by Monnie

Created on: August 06, 2009

A few months ago I began to explore the writing of popular American author Nicholas Sparks. I started with his most famous story The Notebook and was an instant fan. Since that day I have read several of his novels including A Bend In the Road, The Choice and Message In A Bottle (though this one is inferior to the others by far). I also saw and enjoyed two films based on his novels including A Walk To Remember and Nights in Rodanthe. So when I saw The Lucky One on the shelf of my local library I didn't hesitate in grabbing it and reading yet another novel from this North Carolina native.

Nicholas Sparks is a writer who many readers have accused of being predictable. This isn't completely inaccurate as his books do have many similarities. Two people are brought together and face challenges that question their belief in love, life and even death at times. So when you read one of his stories you can expect to ponder all of the above. Yet, there is a reason why people keep coming back to his simple, but effective stories of relationships. He gives us characters who seem to be living and breathing and he gives life to their relationships and challenges. This is why The Lucky One is overall a satisfying read. The book is not flawless but certainly worth your time.

The Lucky One is the story of marine Logan Thibault. We are introduced to him as he thwarts the plans of a perverted town sheriff who is taking pictures of the skinny dippers he's about to bust. The two end up having a confrontation and immediately we realize that while Logan has a strong character he also has made an enemy. He keeps company with his dog Zeus and soon we find out he is a man on a mission.

Through flashback we learn about what has brought him to North Carolina. One day while stationed in Iraq he sees the face of an attractive blonde covered with sand and decides to put it up on a bulletin board so it can be claimed by the owner. When nobody claims the picture he ends up keeping it. Soon he finds himself having extraordinary luck; the kind of luck that keeps him alive despite facing daily danger in combat. His friend points out his luck began when he came into possession of the photograph. When he finally returns home to the United States he soon finds himself looking for the woman in the photograph. His journey takes him to Hampton, North Carolina and into the life of Elizabeth Clayton.

Elizabeth, a single mother and ex-wife of the local sheriff, is a bit suspicious of the scruffy stranger that applies for a job at her grandmothers dog training facility. His vague reasons of coming to Hampden and his lack of self disclosure make her a little bit nervous. Yet, soon she finds herself involved with this intense and interesting stranger and her son is equally attached. Yet, soon secrets will come to light that will threaten the new relationship budding between them.

Overall, I was very impressed with a good portion of the book. I though the development of all the characters really draws the reader into the story. From Beth and Logan to her jealous and insecure ex husband Keith Clayton I really felt like I knew the characters well by the time the story climaxes. Unfortunately, much of what happens in the conclusion of the story doesn't really match the characters we come to know and love. I don't want to give anything away but I felt like the reactions and decisions made by the characters didn't really make a lot of sense. This didn't ruin the book by any means but it definitely weakens the story when compared to the rest of Sparks novels.

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