The+Lucky+One

Discussion page for //The Lucky One// by Nicholas Sparks

This was a wonderful love story for an older mind-set (in my opinion). The story centers around a Marine stationed in Iraq, who finds a photograph of a lovely woman, and begins to believe that it's his "good luck" charm. When he returns to the U.S. he decides to try to locate the woman in the photograph, and eventually finds her. Since the main characters are in their late 20's I feel that this book may be for a mature audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the love story with its suspense, humor, and warmth. - Judi Shea, Librarian Nashua High School South

This is a typical Sparks book--easy to pick up and put down, love and angst, and a bit of predictability. I don't mind reading Sparks, but I don't think the content is particularly worthy of the list. I will say that teen girls do love to read this type of book even if it is not about teens per se.

Just finished this book and I enjoyed it. Each of Sparks books focus on different characters and the development of these, while sometimes predictable, is important. In this story the Iraq vet helps those who have not served abroad to feel the fear and experience the trauma without being the imminent danger. Logan Thibault also helps the reader to gain perspective on what is important in life. The character of Keith Clayton is that of a disturbed psychological stalker who tries to make sure that his ex-wife Beth never finds a soulmate. Young adult readers need to understand how easily a person can twist your thinking and how you need to think for yourself and evaluate what you are told. The healthy relationship of Logan, the vet, with Ben, the son of Beth, the central female character, is pleasant and healthy in stark contrast to that of Ben with his father, Keith Clayton. Some young readers may see themselves on one side or the other of a similar relationship and identify with this character and his feelings. Finally Nana, Beth's mother, adds the perspective of someone with the most life experience and the underlying lesson might be for readers to listen to elders and seek their advice. While the teen reader may fly through this and miss all the messages imbedded in the characterization, they will enjoy the book. -- Linda Sherouse

This was a very enjoyable read. Girls especially would enjoy this book. However, I do think that there also might be enough to hold a boy's interest. It is of current interest with the former marine who has been in Iraq. A good fit for the award list, if you need a realistic fiction which is mostly for girls, but not a top contender. I'd give it a maybe. - Barb Ballou