Book Review: "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks

Title: The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-446-57097-8, 9/8/2009

Reviewed by: Tiffany Schlarman for Author Exposure (8/10)

The last thing Ronnie Miller wants is to spend her summer with her dad in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. She has successfully avoided him since her parents’ divorce, refusing to talk or visit with him. Now, at seventeen, Ronnie cannot believe her mom is making her spend her summer away from New York City and all her friends. She is certain her mom is just trying to punish her. After all, they haven’t been getting along lately and Ronnie is only a few months away from turning eighteen. Forced to spend the summer with her father and little brother, Ronnie is miserable. She has no friends and the small town has nothing to interest her, not to mention she has to share a room with her little brother. While still trying to overcome the pain and hurt of her parents’ divorce, Ronnie meets Blaze, Marcus, Will and Pastor Harris, each of whom contribute to making her summer one she will never forget. Ronnie will learn faith, trust, forgiveness and unconditional love along with truth.

The Last Song is a beautifully written story of a father’s love for his daughter. Steve Miller knows his daughter is hurting and wants a chance to ease her pain and make things right. Despite his own sufferings, Steve shows unconditional love, support and sacrifice for Ronnie. Ronnie is intent on not letting her father in, but slowly lets her guard down as she starts to understand her father and feel his love. Through events of the summer Ronnie remembers who she is and who she loves. Her father’s unwavering love and acceptance tears down her walls, allowing her the relationship she has needed all along. Also, Ronnie meets Will, and discovers true love like never before. As in every relationship, love does not promise things will be easy. Ronnie’s summer is equally full of trial and blessings as her life changes, and she grows into a young woman and leaves her teenage self behind.

Sparks does a wonderful job of writing this novel. It is easy-to-read and captures the reader’s interest from the start. The book is divided into chapters written from the viewpoint of each main character. I personally love when books take this approach. It enables the reader to see all different angles and perspectives of the story. The story feels like real life because three chapters could be happening in the same time frame, just happening to different characters who are in different places.

The novel is one for readers of any age. It is sweet, heartwarming and honest. It reminds the reader of the truly important things in life. It gives the reader a look at love, joy, peace, patience and kindness while urging against their opposites. While I would really like to see Nicholas Sparks break out of his comfort zone with his next novel, this novel was wonderful and did not let me down. I would highly suggest it for others to read. It was charming and insightful; a truly emotional novel on many levels.