Nicholas Sparks is known universally for his best-selling romance novels and their film adaptations. Though a bit cliché at times, Sparks wins over his readers by buckling them in tightly and taking them through a rollercoaster of emotions––all while illustrating beautiful, yet seemingly unrealistic romantic relationships. Despite this, his novels are still enjoyed by so many. A Walk to Remember is no different. 

Sparks’s second novel, A Walk to Remember follows seventeen-year-old rebel-rouser Landon Carter, and how his landing the lead in the school play leads to his involvement with the minister’s daughter, Jamie Sullivan. The novel is framed by adult Landon’s recollection of his senior year of high school when, he says, “my life changed forever.” Sparks proves that opposites do indeed attract, as pure and caring Jamie slowly steals the cynical heart of Landon, teaching him more about life––and love––than he could have ever imagined. Their relationship exceeds the expectations of everyone in their lives, including Jamie’s strict father and Landon’s tough-guy friends, as the pair shows their doubters that teenagers really do know what unconditional love is. 

        Sparks’s style of writing is nothing to gawk at. His language is simple, but in this case, it works, because Landon Carter is a simple guy. He is no straight-A student, has no defining interests, nor is he even popular enough to have someone to take to the homecoming dance––forcing him to ask Jamie. Even in the simplest of terms and actions, though, Landon is able to express an abundance of emotion towards Jamie, as well as evoke an abundance of emotion from the reader. From Landon telling his mother, “She’s all I think about,” to him telling Jamie herself, “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me,” Sparks knows exactly the right words to make the hearts of his readers melt. 

        Nicholas Sparks is by no means known for his epic works of literature. His books, however, are still immensely popular. This is because Sparks has it down to a science––a formula even. In each of his novels, he takes his readers by the hand and leads them into these picturesque toy-like towns in North Carolina, where two people meet and, coincidentally, fall in love. They could be people in their thirties at the heights of their careers, it could be two lonely divorcées, or, like in this case, highschool sweethearts.                 These protagonists will often have opposing qualities, but nevertheless, they will end up fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. This predictable formula pulls readers in and provides them with a sense of comfort, which is something so many are constantly seeking, especially today. A Walk to Remember is perfect for those with the urge to escape the hectic world around them, and engulf themselves in a heartwarming tale. This year has been anything but normal, with circumstances constantly changing for the worst. While the times may be ever-changing, Landon and Jamie’s story will always be there to enjoy, predictable as ever.