Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks

Release Date: October 4th, 2016
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 485 Pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Reason: Personal interest
Find the Author: Website

At 32, Russell Green has it all: a stunning wife, a lovable six year-old daughter, a successful career as an advertising executive and an expansive home in Charlotte. He is living the dream, and his marriage to the bewitching Vivian is the center of that. But underneath the shiny surface of this perfect existence, fault lines are beginning to appear...and no one is more surprised than Russ when he finds every aspect of the life he took for granted turned upside down. In a matter of months, Russ finds himself without a job or wife, caring for his young daughter while struggling to adapt to a new and baffling reality. Throwing himself into the wilderness of single parenting, Russ embarks on a journey at once terrifying and rewarding—one that will test his abilities and his emotional resources beyond anything he ever imagined.

“Guilt, in other words, isn’t always wasted. It can keep us from making the same mistake twice.”  

Oh Mr. Sparks, you do it to me every time! Should I not have learned my lesson by now when it comes to reading Sparks' books in public? Or do I just not care anymore when it comes to strangers seeing me sob over a book? Hmm...

In true Nicholas Sparks fashion, Two by Two is a love story, but it is not your typical Sparks tale. Two by Two tells us the story of a father and his profound love for his daughter, London. But, it also shares with us the spectacular love between siblings, parents and their children, lovers and friends. Nicholas Sparks displays multiple expressions of love in this heart-warming and yes, at times, heart-wrenching novel.

While reading Two by Two you will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions. You will experience rage, anger and heavy sadness; but you'll also experience humour, joy and immense love. At the heart of all of this is one of the most lively characters I have ever come across. She'll remind you to marvel the little things in life. She'll teach you about gratitude. She'll remind you that sometimes it's okay to eat the damn Lucky Charms and to have the pizza for dinner! And this marvelous character comes in the tiny package of a 5 year old little girl named London. Although just 5 years old, this little girl is wise beyond her years! It was such a pleasure to grow with London and to be on this short journey with her.

Two by Two is an astounding story about love, resilience, courage and growth. It may be fictitious in it's characters and premise, but you will walk away having learned a true life lesson: That love is always louder, and love will always prevail.