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Wanneer Colin Hancock een tweede kans krijgt, grijpt hij die met beide handen aan. Zijn turbulente verleden laat hij achter zich. Hij probeert zijn leven op de rails te houden en richt zich op het behalen van zijn lesbevoegdheid. Elke dag houdt hij zichzelf weer voor hoe hard hij voor deze kans heeft moeten knokken. Het laatste waar hij naar op zoek is, is een relatie.
Maria Sanchez is ogenschijnlijk het toonbeeld van succes: ze heeft aan een prestigieuze universiteit rechten gestudeerd en werkt bij een gerenommeerd advocatenkantoor. Maar ze heeft een traumatische gebeurtenis meegemaakt, waardoor ze gedwongen was uit haar geboortestad te verhuizen, en diep vanbinnen twijfelt ze over alles waar ze ooit zeker van was.
Een plotselinge ontmoeting tussen Colin en Maria zorgt ervoor dat hun levens veranderen. Tegen alle verwachtingen in groeien ze steeds meer naar elkaar toe. Net op dat moment wordt Maria geconfronteerd met haar verleden. Op vreselijke manieren worden Colin en Maria bedreigd. Is hun liefde sterk genoeg?
Maria Sanchez is ogenschijnlijk het toonbeeld van succes: ze heeft aan een prestigieuze universiteit rechten gestudeerd en werkt bij een gerenommeerd advocatenkantoor. Maar ze heeft een traumatische gebeurtenis meegemaakt, waardoor ze gedwongen was uit haar geboortestad te verhuizen, en diep vanbinnen twijfelt ze over alles waar ze ooit zeker van was.
Een plotselinge ontmoeting tussen Colin en Maria zorgt ervoor dat hun levens veranderen. Tegen alle verwachtingen in groeien ze steeds meer naar elkaar toe. Net op dat moment wordt Maria geconfronteerd met haar verleden. Op vreselijke manieren worden Colin en Maria bedreigd. Is hun liefde sterk genoeg?
567 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
13829 people are currently reading
69896 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sparks
412 books238k followersNicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.
Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018), The Return (2020), The Wish (2021), and Dreamland (2022), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-fourth novel, Counting Miracles, will be published on September 24, 2024.
Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks lives in North Carolina. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meters, as well as US High School National Records in the 800 Medley and 1600 Medley. Click to watch the Runner’s World video with Nicholas.
The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011, to provide scholarships and fund educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.
Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018), The Return (2020), The Wish (2021), and Dreamland (2022), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-fourth novel, Counting Miracles, will be published on September 24, 2024.
Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks lives in North Carolina. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meters, as well as US High School National Records in the 800 Medley and 1600 Medley. Click to watch the Runner’s World video with Nicholas.
The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011, to provide scholarships and fund educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,872 reviews
November 7, 2015
2.5 Stars
"Okay".........something's missing here........When I decide to read a Nicholas Sparks novel, I pretty much know and look forward to what I'm going to get, but SEE ME just did not work. It had a somewhat different flair (which is "Okay") with a stalker on the loose and an unlikely leading man with a dark history and hot temper added to the "mediocre" romantic mix, but..........
I'm sorry to say, SEE ME has turned out to be my least favorite NS read. The love connection lacked real feeling, the characters were ho hum, and the prose tedious and a bit erratic with way too many "Okay's".
Overall, an "Okay" read that was definitely missing the "spark".
October 20, 2015
Nicholas Sparks does it once again. Yet another well written story about love, with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown into the mix. The story was a bit slow going at first, I believe this is his longest novel yet. It almost felt a bit to descriptive to start off, but when I got a little over halfway through I could hardly put it down. It ended up being just as lovely and thrilling as most all of his stories. I'll be shocked if I ever dislike one of his novels.
June 26, 2016
OK, where to start...
I LOVED IT!
I've read all Nicholas Sparks books so far and I loved them all - and I think I cried A LOT with every book. Unlike most of my reading-blogging-friends, Twilight did NOT start my reading-addiction - it was A Walk to Remember ♥
This time....hm....
I cried a tiny little bit - I knew where the story was going from pretty much the very first time the bad guy was mentioned - the story was a bit slow, too long, too uneventful in the beginning - BUT ... it was refreshingly non-sparksy-interesting.
I don't know if it was because it's his first published book post-divorce, but I really enjoyed the freshness of it.
It wasn't Nicholas-Sparks-Cheesy at all. If I hadn't known it was Nicholas Sparks, I would've thought it was a nice New Adult Romantic Suspense written by a woman.
I loved Colin. He was such a non-Nicholas-Sparks guy.
And I looooved his OKAYs!
What an amazing thing to come up with for a character.
Well, I guess there's a person somewhere in Nicholas's life, who does that okay-thing, but still, I loved it!
I would be totally on-the-verge-of-killing-him-frustrated if someone in my life talked like that though. ☺
If you expect a cry-nonstop-cheesy-romance thingy - don't! It's different this time, like his old romances, with the suspense parts. I really liked it. Could've used an editor with a better cutting-device - it was a tiny bit too long. ☺
READ IT - make up your own mind about it - don't mind me ☺
September 7, 2024
Very different from Sparks usual topics. I woul have thought with the Thriller aspect subtly added in this woul be my perfect cup of tea. The love story was great, but the stalking and kidnapping was a bust.
October 21, 2015
If you're wondering if Nicholas Sparks still has it after his divorce, he doesn't.
This was not what I expected. It was not a love story. It was a stalker, suspense, twist and turn story. With so much detail oh my lord over the top details!
Maybe other people will like it but I was so disappointed. I didn't even cry!!!!! I just wanted it to be over. And I skimmed so much.
This was not what I expected. It was not a love story. It was a stalker, suspense, twist and turn story. With so much detail oh my lord over the top details!
Maybe other people will like it but I was so disappointed. I didn't even cry!!!!! I just wanted it to be over. And I skimmed so much.
October 14, 2015
Disappointed. I am a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks, but this book just didn't live up to the hype. I guessed at almost all of the plot twists before they happened, so there were no real surprises. I know this book was a step into a new genre for him, but I hope he goes back to writing what he does best. If the book had been written by anyone other than Nicholas Sparks, I would have put it down halfway through and not even finished it. Just ... Disappointed ...
May 1, 2017
The last 100 pages of this book just destroyed me, no joke. It was an edge on your seat type thrill that I couldn't put the book down without having to see it through to the end. If you know me well, you will know that I actually do enjoy reading books by Nicholas Sparks and See Me was a good read. The plot followed Colin, a 28 year old having a second chance in life by training to be a teacher in College after he became aggressive, ended up on the wrong side of the law and having his parents throw him out. The other main character Maria is also 28 and works as a lawyer having a sister Serena always looking out for her. When Colin and Maria's paths cross due to a car tyre, so does the start of a potential blossoming romance. However, Maria has some secrets of her own and once it becomes clear the two of them are an item, strange things start happening to her such as anonymous notes. The thing is, this has happened to her before and they were the result of a case in which a young girl was stalked and murdered.
The story itself is just under 500 pages long and does have a lot of backstory so be prepared to hear lots of things about both main characters past as well as their present occupations. The part of Colin being a MMA fighter also interested me since I hadn't read a story before in which the main character did MMA. It was a good read, just a little bit long but be prepared for the ending because I definitely did not see it coming.
Final star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars!
I borrowed a copy of this from my local library.
The story itself is just under 500 pages long and does have a lot of backstory so be prepared to hear lots of things about both main characters past as well as their present occupations. The part of Colin being a MMA fighter also interested me since I hadn't read a story before in which the main character did MMA. It was a good read, just a little bit long but be prepared for the ending because I definitely did not see it coming.
Final star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars!
I borrowed a copy of this from my local library.
October 19, 2015
I've loved everything Nicholas Sparks has ever written...until now.
I preordered this book and counted down the days until its release. It automatically downloaded on my Kindle and I began reading. I read the prologue and exited the book, assuming I had somehow started to read the wrong thing. No, it was See Me. I read the first chapter and googled the book to make sure it hadn't been written by someone with a similar name. No, it was the same Nicholas Sparks who wrote The Notebook and At First Sight. So I pressed on and finished the entire thing, hoping he would somehow work his romantic literary magic. It never happened. This book was 77% dialogue and 98% of that was poorly written. WHO TALKS LIKE THIS? No one, that's who.
This is the first Nicholas Sparks novel where I haven't fallen in love along with the characters. And the thing is, if it had by written by someone else, it's not a terrible book. It's just lacking everything I love about Nicholas Sparks. Such a disappointment.
I preordered this book and counted down the days until its release. It automatically downloaded on my Kindle and I began reading. I read the prologue and exited the book, assuming I had somehow started to read the wrong thing. No, it was See Me. I read the first chapter and googled the book to make sure it hadn't been written by someone with a similar name. No, it was the same Nicholas Sparks who wrote The Notebook and At First Sight. So I pressed on and finished the entire thing, hoping he would somehow work his romantic literary magic. It never happened. This book was 77% dialogue and 98% of that was poorly written. WHO TALKS LIKE THIS? No one, that's who.
This is the first Nicholas Sparks novel where I haven't fallen in love along with the characters. And the thing is, if it had by written by someone else, it's not a terrible book. It's just lacking everything I love about Nicholas Sparks. Such a disappointment.
May 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
Colin was the third child and only son of his parents. His parents sent him to a military school where he learnt wrestling, boxing and judo. He was a violent angry man with no plans for his life until he decided to go to college at the age of 25. Evan his friend was an accountant and a financial planner. Colin moved in Evan's apartment on rent.
Maria was a lawyer who worked at the district attorney's office. She and Colin met on the highway when her car broke down and Colin helped her with it. Maria was having a hard time because of her one colleague. Maria's sister Serena and Colin studied in the same class, so she took her to the bar where he worked. Together they spent some time and told one another stories from their pasts and agreed to meet on next Sunday for paddle boarding. Eventually they started liking one another.
One day Maria received a bouquet at her office and thought Colin might have sent it, but he didn't send any. That day onwards things started to change as Maria kept getting weird cards, drinks for free, etc., all from an unknown person. It turned out that someone from a previous case which didn't work out good was after her life and wanted to inflict the same pain on Maria and her family that he had to face.
Maria resigned from her job and joined a startup firm with Jill. Colin and Evan tracked down the attacker after much struggle. They saved Serena who was kidnapped.
This novel will keep you on your nerves. Not a new story but the twists and turns were quite interesting.
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Colin was the third child and only son of his parents. His parents sent him to a military school where he learnt wrestling, boxing and judo. He was a violent angry man with no plans for his life until he decided to go to college at the age of 25. Evan his friend was an accountant and a financial planner. Colin moved in Evan's apartment on rent.
Maria was a lawyer who worked at the district attorney's office. She and Colin met on the highway when her car broke down and Colin helped her with it. Maria was having a hard time because of her one colleague. Maria's sister Serena and Colin studied in the same class, so she took her to the bar where he worked. Together they spent some time and told one another stories from their pasts and agreed to meet on next Sunday for paddle boarding. Eventually they started liking one another.
One day Maria received a bouquet at her office and thought Colin might have sent it, but he didn't send any. That day onwards things started to change as Maria kept getting weird cards, drinks for free, etc., all from an unknown person. It turned out that someone from a previous case which didn't work out good was after her life and wanted to inflict the same pain on Maria and her family that he had to face.
Maria resigned from her job and joined a startup firm with Jill. Colin and Evan tracked down the attacker after much struggle. They saved Serena who was kidnapped.
This novel will keep you on your nerves. Not a new story but the twists and turns were quite interesting.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2016
This novel starts off with an unidentified male person wanting vengeance on Maria Sanchez. It then introduces the two main characters. Colin Hancock, who has in the past had a chequered history with the law. He is now seeking to change his life, earn a teaching degree and have his criminal record expunged. One rainy night he meets Maria Sanchez, who is a lawyer. From then on chapters are told alternately between Colin and Maria. The novel turns into a love story, which is no surprise given that the author is Nicholas Sparks. But the threat of vengeance from that first chapter still hovers. Eventually it escalates to being more than just a threat. But who is the person seeking vengeance?
I enjoyed this novel and kept wanting to read it at every opportunity. I really liked some of the minor characters in the novel, like Lily, fiancée of Colin’s friend Evan and Serena, Maria’s sister. I also liked Colin’s honesty and the way he responded to questions, even if it wasn’t always the answer people wanted to hear. There is a lot of dialogue in this novel and I enjoyed some of the conversations that ensued.
I admit to being a fan of Nicholas Sparks and the rate I read this shows how I enjoyed it, even if I had figured out who was responsible for the stalking of Maria. If you are a Nicholas Sparks’ fan you should enjoy it. It is more than just a love story. In fact, the romance tends to almost take second place to the vengeance and thriller aspects. This is another one I can see being made into a movie.
I enjoyed this novel and kept wanting to read it at every opportunity. I really liked some of the minor characters in the novel, like Lily, fiancée of Colin’s friend Evan and Serena, Maria’s sister. I also liked Colin’s honesty and the way he responded to questions, even if it wasn’t always the answer people wanted to hear. There is a lot of dialogue in this novel and I enjoyed some of the conversations that ensued.
I admit to being a fan of Nicholas Sparks and the rate I read this shows how I enjoyed it, even if I had figured out who was responsible for the stalking of Maria. If you are a Nicholas Sparks’ fan you should enjoy it. It is more than just a love story. In fact, the romance tends to almost take second place to the vengeance and thriller aspects. This is another one I can see being made into a movie.
February 4, 2023
See Me by Nicholas Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read many books by Nicolas Sparks and I have to say this is one of my favourites. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was incredible. I was absolutely intrigued with the story right from the start. I love when a story keeps me captivated because I have no idea what’s coming next or how it’s going to end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read many books by Nicolas Sparks and I have to say this is one of my favourites. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was incredible. I was absolutely intrigued with the story right from the start. I love when a story keeps me captivated because I have no idea what’s coming next or how it’s going to end.
March 24, 2016
I hope Nicholas Sparks hated writing this novel as much as I hated reading it. Then at least I'll have some vindication for how much of a true let down this was. Not only did I not like the characters and not like the main love story, it pissed me off. It was such an awful calculated "thriller" where the characters couldn't put the pieces together and made you cringe and yell at the book constantly for just how stupid they were. Why can't Sparks just stick to what he does best, a genuine honest love story? I'm just flummoxed this even got published.
February 7, 2017
Kolin iza sebe ima čitavu historiju nasilničkog ponašanja i loših odluka, a sada je odlučio da živi ispravno i izbjegava sve što bi moglo biti pogubno za njegovu budućnost. Marija je kćerka meksičkih doseljenika, radi u uglednoj advokatskoj kancelariji i ima besprijekornu karijeru. Kada sudbina spoji Kolina i Mariju počinju problemi uzrokovani Marijinim lošim odlukama u prošlosti.
Ovaj roman je netipičan za Sparksa - u njemu ne dominira samo ljubav kao što je to slučaj sa njegovim ostalim romanima. U njemu pronalazimo i elemente trilera, a konačan rasplet čekamo do posljednjih stranica. Roman zaista drži pažnju, karakterizacija likova je jako dobra, nije površna kao u Kobnom zavoju gdje u nekih 300njak stranica pratimo samo dva lika. Vrijedilo je pročitati ovih 500+ stranica i mislim da će ekranizacija ovog romana biti najbolja do sada :)
Ovaj roman je netipičan za Sparksa - u njemu ne dominira samo ljubav kao što je to slučaj sa njegovim ostalim romanima. U njemu pronalazimo i elemente trilera, a konačan rasplet čekamo do posljednjih stranica. Roman zaista drži pažnju, karakterizacija likova je jako dobra, nije površna kao u Kobnom zavoju gdje u nekih 300njak stranica pratimo samo dva lika. Vrijedilo je pročitati ovih 500+ stranica i mislim da će ekranizacija ovog romana biti najbolja do sada :)
September 15, 2022
NOT THE BEST 528 PAGES I'VE READ SO FAR…
This book was given to me as a birthday present by a dear, lovely old friend. She was not aware of my taste in books though, but I truly appreciated the fact that she KNEW I enjoyed nothing more than books as presents —or anything! So whenever looking at this book, lying on my shelves and reading the notes they have written on the first page, just makes me smile and proud of having -or meeting- such sweet people during my life.
So this book definitely has a sentimental value to me, but what is written inside it... well let's see.
The story begins with a relish of romance between two young people: Maria and Colin. These two lovebirds meet in an uncomfortable situation, she dislikes him, then she likes him, he likes her, and… they date. So far, this is the first two hundred pages of the book (I mean, come on it almost made me cry and NOT because I was emotional!)
PERSONAL NOTE: the couple is not even cute or acting mature where they should; while both of them are almost on the edge of 30. I mean this is not a YA or something so why acting like teenagers?!
Anyways, the next hundred pages, that is, almost up to 3/5 of the book, is about a bouquet of flowers… really! *distraught emoji* and then, a hundred more for finding out who sent them. OK, I agree the last, what, like 75% of the book was not bad; but too shallow and predictable. And please do not tell me it WASN’T that predictable because by the first impression of the villain I knew he did it! And the ending, of course ending sweet ending, they lived happily ever after… or did they?! Till death do us apart? This is the only interesting part and I’m not gonna spoil it!
I think a lot of details or extra descriptions could easily be eliminated on the edit (what I myself do sometimes) and most of the conversations could be shorter —really, really shorter *crying emoji* I may have come to the conclusion that Mister Sparks, is just not the writer for me —WITH ALL THE RESPECT I HAVE FOR HIM. I mean “The Notebook” was good. Really good, even. But I might be the kind of person who likes the movie adaptation way more; not just because I’m a cinephile, but for the visual beauty the film represents and the fact that I’d rather spend my time —especially a 500pages amount of time— on a book with other themes (Or better written, if the same theme).
So just See Me, leaving this review up to here, because I don’t want to tell more of what is going on in the story (I pretty much told you the most though!) or how I feel about it (As I said, it’s a present and still precious to me).
Just that sometimes, we can judge a book by its cover can’t we? *frowning emoji*
This book was given to me as a birthday present by a dear, lovely old friend. She was not aware of my taste in books though, but I truly appreciated the fact that she KNEW I enjoyed nothing more than books as presents —or anything! So whenever looking at this book, lying on my shelves and reading the notes they have written on the first page, just makes me smile and proud of having -or meeting- such sweet people during my life.
So this book definitely has a sentimental value to me, but what is written inside it... well let's see.
The story begins with a relish of romance between two young people: Maria and Colin. These two lovebirds meet in an uncomfortable situation, she dislikes him, then she likes him, he likes her, and… they date. So far, this is the first two hundred pages of the book (I mean, come on it almost made me cry and NOT because I was emotional!)
PERSONAL NOTE: the couple is not even cute or acting mature where they should; while both of them are almost on the edge of 30. I mean this is not a YA or something so why acting like teenagers?!
Anyways, the next hundred pages, that is, almost up to 3/5 of the book, is about a bouquet of flowers… really! *distraught emoji* and then, a hundred more for finding out who sent them. OK, I agree the last, what, like 75% of the book was not bad; but too shallow and predictable. And please do not tell me it WASN’T that predictable because by the first impression of the villain I knew he did it! And the ending, of course ending sweet ending, they lived happily ever after… or did they?! Till death do us apart? This is the only interesting part and I’m not gonna spoil it!
I think a lot of details or extra descriptions could easily be eliminated on the edit (what I myself do sometimes) and most of the conversations could be shorter —really, really shorter *crying emoji* I may have come to the conclusion that Mister Sparks, is just not the writer for me —WITH ALL THE RESPECT I HAVE FOR HIM. I mean “The Notebook” was good. Really good, even. But I might be the kind of person who likes the movie adaptation way more; not just because I’m a cinephile, but for the visual beauty the film represents and the fact that I’d rather spend my time —especially a 500pages amount of time— on a book with other themes (Or better written, if the same theme).
So just See Me, leaving this review up to here, because I don’t want to tell more of what is going on in the story (I pretty much told you the most though!) or how I feel about it (As I said, it’s a present and still precious to me).
Just that sometimes, we can judge a book by its cover can’t we? *frowning emoji*
Read
November 16, 2020Maria, a busy lawyer, meets Colin, by a strange coincidence. The two couldn't be more different, but there is a spark between them. One day, Maria receives flowers and a highly questionable message that brings her past into the present. From that moment, the book is exclusively about that. The relationship between Maria and Colin is relegated to the background, which I personally find very sad. In my eyes, there are better Spark's books. With time, one doesn't want to read on.
September 21, 2018
Meni je ovo bio savršen spoj prijateljstva, ljubavi, odanosti, humora i misterije. Definitivno nije klasični ljubić.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars
It was as if Nicholas Sparks meets Stephen King, but in milder way, since Stephen's books are much more darker and suspenseful. Yet again that's just typical of the author since there are always blossoms an immediate chemistry and attraction with Spark's main characters. Nevertheless, I didn't like how he changed his usual style in this book, he always focuses more on the romance and the main characters' developing relationship, the concept of this novel leaned more on the suspense. Collin and Maria's first meet wasn’t love at first sight but it was definitely attraction at first sight, altough their relationship progressed very quickly. The way Nicholas describes romantic moments in his books is astonishing, it sweeps you off your feet, but admittedly it didn't happen to be great in this book.
There was a major stalker situation going on in this book, however it was interesting but in the mean time gave me a headache. I kept suspecting on 5 different people at the same time, the author sure kept me of the edge of my seat even in the epilogue. The characters were well written, especially the side characters (Colin and Maria's friends to be more particular). What was missing in the book in my opinion was that Collin never contacted neither his parents nor to his sisters, I understand why he was keeping his distance from his parents because they've been keeping up with his failiures and mess for a really long time but eventualy gave up on him, due to his immaturity and for being irresponsible. Despite Collin being a troubled young man at an early age he turned out amazing, caring and passionate man. And yet the whole thing was a cliche. Why? Because Maria is a good girl and Collin is a bad boy but they never let their reputation or pasts get into their relationship, I wasn't really a fan of their love story, I'm not saying it was bad but it was nothing near good comparing to his other novels like: The Notebook or The Longest Ride.
Great narrative in the vein of his other books, however the pace was a bit slow.
I wouldn't describe this book as a total utter disappointement, but it didn't meet my expectations either.
It was as if Nicholas Sparks meets Stephen King, but in milder way, since Stephen's books are much more darker and suspenseful. Yet again that's just typical of the author since there are always blossoms an immediate chemistry and attraction with Spark's main characters. Nevertheless, I didn't like how he changed his usual style in this book, he always focuses more on the romance and the main characters' developing relationship, the concept of this novel leaned more on the suspense. Collin and Maria's first meet wasn’t love at first sight but it was definitely attraction at first sight, altough their relationship progressed very quickly. The way Nicholas describes romantic moments in his books is astonishing, it sweeps you off your feet, but admittedly it didn't happen to be great in this book.
There was a major stalker situation going on in this book, however it was interesting but in the mean time gave me a headache. I kept suspecting on 5 different people at the same time, the author sure kept me of the edge of my seat even in the epilogue. The characters were well written, especially the side characters (Colin and Maria's friends to be more particular). What was missing in the book in my opinion was that Collin never contacted neither his parents nor to his sisters, I understand why he was keeping his distance from his parents because they've been keeping up with his failiures and mess for a really long time but eventualy gave up on him, due to his immaturity and for being irresponsible. Despite Collin being a troubled young man at an early age he turned out amazing, caring and passionate man. And yet the whole thing was a cliche. Why? Because Maria is a good girl and Collin is a bad boy but they never let their reputation or pasts get into their relationship, I wasn't really a fan of their love story, I'm not saying it was bad but it was nothing near good comparing to his other novels like: The Notebook or The Longest Ride.
Great narrative in the vein of his other books, however the pace was a bit slow.
I wouldn't describe this book as a total utter disappointement, but it didn't meet my expectations either.
July 30, 2016
Ugh. Worst book from Nicholas Sparks ever. And worst book I've read in some time. I've been a fan of Nicholas Sparks for his previous works but there were so many places this went wrong..
First, the characters: Maria, supposedly a smart, driven lawyer but portrayed as weak and insipid; Colin, an annoying combination of testosterone/rage and sensitive devotion to Maria; Evan and Lilly, a couple whose relationship is mainly her manipulating him with skimpy clothing and innuendos of sexual rewards for doing what she wanted and he, in turn, behaving like a puppy dog.
Second, the dialogue, especially Colin's. No one talks like that, especially a testosterone-laden man.
Third, the detailed descriptions. At times, I literally said aloud, "enough already, we get it!". This was likely exacerbated by the fact that I was listening to this as an audiobook and couldn't skim past the protracted and extraneous narratives.
Finally, the plot line. I realize this is fiction but this is so far from plausible that instead of being a romantic thriller, it was merely irritating. The combination of over the top characters and contrived situations made it hard to enjoy the story.
On his website, Nicholas Sparks says "I have to be honest with you: it is always a challenge for me to conceive a unique, compelling and original storyline; after eighteen novels, it’s even more difficult. When I wrote See Me, my singular goal was to surprise and delight readers." Sorry, Nicholas, you did not achieve your goal with me this time. Frankly, it seemed you were just trying too hard to churn out #18.
First, the characters: Maria, supposedly a smart, driven lawyer but portrayed as weak and insipid; Colin, an annoying combination of testosterone/rage and sensitive devotion to Maria; Evan and Lilly, a couple whose relationship is mainly her manipulating him with skimpy clothing and innuendos of sexual rewards for doing what she wanted and he, in turn, behaving like a puppy dog.
Second, the dialogue, especially Colin's. No one talks like that, especially a testosterone-laden man.
Third, the detailed descriptions. At times, I literally said aloud, "enough already, we get it!". This was likely exacerbated by the fact that I was listening to this as an audiobook and couldn't skim past the protracted and extraneous narratives.
Finally, the plot line. I realize this is fiction but this is so far from plausible that instead of being a romantic thriller, it was merely irritating. The combination of over the top characters and contrived situations made it hard to enjoy the story.
On his website, Nicholas Sparks says "I have to be honest with you: it is always a challenge for me to conceive a unique, compelling and original storyline; after eighteen novels, it’s even more difficult. When I wrote See Me, my singular goal was to surprise and delight readers." Sorry, Nicholas, you did not achieve your goal with me this time. Frankly, it seemed you were just trying too hard to churn out #18.
April 28, 2016
Loved it!
October 20, 2015
4 stars
While I usually tend to lean more towards YA books ( fantasy & dystopian being my faves ), I have a soft spot for Nicholas Sparks. I have read pretty much all his novels, own my favorites and watched all the ones that have been converted to movies. His books give me those warm, fuzzy feels that a girl needs every now and then. This being his newest one, it had a slightly darker feel than the others.
The book centers around Maria, a child of Mexican immigrants who became a lawyer and Colin, who has a troubled past and is trying to overcome that and become a school teacher. They cross paths one night in a chance meeting and slowly become a part of each other's lives. But Maria had some troubles of her own in the past, and those troubles start to catch up with her.
I liked that very early on in the novel, you find out both Maria's and Colin's back stories. There's still a slight air of mystery throughout, but I still liked knowing the why of things and I liked being able to draw my own conclusions based on those stories and based on little details that emerge throughout the novel. I loved reading about the family dynamic with Maria and her sister, Serena and their parents. I liked how close knit they all were. But of course, my favorite part of pretty much any Nicholas Sparks novel is reading about the relationship and how it goes from attraction, to eventually love. Because, like most of his stories, this is first and foremost, a love story.
Not my favorite novel by Sparks, but not a bad one by any means. It kept me guessing until the end and held my interest throughout, plus induced tears ( yes, Sparks tends to make me cry alot! ) not to mention had me loving Colin and rooting for him the whole time.
While I usually tend to lean more towards YA books ( fantasy & dystopian being my faves ), I have a soft spot for Nicholas Sparks. I have read pretty much all his novels, own my favorites and watched all the ones that have been converted to movies. His books give me those warm, fuzzy feels that a girl needs every now and then. This being his newest one, it had a slightly darker feel than the others.
The book centers around Maria, a child of Mexican immigrants who became a lawyer and Colin, who has a troubled past and is trying to overcome that and become a school teacher. They cross paths one night in a chance meeting and slowly become a part of each other's lives. But Maria had some troubles of her own in the past, and those troubles start to catch up with her.
I liked that very early on in the novel, you find out both Maria's and Colin's back stories. There's still a slight air of mystery throughout, but I still liked knowing the why of things and I liked being able to draw my own conclusions based on those stories and based on little details that emerge throughout the novel. I loved reading about the family dynamic with Maria and her sister, Serena and their parents. I liked how close knit they all were. But of course, my favorite part of pretty much any Nicholas Sparks novel is reading about the relationship and how it goes from attraction, to eventually love. Because, like most of his stories, this is first and foremost, a love story.
Not my favorite novel by Sparks, but not a bad one by any means. It kept me guessing until the end and held my interest throughout, plus induced tears ( yes, Sparks tends to make me cry alot! ) not to mention had me loving Colin and rooting for him the whole time.
March 13, 2023
A friend borrowed me this book back in 2017 when I was going to a hospital to my social hours, I read this while I take breakfast. I remember a few things, and I gotta say that back then, I enjoyed this book like in a 35%.
Colin is abussive and in that then I couldn't stand him. I don't remember if he did something to María, but I always thought that he was some sorta dick, and bad things happened to him on the wrong moment, lol.
I actually don't know why the hell I read this.
Colin is abussive and in that then I couldn't stand him. I don't remember if he did something to María, but I always thought that he was some sorta dick, and bad things happened to him on the wrong moment, lol.
I actually don't know why the hell I read this.
October 19, 2015
Gifted Southern storyteller, Nicholas Sparks continues to “pull out all the stops” with his new romantic thriller, SEE ME — assured to be yet another bestseller, and blockbuster movie.
A novel of second chances, as the past and present collide, with a roller-coaster ride of emotion, suspense, mystery, and thriller . . And, as always, a love story running in the background, found in the most likely of places.
SEE ME, just as I see you . . . what powerful words.
Set in Wilmington, North Carolina – the iconic novelist has published eighteen novels and two non-fiction books. SEE ME, focuses on a young man named Colin Hancock, who is trying to shed negative influences in his life, and Maria Sanchez, a hardworking lawyer and daughter of Mexican immigrants who has her own dark past. The protagonists meet by chance, when she has car trouble during a rainstorm; however, their budding romance is threatened by a hidden menace.
You can depend on two things: Sparks' books being set in NC and a couple will fall in love. Let me start out by saying, SEE ME offers more intrigue than some of his previous books. More of a twisty mystery thriller, keeping the reader in the dark, as to the identity of the bad guy.
Colin Hancock has a history with an unfortunate past, prone to fights and violence. From PTSD, ADHD, a childhood of bullying, trouble with the law---and many wrong turns along the way. From a wealthy family raised by a series of nannies, from one fight to another with serious issues. His parents shipped him off to military school -a downward spiral. At twenty-five, he was given a second chance. (You will love his famous "OK". His answer to everything is, "just, OK", showing no emotion).
Presently, Colin is doing his best to stay on the straight and narrow. He is focused, and determined to achieve his goals. Back to college at UNC Wilmington, at age twenty-eight he is studying to be a teacher, to mentor children. With religious trips to the gym, and lots of anger management classes behind him, to control his demons, while working as a bartender in the local Wilmington area. He continues to be involved in MMA-Mixed Martial Arts as a means to keep his violence intact, with a perfect GPA.
He continues to stay out of trouble, and does not put himself in or around any environment which could lead to fights, or screw up his parole. He has the looks, the ripped muscular body, to turn heads; however, a little rough around the edges with tattoos, a tough outward appearance. His personality is cut and dry, and is not about trying to impress or engage in conversation. His past crime record has been expunged (thanks to his dad); however, if he screws up one more time, he is back in prison. There is a local cop just lurking, waiting for him to screw up again, so he can put him away.
Colin lives in a downstairs apartment, he rents from his oldest best friend (landlord), conservative--Evan, an accountant, a financial planner, and his beautiful fiancée, Lilly who is around most of the time. His best friend has been there for him through thick and thin, and Lilly, the prim and proper society Charleston Southern Belle, is always there to offer her advice and “Bless your Heart” reassurance; a drop dead debutante, and an accent as sweet as honey. Lilly has tutored him in the evenings, and kept him from making impulsive decisions, as well as Evan helping to keep him in line. He has his work, MMA, and his studies. He knows his limits and keeps his anger in check.
Maria, age twenty-eight, believes in working hard to achieve your status and career goals. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she comes from a very close knit family. She has beauty, charm, and brains. Her parents and family, own and operate a local Mexican restaurant. She and her beautiful sister (she is funny), and her best friend. The two sisters attend weekly brunches with family—they like to keep their personal lives private, from their parents conservative eyes.
With a law degree from Duke University, Hispanic Maria is now trying to fit in with a prestigious law firm in Wilmington, NC, and desires to make partner. She left a DA position in Charlotte, NC, after a horrific case she was involved in with one of her clients, which led to her death. The case still haunts her, along with the stress of her job, as why the decision to move to Wilmington. However, there is an older married partner of the firm, sexually harassing the women, and putting the pressure on her. She wants no part of this. In the meantime, her sister is always after her about dating. She is not interested, and has enough pressure at work-She has no time for a personal life.
When Maria gets stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, with a flat tire--Colin steps out of his Camaro stopping by to offer his assistance--she is afraid of him. He is scary looking, after a fight the previous night (he fights competitively), he is a fright. All she needs is a scary escaped convict. She does not need his help. She cannot find her phone and is frantic, now late for an important appointment. They wind up meeting again later. Her younger sister happens to be in class with Colin, and when they later go out for drinks at the bar where he works, their paths cross once again.
An unexpected connection. They wind up meeting again, slowly become friends and openly share their past. They struggle trying to deal with their mismatched backgrounds. However, when meeting the parents, does not go so well, with Colin’s violent past. With numerous obstacles trying to pull them apart, can they possibly have a future together?
There is something bigger going on---an evil plan, playing out in the background, involving a past event. Vengeance. A dangerous stalker, and Maria’s family is targeted. From Serena, Maria’s sister, to Maria . . . someone knows their every move. This is where the danger and mystery comes front and center in the story.
When a past case of revenge begins to cause danger for Maria’s family, Colin will risk it all to save the woman he loves. Crossing many genres, this is not a sappy love story; it is part psychological, crime, mystery, and thriller. Layers of suspense, surrounding a love story with characters from different walks of life.
SEE ME offers a different twist, keeping readers on their toes, turning pages, by keeping the nature of the threat obscured. Until the end, you do not know the identity of the hidden bad guy.
What can you say about Nicholas Sparks that has not been said? One of the top authors of this genre- mastering romantic suspense. Each of his books dive deep into human emotions and dynamics, with layers of tragedy and loss, with well-developed everyday characters, seeking second chances when unfortunate elements continue to pull them down. In the end, they come out stronger.
Since I have read all his books, and movies, everyone asks how SEE ME compares? Each book is unique and delivers a different story and set of circumstances. What I enjoy about his work, is each book delivers a different emotion---some have more mystery, crime, or suspense, than others. There is always strong powers of conflict.
SEE ME is powerful; however, did not find myself with endless tears; not quite as dramatic as some in the past; however, more of a character-driven novel, and this is where it shines. Sparks does a fantastic job of combining love story with thriller components, as he allows the love story to take more of a back seat, to the danger in the forefront.
As a Charlotte, NC native, raising my family in Winston-Salem, NC and having worked in Charleston, SC---it is always nice to hear mentions of familiar places in the NC/SC area. All you Dorothea Benton Frank and Mary Kay Andrews’ fans will enjoy the humor of Lilly--as she mentors Colin --how to dance, and what clothes to wear, as she works to smooth out some of Colin’s rough edges to make him acceptable in the eyes of his new found relationship and her family.
I always pre-order Sparks’ audiobooks when he has a new release. Over past years, his audiobooks have accompanied me with my long road trips from NC back to Florida, or NC to Georgia.
Audiobook: The narrator, Christopher Ryan Grant one of the BEST!! He delivered an outstanding performance, ideal with a wide range of voices and personalities; for the quiet dry, Colin; Hispanic, Maria; the funny Serena; parents, the kick ass attorney, Jill; the all American boy, Evan; the Southern cop; and the “to die” for performance of Lilly, the Southern Belle. Highly recommend the audiobook, as Sparks and Grant, make for one stoppable team!
My only negative: The front cover does not truly capture the mood of the story, as his previous books; however, sure with the upcoming formats and publications, it may change.
Upcoming Sparks News: If you haven't heard The New Bern author is working with ABC to develop a comedy titled “The Next Chapter,” which centers on a best-selling romance novelist who is recently divorced. Ten of Sparks' novels have been turned into movies and he expects his new film production company, Nicholas Sparks Productions, will eventually adapt "See Me." "The Choice," which is scheduled to release in February, will be the company's first film and a script for "The Guardian" is in the works.
Can't wait to see what is next!
JDCMustReadBooks
A novel of second chances, as the past and present collide, with a roller-coaster ride of emotion, suspense, mystery, and thriller . . And, as always, a love story running in the background, found in the most likely of places.
SEE ME, just as I see you . . . what powerful words.
Set in Wilmington, North Carolina – the iconic novelist has published eighteen novels and two non-fiction books. SEE ME, focuses on a young man named Colin Hancock, who is trying to shed negative influences in his life, and Maria Sanchez, a hardworking lawyer and daughter of Mexican immigrants who has her own dark past. The protagonists meet by chance, when she has car trouble during a rainstorm; however, their budding romance is threatened by a hidden menace.
You can depend on two things: Sparks' books being set in NC and a couple will fall in love. Let me start out by saying, SEE ME offers more intrigue than some of his previous books. More of a twisty mystery thriller, keeping the reader in the dark, as to the identity of the bad guy.
Colin Hancock has a history with an unfortunate past, prone to fights and violence. From PTSD, ADHD, a childhood of bullying, trouble with the law---and many wrong turns along the way. From a wealthy family raised by a series of nannies, from one fight to another with serious issues. His parents shipped him off to military school -a downward spiral. At twenty-five, he was given a second chance. (You will love his famous "OK". His answer to everything is, "just, OK", showing no emotion).
Presently, Colin is doing his best to stay on the straight and narrow. He is focused, and determined to achieve his goals. Back to college at UNC Wilmington, at age twenty-eight he is studying to be a teacher, to mentor children. With religious trips to the gym, and lots of anger management classes behind him, to control his demons, while working as a bartender in the local Wilmington area. He continues to be involved in MMA-Mixed Martial Arts as a means to keep his violence intact, with a perfect GPA.
He continues to stay out of trouble, and does not put himself in or around any environment which could lead to fights, or screw up his parole. He has the looks, the ripped muscular body, to turn heads; however, a little rough around the edges with tattoos, a tough outward appearance. His personality is cut and dry, and is not about trying to impress or engage in conversation. His past crime record has been expunged (thanks to his dad); however, if he screws up one more time, he is back in prison. There is a local cop just lurking, waiting for him to screw up again, so he can put him away.
Colin lives in a downstairs apartment, he rents from his oldest best friend (landlord), conservative--Evan, an accountant, a financial planner, and his beautiful fiancée, Lilly who is around most of the time. His best friend has been there for him through thick and thin, and Lilly, the prim and proper society Charleston Southern Belle, is always there to offer her advice and “Bless your Heart” reassurance; a drop dead debutante, and an accent as sweet as honey. Lilly has tutored him in the evenings, and kept him from making impulsive decisions, as well as Evan helping to keep him in line. He has his work, MMA, and his studies. He knows his limits and keeps his anger in check.
Maria, age twenty-eight, believes in working hard to achieve your status and career goals. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she comes from a very close knit family. She has beauty, charm, and brains. Her parents and family, own and operate a local Mexican restaurant. She and her beautiful sister (she is funny), and her best friend. The two sisters attend weekly brunches with family—they like to keep their personal lives private, from their parents conservative eyes.
With a law degree from Duke University, Hispanic Maria is now trying to fit in with a prestigious law firm in Wilmington, NC, and desires to make partner. She left a DA position in Charlotte, NC, after a horrific case she was involved in with one of her clients, which led to her death. The case still haunts her, along with the stress of her job, as why the decision to move to Wilmington. However, there is an older married partner of the firm, sexually harassing the women, and putting the pressure on her. She wants no part of this. In the meantime, her sister is always after her about dating. She is not interested, and has enough pressure at work-She has no time for a personal life.
When Maria gets stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, with a flat tire--Colin steps out of his Camaro stopping by to offer his assistance--she is afraid of him. He is scary looking, after a fight the previous night (he fights competitively), he is a fright. All she needs is a scary escaped convict. She does not need his help. She cannot find her phone and is frantic, now late for an important appointment. They wind up meeting again later. Her younger sister happens to be in class with Colin, and when they later go out for drinks at the bar where he works, their paths cross once again.
An unexpected connection. They wind up meeting again, slowly become friends and openly share their past. They struggle trying to deal with their mismatched backgrounds. However, when meeting the parents, does not go so well, with Colin’s violent past. With numerous obstacles trying to pull them apart, can they possibly have a future together?
There is something bigger going on---an evil plan, playing out in the background, involving a past event. Vengeance. A dangerous stalker, and Maria’s family is targeted. From Serena, Maria’s sister, to Maria . . . someone knows their every move. This is where the danger and mystery comes front and center in the story.
When a past case of revenge begins to cause danger for Maria’s family, Colin will risk it all to save the woman he loves. Crossing many genres, this is not a sappy love story; it is part psychological, crime, mystery, and thriller. Layers of suspense, surrounding a love story with characters from different walks of life.
SEE ME offers a different twist, keeping readers on their toes, turning pages, by keeping the nature of the threat obscured. Until the end, you do not know the identity of the hidden bad guy.
What can you say about Nicholas Sparks that has not been said? One of the top authors of this genre- mastering romantic suspense. Each of his books dive deep into human emotions and dynamics, with layers of tragedy and loss, with well-developed everyday characters, seeking second chances when unfortunate elements continue to pull them down. In the end, they come out stronger.
Since I have read all his books, and movies, everyone asks how SEE ME compares? Each book is unique and delivers a different story and set of circumstances. What I enjoy about his work, is each book delivers a different emotion---some have more mystery, crime, or suspense, than others. There is always strong powers of conflict.
SEE ME is powerful; however, did not find myself with endless tears; not quite as dramatic as some in the past; however, more of a character-driven novel, and this is where it shines. Sparks does a fantastic job of combining love story with thriller components, as he allows the love story to take more of a back seat, to the danger in the forefront.
As a Charlotte, NC native, raising my family in Winston-Salem, NC and having worked in Charleston, SC---it is always nice to hear mentions of familiar places in the NC/SC area. All you Dorothea Benton Frank and Mary Kay Andrews’ fans will enjoy the humor of Lilly--as she mentors Colin --how to dance, and what clothes to wear, as she works to smooth out some of Colin’s rough edges to make him acceptable in the eyes of his new found relationship and her family.
I always pre-order Sparks’ audiobooks when he has a new release. Over past years, his audiobooks have accompanied me with my long road trips from NC back to Florida, or NC to Georgia.
Audiobook: The narrator, Christopher Ryan Grant one of the BEST!! He delivered an outstanding performance, ideal with a wide range of voices and personalities; for the quiet dry, Colin; Hispanic, Maria; the funny Serena; parents, the kick ass attorney, Jill; the all American boy, Evan; the Southern cop; and the “to die” for performance of Lilly, the Southern Belle. Highly recommend the audiobook, as Sparks and Grant, make for one stoppable team!
My only negative: The front cover does not truly capture the mood of the story, as his previous books; however, sure with the upcoming formats and publications, it may change.
Upcoming Sparks News: If you haven't heard The New Bern author is working with ABC to develop a comedy titled “The Next Chapter,” which centers on a best-selling romance novelist who is recently divorced. Ten of Sparks' novels have been turned into movies and he expects his new film production company, Nicholas Sparks Productions, will eventually adapt "See Me." "The Choice," which is scheduled to release in February, will be the company's first film and a script for "The Guardian" is in the works.
Can't wait to see what is next!
JDCMustReadBooks
June 26, 2020
This will be Nicholas's first book published post his divorce (which i was heartbroken about tbh) <\\3
We shall see if he has not lost his (magic) touch & can still woo us with his love stories. I quote him something to the effect ,that when he wakes up every morning & looks at Cath (his wife...I mean ex-wife D: ) ,thats the love he writes about. But thats no more right...? :(
2015 read:
Did not enjoy this much sadly
We shall see if he has not lost his (magic) touch & can still woo us with his love stories. I quote him something to the effect ,that when he wakes up every morning & looks at Cath (his wife...I mean ex-wife D: ) ,thats the love he writes about. But thats no more right...? :(
2015 read:
Did not enjoy this much sadly
September 15, 2016
See Me was a bit of light, warm reading for me and one where I wasn’t sure where the storyline was heading next and thinking about what was going to happen to the characters. Though romance novels are hit and miss for me this novel had some murder, romance, mystery, violence and tragedy in a light tone. An enjoyable read with some likeable characters.
December 2, 2018
Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author but this just may be my least favorite of his. Sadly just didn't connect to the characters, their love story, or just the story in general :/
August 22, 2021
Hero's Journey
I haven't read many Nicholas Sparks novels, but when I heard this one featured an ex-prisoner, I jumped at the chance to read it. Ever since falling in love with the TV show Prison Break, I've been enthralled by ex-cons trying to make a better life.
The hero Colin hadn't actually been in prison, however. After one too many bar fights, he managed to make a deal for probation. But I liked his character for another reason: his live-and-let-live philosophy.
Colin is in his early 30s. He had ADHD and learning disabilities as a child, and got into trouble constantly. His parents sent him to military school, where he sustained a trauma and developed a violence and drug problem as a result. But he attended rehab and learned not only to control his temper, but to value himself and let others choose their own paths.
I liked the realistic methods he uses for anger management, including intense physical activity (MMA training), differentiating anger the feeling from aggression the behavior, labeling his emotions, deep breathing, and avoiding drugs.
His reason for wanting to teach third grade is so touching. And I love his non-possessive warmth. He's who he is, and he wants others to be free to live their own lives, without judgment. The heroine, Maria, isn't quite sure what to make of him at first.
She had to admit that his here's the real me and you can either accept me or not shtick was refreshing.
Colin encourages that deep honesty from Maria, as well.
He shrugged. "Because you told me how you were feeling, even though you suspected it might hurt my feelings. And you told the truth. And you did both those things from a place of vulnerability and concern, because you want your parents to like me. Because you care about me."
It's obvious he's come a long way in his emotional development.
Maria is an attorney from a hard-working Mexican-American family. She helped prosecute a murder years ago but the accused got a lenient sentence, and now it seems the murdered girl's family seeks vengeance. I liked the suspense element of the story. But I didn't like how the villain's identity hit a cliche note for me. I also thought the story was a tad too long.
I loved the movie The Longest Ride so maybe I'll check out that book down the road.
I haven't read many Nicholas Sparks novels, but when I heard this one featured an ex-prisoner, I jumped at the chance to read it. Ever since falling in love with the TV show Prison Break, I've been enthralled by ex-cons trying to make a better life.
The hero Colin hadn't actually been in prison, however. After one too many bar fights, he managed to make a deal for probation. But I liked his character for another reason: his live-and-let-live philosophy.
Colin is in his early 30s. He had ADHD and learning disabilities as a child, and got into trouble constantly. His parents sent him to military school, where he sustained a trauma and developed a violence and drug problem as a result. But he attended rehab and learned not only to control his temper, but to value himself and let others choose their own paths.
I liked the realistic methods he uses for anger management, including intense physical activity (MMA training), differentiating anger the feeling from aggression the behavior, labeling his emotions, deep breathing, and avoiding drugs.
His reason for wanting to teach third grade is so touching. And I love his non-possessive warmth. He's who he is, and he wants others to be free to live their own lives, without judgment. The heroine, Maria, isn't quite sure what to make of him at first.
She had to admit that his here's the real me and you can either accept me or not shtick was refreshing.
Colin encourages that deep honesty from Maria, as well.
He shrugged. "Because you told me how you were feeling, even though you suspected it might hurt my feelings. And you told the truth. And you did both those things from a place of vulnerability and concern, because you want your parents to like me. Because you care about me."
It's obvious he's come a long way in his emotional development.
Maria is an attorney from a hard-working Mexican-American family. She helped prosecute a murder years ago but the accused got a lenient sentence, and now it seems the murdered girl's family seeks vengeance. I liked the suspense element of the story. But I didn't like how the villain's identity hit a cliche note for me. I also thought the story was a tad too long.
I loved the movie The Longest Ride so maybe I'll check out that book down the road.
July 18, 2017
*****For my full review of this brilliant book, stop by Darling & Co.*****
So this book has been sitting on my TBR shelf for a while. Last October when it was published, I purchased the audiobook of it and then never listened to it. My thought process was that I would buy a book that was kind of long and then listen to it while I worked out; that didn't happen, and the book went unread/un-listened to. So this last weekend, I was sitting around reading different things, and I saw it sitting in my Audible account and decided I would buy the actual book and maybe I would actually read it. And that is exactly what happened. I started listening to it at work yesterday and when I got home, I picked up the book and kept reading until the very last page. I don't know why I waited so long to read it because yesterday, I could not put it down, and I am still reeling with excitement on how wonderful the book is.
This is only my second Nicholas Sparks novel, my first being The Notebook which I read after I saw the movie. I have seen multiple movies based off of his books, and for me, Nicholas Sparks is synonyms with tear jerker, bawling my eyes out for days on end, my heart being ripped out and shred into three million pieces. So needless to say, that's what I was expecting with See Me. I did not shed a single tear with this book, but not because I'm heartless, but because this book is suspenseful; it's like a mystery and a romance and so many things. There are so many layers to this novel, it's just brilliant! I really loved that it wasn't pure romance because I thought that's what I wanted, but it really wasn't. I wanted this.
This book held so many surprises and was so wonderfully written. I feel so lucky that I have read so many brilliant books lately. My LOVE shelf is quickly filling up with more and more books!
So this book has been sitting on my TBR shelf for a while. Last October when it was published, I purchased the audiobook of it and then never listened to it. My thought process was that I would buy a book that was kind of long and then listen to it while I worked out; that didn't happen, and the book went unread/un-listened to. So this last weekend, I was sitting around reading different things, and I saw it sitting in my Audible account and decided I would buy the actual book and maybe I would actually read it. And that is exactly what happened. I started listening to it at work yesterday and when I got home, I picked up the book and kept reading until the very last page. I don't know why I waited so long to read it because yesterday, I could not put it down, and I am still reeling with excitement on how wonderful the book is.
This is only my second Nicholas Sparks novel, my first being The Notebook which I read after I saw the movie. I have seen multiple movies based off of his books, and for me, Nicholas Sparks is synonyms with tear jerker, bawling my eyes out for days on end, my heart being ripped out and shred into three million pieces. So needless to say, that's what I was expecting with See Me. I did not shed a single tear with this book, but not because I'm heartless, but because this book is suspenseful; it's like a mystery and a romance and so many things. There are so many layers to this novel, it's just brilliant! I really loved that it wasn't pure romance because I thought that's what I wanted, but it really wasn't. I wanted this.
This book held so many surprises and was so wonderfully written. I feel so lucky that I have read so many brilliant books lately. My LOVE shelf is quickly filling up with more and more books!
November 8, 2016
Sparks je u ovom novom romanu napravio odličan spoj romanse i trilera, a u prilog tome ide i veći broj stranica nego što je to za njega uobičajeno što je značajno unaprijedilo kvalitet ovog romana u odnosu na ranije. Prednost ipak dajem romansi glavnih likova koja se, uprkos svim poteškoćama, polako razvija i gradi, postajući sve jača i ljepša. Vodeći se životnom mudrošću da treba gledati srcem, a ne očima Sparks dokazuje da ništa nije onako kako se zapravo na prvi pogled čini. Otuda i naslov romana Vidi me, onakvim kakvi smo zapravo u duši, a ne kako izgledamo. Zaplet romana sa elementima trilera je uzbudljiv, pa iako predvidiv, nestrpljivo vodi ka dramatičnoj završnici. Kao i uvijek do sada kada su u pitanju Sparksovi romani ovo će uskoro biti vjerujem odličan film.
October 2, 2017
the story is all about Marie, a lawyer , who was involved in case that ended up by burning the victim alive, and the murderer himself did not live any longer. despite the fact that Marie did all her best to the client who had been burned .the client's brother accused her that she was the main reason for what had happened.
after a while, she forgot all about that ,for she was utterly concentrating on her job and mainly because she had met an interesting person , Colin, who had a violent history. in other words, he lost his temper easily and could not control his rage, so he ended up fighting and hurting many people.
then Marie started to receive flowers and threatening cards from an anonymous person . besides, the tires of her car had been slashed. some of the letters were like " you know how it feels" ,and " you will see me as i see you." obviously, someone had been stalking her and wanting an opportunity to hurt her . therefore, Colin had changed into one of the detective characters that can be found in Agatha Christie's books , for he needed an evidence . in fact, Marie suspected the brother of the burned victim to be the one behind all these nasty deeds .
later on, they discovered that all of this was only a distraction game , for the real target was Marie's sister . all of them went through a very critic situation being in a building that had been set on fire. indeed, the criminal did not want to kill all of them. he wanted to kill Marie's sister just to let Marie knows how it feels when i member of her family is being burned alive. however , Colin and Marie went over there to rescue her , but they ended up to be victims as well . all of them survived by miracle.
after a while, she forgot all about that ,for she was utterly concentrating on her job and mainly because she had met an interesting person , Colin, who had a violent history. in other words, he lost his temper easily and could not control his rage, so he ended up fighting and hurting many people.
then Marie started to receive flowers and threatening cards from an anonymous person . besides, the tires of her car had been slashed. some of the letters were like " you know how it feels" ,and " you will see me as i see you." obviously, someone had been stalking her and wanting an opportunity to hurt her . therefore, Colin had changed into one of the detective characters that can be found in Agatha Christie's books , for he needed an evidence . in fact, Marie suspected the brother of the burned victim to be the one behind all these nasty deeds .
later on, they discovered that all of this was only a distraction game , for the real target was Marie's sister . all of them went through a very critic situation being in a building that had been set on fire. indeed, the criminal did not want to kill all of them. he wanted to kill Marie's sister just to let Marie knows how it feels when i member of her family is being burned alive. however , Colin and Marie went over there to rescue her , but they ended up to be victims as well . all of them survived by miracle.
December 2, 2015
This is a very different Nicholas Sparks book! If you loved The Notebook or The Best of Me, See Me may not be for you. When I began reading See Me, I was disappointed in the story. Nicholas Sparks' new style was interesting but not great for me. The love connection between Colin and Maria lacked real feeling and appeared unlikely. See Me is definitely my least favourite NS read but it kept me engaged until the last chapter. 3 stars
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