general

While on a three week journey with his brother and last surviving member of his immediate family, the bestselling author of The Notebook and The Wedding, Nicholas Saprks and his co-atuhor Micah Sparks relate in this latest novel, Three Weeks with My Brother, the trip of a lifetime as they travel to some very exotic spots. While describing this trip they also focuse on being raised along with their sister being raised by two rather unusual and rather eccentric parents.

While this book gave me some insight into Spark's themes and his motivation for writing the books that he did, I felt the parts concerning the actual trip had me thinking they were Ugly Americans considering some of their behavior as well as a rather simplistic travel journal.

I rated this title a bit higher than I originally thought I would because there were some very poignant moments when Nicholas wrote about the loss of his parents and younger sister, life in ahousehodo with 5 children, oen who suffers from an unconfirmed learning syndrome and the strains of traveling on book tours around the country while leaving his wife and family at home.

Unfortunately, I don't think this book will necessarily make me a lover of Sparks's books anymore than I have in the past. I seem to have this love/hate relationship with most of what I've read by him but it still doesn't stop me from reading every new books he writes just to make sure of what I think. In the final analysis I find him a rather mediocre author who appeals to the readers that he does because of his themes and not because of hsi fine writing skills, That said I am glad I read this book and despite these criticisms I did find both his and Micha's soul searching while traveling about life and loss both inspiring and hopeful for their futures.

Like many others who have reviewed this book, I have read all of Nicholas Sparks' previous books. I completely enjoyed reading this book as well. I think some reviewers missed the point of the book, unfortunately. It is not a "travel" book and it is not a "spiritual" book. It is a memoir, an autobiography, of the author and his brother's life experiences. I was drawn into the story on many levels - the familial relationships, the growing up years in Fair Oaks, the heartbreaking traumas endured. I think it is wonderful that Cathy and Christine were in favor of this trip for the brothers. They truly are saints (it's nice to know that both Nick and Micah truly understand that!). It makes me sad to think that Micah and Nick are so far apart (physically), but the book is a beautiful reminder that love knows no bounds. And aren't they lucky to have each other. I don't think they come off as pretentious at all...they're all they've got, it doesn't get more real than that. I think it must be amazing for Nick to look back and realize where he was and where he is now (and that he thanks God for all the blessings). I think writing this book must have been very cathartic for him, at least I would hope it was. And that he can still rely on his faith to carry him through the difficult times...we all have them, even if we aren't best selling authors or successful businessmen. It's interesting that as I read the book, I kept reminding myself that this wasn't one of his novels...this stuff really happened. And though some of the antics that he and his brother did on the three week trip were borderline-out-of-control, it was funny. I could see me and my brother and sisters doing stuff like that! Micah seems to be a good reminder to relax, enjoy life and have fun. I hope that they both benefitted from traveling together and spending quality time together like that...and that there was some healing in the pains suffered after living through so many tragedies...especially for Nick. Micah seems to deal with life and it's ups and downs well enough...I mean, if not going to church and questioning his faith are the worst things that he has endured, then good for him. I think writing the book for Nicholas probably has helped him move forward, which sounds like he is doing. God bless him, his brother and their families. Now I think I need to make a run downtown to get some Zelda's and beer myself! :)

Thats exactly what this book has-Full Of Heart. The brothers go through so much together, life is a challenge, sometimes so unfair but the one thing-the clearest thing spoken is that they have the ultimate gift-Love. Full of heart! Also recommended: Other Memoirs-A Child Called It, Father Joe,Running With Scissors,Nightmares Echo