sparks ROCKS! Everything I have read of his is GREAT! Right now I’m reading “The Guardian”. Of coarse “The Notebook is another favorite. All the movies are also good. He’s definately my Favorite author.

    Reply

  128. This book has intrigued me but I haven’t picked it up yet.

    (Actual book format, not audio book for me, please!)

    Reply

  130. I prefer a hardcover book. Audio books are great for traveling, but not with young kids (they wouldn’t appreciate it, nor allow me to do so while on the road). 🙂

    Reply

  136. Nicholas Sparks captures me with his words. I would love to win this book for some good time out of my own life and into his world.

    Reply

  138. I have some friends that are always the first one in line for his new books and I have always wanted to check him out. I would love to win one of the hardback books! Thanks!

    Reply

  141. WOW. I LOVE Nicholas Sparks! First choice would be hardcover book! I have ALL of his books and the movies made off the books. A Walk to Remember is still my FAVORITE!

    Reply

  143. I would looove to win a hardcover. I’ve never read Nicholas Sparks but have heard so much good stuff about his stories. Loved the Notebook movie.

    Reply

  145. You sold me on the book. I’m captivated. Please enter me for a chance to win the book in either format. Thanks!

    Reply

  148. Nicholas Sparks is my FAVORITE author! My favorites would have to be “A Walk to Remember” and “The Notebook.” I’d love to win! I’m more of a reader, so I would prefer the hardback, but would be happy with either. Good luck everyone!

    Happy Monday!

    Jennifer 🙂

    Reply

  152. Please enter me. i love Nicholas Sparks. i have read almost all of his books. I would prefer the hardback. Thank you.

    Reply

  157. I love, love, love Nicholas Sparks! I would love to win a hardcover of his newest novel. It is so hard for me to choose my favorite. I think The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and The Wedding are my favorites. Bring tissues!!!

    Thanks,
    Lisa

    Reply

  165. I’m a big Nicholas Sparks fan! And since I’m finally getting back into reading as my kiddos are getting older, I would love a chance to win a hardcover copy.

    Reply

  174. Sounds like a really good book : ) Please enter me into your contest for a hardcover book.
    Blessings,
    BChsMamaof3

    Reply