The Reading Challenge Group discussion

Hi all! I have not traditionally been much of a fan of romance novel, although I do like some chick-lit. However, I really wanted to give the romance genre a go for our genre challenge for February. I was just at my local bookstore and started to consider Nicholas Sparks. I have heard mixed things about him, but no one has been able to deny that he writes enjoyable romance. I'm looking for some feedback. Are there any fans of his in the group? Should I steer clear of him? Any thoughts are appreciated!

I love him! He is one of my favorites. I would read anything he writes without knowing what it is about.

Really? I feel that way about a couple of authors so that's a really strong recommendation to me. Thanks Roseanne!

He's one of my favorite authors too!!! I've read all of his books except maybe two and am in love with most of them:):) I think you should definitely try him but since this would be your first romance read, I'd say, try some other author first and if you like this genre, then try Sparks' books. Because you'll need to get used to his writing style, his more-than-lengthy descriptions and details, all of which add up to the beauty of the story:)

Thanks Ruchi! Do you have any recommendations on other authors that I should try first?

Kassandra wrote: "Thanks Ruchi! Do you have any recommendations on other authors that I should try first?"

Well Sparks is the king of writing romance....but maybe u should try out YA romance first....if you're accustomed to reading romance in YA or other books, then go ahead with N.Sparks. I'd suggest : The Notebook, A Walk To remember, The Guardian, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Wedding, The Last Song, The Best of Me and basically....all of his books:)

Narin wrote: "I've only read one Sparks-book which I sadly really disliked, the Notebook. It sucks because I liked the movie a lot. The Notebook felt just odd, rushed and we didn't get a clear insight as to why ..."

U didn't liek Notebook!!!???

Good luck Kassandra! Sherrilyn Kenyon is a pretty good author too. I love her Chronicles of Nick series, the League, and her Darkhunter/dreamhunter series.

Thank you Narin, Ruchi and Amber! I think I'm going to give Sparks a try. I've never heard of Sherrilyn Kenyon, I'm going to look her up now. Thanks for the tip Amber!

No problem Kassandra. She's one of my fave authors from TN and I love her books. been a fan since 2007. the league is like star wars meets space pirates and it has romance in it. her others are paranormal romances and chronicles of nick is her young adult series.

I also like Michael Baron. Who I think has a similar style to Sparks

Thanks Roseanne - I'll look up Michael Baron now too! Very exciting!

I'm afraid I'm going to go against the majority and say that I didn't really like the only Sparks book I read (A Walk to Remember). It was a few years back, but I remember feeling like it was overly sentimental, and the main girl was so 'good' and 'perfect'.

I love frame stories usually, when someone is looking back over their life (I think Sparks uses this device a lot for the nostalgia factor?), and I do enjoy some romance novels (Jennifer Crusie, Laura Kinsale, Susan Elizabeth Philips ...) so I'm not a totally unsentimental cynic. :D

I'm sorry to those who like Sparks, but it just rings false and cynical to me so I can't buy into it.

You might like it, Kassandra - most people seem to! - but I just wanted to add an alternative viewpoint.

Dont be silly, if we all liked the same books life would be boring. I happen to like all the sappy mushy stuff.

Realistic doesnt matter to me when it is a book. I always say if I want realistic I would watch the news. Maybe that is why I like him. Usually the more a book makes me cry the more I like it.

I know people who dont like Sparks that liked Safe Haven maybe that would a good one to read if you have never read him before.

I can agree with that. I can see how it is not for everyone. The whole too perfect thing just doesn't bother me.

Safe Haven seems to be a popular pick. I have seen parts of the movie and liked it - but I'm not sure if that is because I like both of the actors, or because I liked the story. Perhaps that will be a good one to start with!

Lorah, I'd love to hear what you think of The Lucky One when you finish it! I'm thinking of reading Safe Haven for the genre challenge as that seems to be a pretty popular pick amongst this group.

I read The Lucky One a few years ago. I liked it. Amazingly The Notebook is one I havent read yet.

Its crazy. That is the one everyone has read.

Narin wrote: "Jelliebeans wrote: "I'm afraid I'm going to go against the majority and say that I didn't really like the only Sparks book I read (A Walk to Remember). It was a few years back, but I remember feeli..."

Even I don't cry reading Sparks books....they make me sad, but I think all the stuff about people crying so much, using tissues and all....seems a little too-over-the-top:P:P

I love Sparks. And strangely I also love the movie adaptions mostly too, I loved the notebook and the sequel the wedding, the last song made me bawl, both book and movie. But the storyline hit a little close too home so that could it explain it. The only one I didn't particularly enjoy was true believer.
I have the lucky one and safe haven on my shelf waiting, I love to read them on a cold night cuddled up with my puppy and a bit of chocolate or in the bath. They are my pamper books.

I would be interested in doing a buddy read of the Notebook if you guys want to.

I will look for a copy too.

Hey I'll join on a reread if that's ok?
Yes I just picked up The Lucky Ones for a bargain £2.99! Was very pleased haven't got around to watching yet.

Haha no. I do too ever since I watched the life and death of Charlie st cloud. Also an amazing book!

I hate when that happens. I haven't seen the movie. I have stopped watching movies of books I have read.

It is very frustrating. That is why I gave up watching the movies. Every so often I think about seeing one but I never do. I want to see the book thief but I would be going in with very low expectations. I want to know how they do the narrator but know they cant do it justice.

I've started reading The Rescue and so far, I'm enjoying it. It's a really quick read but so far, it's not as romantic as I feared it would be. I'm enjoying it!

I was reading Message in a Bottle but I had to give it back before I finished it and I swear I was almost in tears!! (it was really good)

The Best of Me? I haven't heard of that one - I'm going to check it out!

Lexie - perhaps you could sign it out again so you can finish the book? It would be terrible to never finish it if you were enjoying it so much!

Kassandra wrote: "The Best of Me? I haven't heard of that one - I'm going to check it out!

Lexie - perhaps you could sign it out again so you can finish the book? It would be terrible to never finish it if you were..."

my digital library does not have this one. I have been debating borrowing a real book or buying it for my kindle

I was actually reading the paperback book but I had to return it to the library and no I am sure that it is called Message in a Bottle <--- that's the book:)

Lexie wrote: "I was reading Message in a Bottle but I had to give it back before I finished it and I swear I was almost in tears!! (it was really good)"

I found Message in a Bottle to be a little unrealistic....but it was a good enough book:)

Kassandra wrote: "The Best of Me? I haven't heard of that one - I'm going to check it out!

Lexie - perhaps you could sign it out again so you can finish the book? It would be terrible to never finish it if you were..."

U have to read Best of Me!!! It's beautiful!!

Today I finished "The Rescue" from Nicholas Sparks and I enjoyed it immensely. I'm definitely going to pick up more of his books. They are not as romantic as I feared they would be, and have an excellent balance of character flaws and realistic dilemmas that I can get engrossed in the story.

Lorah, I read The Rescue this month and really enjoyed it. I haven't read Dear John or Safe Haven but I definitely recommend The Rescue!

Just spotted the rescue on my shelf, languishing unread! It may be the next one I pick up. I keep meaning to read another one.
Lorah, I just watched the Lucky ones on dvd. Didn't think it was that great really. I didn't think the main actors really suited each other and it all seemed a bit rushed. Haven't read the book of that one yet either!

We talked about doing a buddy read for the Notebook a while ago. If anybody is still interested let me know. I have a copy of the book and can start whenever. Let me know when everyone wants to start. I am flexible now or I can wait if that works better.

Glad I didn't go see the movie for The Lucky One. But I did love the book

For anyone that uses iBooks to purchase their books - The Notebook is on sale today for $4.99.