The Best of Me

The works of Nicholas Sparks have always been a feature of my blog and after writing THIS post almost two years ago about Safe Haven, I couldn't wait to write a similar post. This time I will be reviewing the book and the film of The Best of Me!

Before seeing the film

I was so excited to read The Best of Me, and boy, it didn't disappoint. Nicholas Sparks has this way of making me so invested in his characters' lives and feelings and adventures, whilst simultaneously making me cry and feel every sad emotion on their behalf. Yet, I always go back; always read the next beautifully warming - even if it is sad - novel written by him. 

The Best of Me is about Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole and their love that lasted- about their high school romance and how their lives had been affected since. Living different kind of family backgrounds, their beautiful love ignored the expectations; created something very valuable. And then comes the heartbreak.

I adored this novel because I adored their everlasting love. I adored their relationship with Tuck, a father-like figure to them both. After not seeing each other for years, Amanda and Dawson are re-united and sparks fly with the song of memories, heartache and true love. I remember really admiring Amanda for her strength and passion, and Dawson for his gentle nature and want to be good.

The film

A Nicholas Sparks being released is one of those awesome occurrences in life. And The Best of Me was no exception.

Watching the film really brought back - not affected by the differences in the film - the emotion of the story- the ache and longing and sadness; the sweetness and the innocence and the strength. My eyes were fixed to the story as I watched it; fixed to the emotions I was feeling. It is incredibly sad, but incredibly sweet and beautiful.

The film includes stories told in present time, but also stories from when Amanda and Dawson were younger. Seeing the romance and honesty involved at the start of their relationship was awesome; young Amanda was stunningly played by Liana Liberato and Luke Bracey brought out the truthfulness of young Dawson brilliantly. And then of course, Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden portray the older Amanda and Dawson; re-creating the love that existed when they were younger perfectly- and with more raw emotion. Regret. Sorrow. Pain. Honesty.

The Best of Me

The story of The Best of Me gave me chills in the book and the film. In both, it broke my heart and taught me sacrifice and the beauty of raw love. The story touched my heart a few years ago and the story onscreen portrayed the feelings I read very well. 

Honest & Raw Love,

The Girl in the Moonlight.