Πάντα πλάι σου

by Nicholas Sparks, Βούλα Αυγουστίνου (translator)

Στα τριάντα δύο του, ο Ράσελ Γκριν τα έχει όλα: µια εντυπωσιακή σύζυγο, µια αξιαγάπητη εξάχρονη κόρη, µια πετυχηµένη καριέρα ως διαφηµιστικό στέλεχος και ένα ωραίο σπίτι. Ζει ονειρεµένη ζωή, και ο γάµος του µε τη σαγηνευτική Βίβιαν είναι το κέντρο της. Κάτω, όµως, από τη γυαλιστερή επιφάνεια αυτής της τέλειας ύπαρξης, αρχίζουν να διακρίνονται ρήγµατα… και κανείς δεν εκπλήσσεται περισσότερο από τον ίδιο τον Ρας όταν κάθε πτυχή της ζωής του που θεωρούσε δεδοµένη ανατρέπεται. Μέσα σε λίγους µήνες, ο Ρας βρίσκεται, χωρίς δουλειά και σύζυγο, να πασχίζει να προσαρµοστεί σε µια νέα, περίπλοκη πραγµατικότητα. Αναλαµβάνοντας να φροντίσει την κορούλα του ως γονιός πλήρους απασχόλησης, ξεκινά ένα ταξίδι που τον τροµοκρατεί και τον αποζηµιώνει εξίσου – ένα ταξίδι που θα δοκιµάσει τις ικανότητές του και τη συναισθηµατική του αντοχή περισσότερο απ’ ό,τι είχε ποτέ φανταστεί.
Ένα συγκινητικό µυθιστόρηµα µε θέµα την απώλεια, τη διάψευση των προσδοκιών αλλά και τη δύναµη της ανιδιοτελούς αγάπης.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Adult

672 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Nicholas 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.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just know, as a longtime fan of Nicholas Sparks, this wasn’t an easy review to write and trying to sugarcoat my feelings seems pointless. So, I'm just going to put it out there—I didn't like this book.

Similar to See Me, this has an entirely different feel than his greats. I think Nicholas Sparks deserves some credit for branching out and trying something new—telling the story of a couple falling apart, rather than falling in love—but it didn’t work for me. What I couldn’t ignore was my inability to connect with the characters or his writing this time. The entire story felt disjointed and honestly, it was boring. Like watching paint dry boring.

I only wish I had found the strength to set it aside, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorites, so I had to give him a chance to pull it all together. To make me love something about this story. Anything. To somehow turn things around and make it a worthwhile read in the end. But he couldn’t.

Did the king of epic love stories really write this book? I’m confused about how Russ and Vivian even ended up together. There was absolutely no chemistry there. None. I assume it was because he was setting us up for the breakup, proving that they didn’t belong together, but still. As a reader, if I don’t feel some sort of connection between the characters initially, why am I going to care if they break up? Let me tell you, I didn’t. And Emily, really? Can I just say, he cheated once already! Walk away. Instead, we’re served up a predictable scenario and an untimely L-word declaration (*cringe*).

Is anyone going to talk in this book? Be prepared, the majority of the story is internal monologue. It’s maddening. And have I mentioned how boring Russ is?

Did the publisher give him a page requirement? This book was entirely too long. There were pages, upon pages, of useless tasks with meaningless conversations (the few we actually did get) sprinkled in. I’m talking about things that added absolutely NOTHING to the storyline. NOTHING. It was like living through the laundry list of someone’s monotonous daily routine. It was a repetitive snoozefest.

How am I supposed to feel? With the lack of character development and dialogue, there was no emotional connection for me. I wanted to appreciate the sweet father-daughter relationship, but it felt overdone and forced. It didn’t come off as natural when it was being crammed down my throat, over and over. I never understood Russ’ behavior regarding Vivian either. Or even Vivian herself. How does Russ stand back and do nothing? He never ever stands up for himself. Not once. And I have to mention Russ’ sister. There were some telltale signs of what was coming, but why? A hail mary thrown out as a last ditch effort for some type of emotion, maybe? It just didn’t fit with the rest of the story.

All that slow, torturous build-up and this is how it ends? Really? I’m not even sure what story Mr. Sparks was trying to tell. To be a pushover and people pleaser at any cost? Or to be a bully until you get what you want?

I hope you’ll take this for what it is—my opinion. Mr Sparks has written one of my favorite books of all time—A Bend in the Road, and many more that I've loved—but sadly I can’t say the same about this one.

[Jaidee (lost in Vegas for a few days) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "tender, domestic, wholesome" stars !!

2017 Honorable Mention Read

This is my first Nicholas Sparks and it will not be my last. Although formulaic and predicable the book is filled with such genuine sentiment, good values and old-fashioned deliciousness.

The characters are not subtle, enigmatic or complex. What you see is what you get. Middle class folk needing a paycheque, a hug, a home. The situations are real and the dilemmas are challenging.

Some of the vignettes at the beginning of each chapter are so heartachingly beautiful that I could not stop the tears falling hotly and fiercely.

Nicholas Sparks knows his audience: school secretaries, nurses, homemakers, and even a few eccentric dudes like Jaidee.

Great literature this is not, but it certainly is entertaining, moving and makes you appreciate the lovely people in your own life.

Thanks Mr. Sparks and now to try my first Jodi Picoult :)

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I FINALLY got the audio of this from my library. It's a tiny library that don't seem to get many copies of online books as well as physical copies. Sooooo, most things on hold online take 6 months or longer to get. That being said, I'm getting a bunch of things coming through because the world knows I'm trying to get my piles of books read once and for all!!

Anyhoooooooooo, I loved the narrator and if it wasn't for him I would have stopped listening to the book. I have generally loved Nicholas Sparks books for years. The beginning half of this book wore me out though! I wanted to smack some people!!! BUT, the second half was great for me. The book just picked up and was enjoyable, yet very sad. I mean Nicholas Sparks right?! I cry from sadness and happiness.

At any rate, I made it through it! First half about 2 stars, second half at 4 stars.

Happy Reading!

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!! I don't know if I would label this a romance book because it was so much more than that. Fantastic book!!!

[Erin Dunn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in the Goodreads giveaways.

Sadly, I had to DNF it. I've enjoyed all the other Sparks books I've read so far, but this one isn't for me. Honestly it's dull. I can't get into it and I hate the characters. Russell is an annoying people pleaser and his wife Vivian is a...well...rhymes with witch. The plot drags and I just had to give up on it. I'm sad because I really wanted to like this one, but it's just not for me.

[KAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two "buy" Two recommendation. .....

Romance Lovers - BUY - Something Else

I hesitated reading this book due to the many one star reviews, but I am a loyal fan and have read everything Nicholas Sparks has ever published and didn't want to stop now. Yes, in agreement with many reviews, this book is a total departure from his usual guy meets girl and falls in love premise. So it was a difficult one for me to rate, waffling between two and three stars, because darn it, I expect romance from Sparks! Instead this was about a married couple, Russ and Vivian, who are on a collision course to divorce, and have a beautiful little girl, named London, who of course, gets caught in the middle. So, I compromised and rated it 2.5 stars.

Russ - a hard working kinda guy, just wanting to provide for his family and make them happy. He is also a complete doormat.

Vivian - a complaining, conniving and controlling piece of work, who never tires of spending money they don't have.

The story was told in a one-sided POV. Thankfully, it was Russ's POV. I don't think I could have stomached Vivian's. It is a reflection of Russ's life and the vivid memories he has of meeting and marrying Vivian, raising their daughter, and the time leading up to and during their separation. I felt sorry for Russ throughout the book, but also wanted him to find his back bone and tell Vivian to stick it where the sun doesn't shine! She had him so wrapped around her little finger, as he always asked how high when she told him to jump. Of course there were nuggets of the story that pulled on my heart strings and it was well written.

I don't know what you will write next, Mr. Sparks, but I will read it.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Two by two,”
“they came in pairs, from all over the world.”

It took me a few hours to digest the story after I finished reading it.

It was a novel full of heartbreak, at times bittersweet but also with a great amount of love and healing power.

“It’s about someone who walks into your life, says I’m here for you, and then proves it.”

The tale begins with a recently married young couple, Russell and Vivian Green, who are expecting a baby. When London is born Russell couldn't be happier to have her in his life. Vivian decides to quit her job and turn into a home-stay mom. Russell does worry about how to make ends meet with one less salary but he wants to make his wife happy. Fast forward a few years and Vivian doesn't seem to be happy. When Russell decides to start his own company, since he feels like his current job is not going to be there much longer, it adds stress to their marriage. After months of lack of success with his new company, Vivian decides to go back to work. Suddenly, it's up to Russell to take care of London full time while Vivian's job consumes her time. To say the least, he is not ready to assume the responsibility. He feels like a failure as a provider and as a father. In addition, he's terrified he's losing his wife's love too.

“I don’t think you did anything wrong. It’s just that relationships are hard, and both people have to want them to work.”

I would say that this could happen to any couple. Money and responsibility towards children seem to be common reasons for marriages to dissolve. Russel and Vivian could be a perfect example of a couple you know. Even fighting for the affections of their own child can be taken from a real couple's struggle.

I adored London. She was an extremely cute little girl. She was sweet and she loved her parents. It broke my heart to see her sad. I was glad she had a best friend to play with. I love how excited she got for "date" night with her father. My favorite parts of the book had her and Russell together.

Marge, Russell's sister, was a pivotal character in Two by Two. She was funny, witty, and she loved her brother dearly.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to you just yet.”

I knew when I started this book that a main character could die since after all this is a Nicholas Sparks novel. From the beginning, I was trying to figure out who it would be so I could be prepared for it. Even though, I KNEW this was a strong possibility, I was hoping for the best. In the end, I shouldn't have even worried. I still ended up crying.

“I haven’t had to talk you down from a water tower, have I?”

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Maria Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desde el inicio del libro que no terminó de convencerme: eso no quiere decir que sea una mala historia, es buena y triste; tal vez como una de esas películas que ponen los sábados por la televisión. Es decir, está muy bien escrita y estructurada, sus personajes están muy bien perfilado y hasta llegas a odiar a uno de ellos, casi toda la novela. Pero... Supongo que es más emocional que romántica (Lidia, tenías razón:))

[Bj · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 "Putting Life & Love in Perspective" Stars for the story!

Please note this book will make you cry! And though there is a romance embedded in this story, this book should really be classified as fiction (like women's fiction but without any humor). Perhaps what struck me the most is that: although it's told from a man's perspective, it could equally apply to a woman.

To get the full benefit of this story, however, you must will yourself through what will inevitably feel like a very difficult story to stomach. There is a character that you will hate with all your being. And situations that seem palpably unfair (and yet could equally happen to any of us). In fact, this story made me so sad and depressed that I wanted to stop about a quarter of the way through. And though its hard to imagine, the story gets even sadder from there.

All that said, it's a book worth listening to to its end, as the power of its message really helps put everything in life in perspective. Sometimes what seems like the worst moment in our lives, is really just trivial and insignificant in the big scheme of things. In fact, it may be the impetus for a better life when we have been stuck in a life that is just ok (or perhaps worse, bad though we have been blind to see it). However, transition is never easy, though sometimes it is well worth it in the end.

Source: Library-loan.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this 2 stars strictly because he's Nicholas Sparks and 20 years ago I read the Notebook and Message in a bottle and he captured everything I wanted in a romance...and he is a male writer, I was sold! I have read almost every one of his books since - some were awesome and some were not but he still remained the King of Romance. His Memoir was one of my favorites!

Now, I don't want to pick on his personal life - but I feel like it's so relevant to where the writing is at right now. Sorry, not sorry..I guess. His last book lacked the magic..it had an angry feel to it and no chemistry, I didn't enjoy it as much. Now here we are 2nd book post Sparks divorce and this book Two by Two has the road to bad divorce vibes all over it! Some might say it's great that he is writing different plots and blah blah - but I want the old Sparks back - the heartbreakingly sweet love!!!

This book tells the story of Russ and Vivian, 2 characters who never had a spark, never should have married, and you basically live in their depressing marriage for way too much of this book. Vivian is pretty nasty and I cringed at most of her dialogue. Usually that is there to set up the sympathy for the next woman in his life but I just wasn't feeling any of it. However, I can see how this book will be enjoyed by readers who may have found themselves in a bad marriage, have regret or know of someone going through it and are comforted by the healing process and those brighter sides of this story. The only bright spot of the book for me is the relationship between Dad and Daughter, it was so sweet to see it develop. I'll end this on that 1 positive note and the relationship that inspired the title.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is SO much I could/would/want to say about this book.
I'm trying to keep it short...ish. ☺

First of all we have to remember that this is the 2nd NS books post divorce. And just like the last one See Me, this one, too, is very different from his older books.
You usually could depend on a NS book to be moving, sad, romantic, adorable and people were always dying. And a lot of that we have in this new book too. But it's still completely different.

I read a few low-star ratings before going in and I was very scared, because people complained so much about too many things.
BUT - I had to read it...because...Nicholas Sparks! He got me started on my reading addiction way back when with A Walk to Remember.

And yes, some of those reviewers were right in that the story starts a bit slow and boring-ish.
But it just pretends to be slow and boring. The book is so full of love and feeling and hope and hopelessness (< is that a word? It looks weird!). The reader immediately falls in love with the hero Russell. OK, this is the one point I hated about the book. The name of the hero. I think NS sat down in his study for a week to come up with the most boring and bland male name he could think of! On purpose of course. And he succeeded. Russ is so not the perfect name for our hero. Yes, Russ first appears to be this boring, bland, spiceless, people-pleaser mediocre suburban husband. But he's not really. He might've been a bit like that for most of his life, but once he starts telling us his story we see so many amazing things about him. He's a guy in his early thirties, fighting like crazy to keep his life on track. To not lose his family. He loves his daughter with everything he has. And he loves his wife. But things haven't been great for a long while now. London is almost six now and his wife wants to go back to work, because she thinks they need more money. Because he kind of quit his job to open his own ad company.
And this is where I have to say some things about the wife. Did I mention above that I wanted to keep this short? Hm, yup, not happening! ☺
Vivian. The wife. I think there has never been a book character that I hated more than her.
95% of everything she does and says in the book are hateful and hurtful things. There are only some tiny little moments when we don't hate her - she loves her daughter very much and she's scared to lose her, so we understand her a bit here and there. But most of the time, the things she accuses Russ of and the way she talks to him. Ugh, I wanted to jump into the book and grab her by the neck and shake the bit*chiness out of her...and give poor Russ a hug while I'm already there!

Anyway. Back to Russ and how he's telling us the story. He starts every chapter with a tiny little story or memory from the past. The day his daughter was born, the day he build a fort with his sister when he was little. Tiny little, moving, sad, funny, adorable things like that.
And the rest of the story is more or less in real time. Or rather a year in the future. He's telling us what happened to him in 2015.
The way he had to quit his job before his idiot boss would fire him. The struggles of being his own boss with no clients in sight for weeks. His wife taking this new job with a guy he hates. Him struggling to be Mr. Mom every single day - all day - because Vivian didn't want to send London to day care before school starts in a few weeks. His mom thinking his dad has The Cancer. His ex-love-of-his-life Emily's son being his daughter's best friend. His marriage crumbling before his eyes without any idea what to do to fix it.
His sister and her wife being his most adorable supporters during that time.

I think I didn't spoil too much about the story. You will probably find out where the story will go as soon as you've read a few pages or chapters. It's not really all that surprising or exciting or suspensy. But at the same time the story is so effing enthralling. I could NOT put it down. And even when I had to put it down for the night, I still thought about Russ for hours!
There's just so much love and depth and hurt and strength in this poor guy. He's an amazing guy. He doesn't come across as this alpha-male hottie hero. But he is exactly that. Mostly on the inside, but I loved how hard he fought for everything and everyone.
He's so amazing with his daughter and his sister. I think I would even watch a tv show about him. Every episode would be one day in his life in that year 2015 where his life completey changed. It might sound boring, but it wouldn't be. I would so watch it!

I think I will stop writing now.

Just know that I loved this book. It's totally different from other Nicholas Sparks books. It's more like a guy writing a ONE YEAR IN THE LIFE OF diary kind of thing. But it's amazing. Believe me. Don't give up if you think it's a bit bland in the beginning. It gets better - you won't be able to stop. Or you're just totally different than me and don't care about things the way I do. I'm weird, I know! ☺ But please try it!!! And have your tissue box at the ready - you might need it towards the end. ☺☺☺ I did! 3 boxes! ☺☺☺


♡ ♡

[Aakanksha Jain · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author, Nicholas Sparks. It is a story about Russell Green and his family. Russ, who always tried so hard to make his family happy, was a hard-working guy. Vivian is a selfish, complaining, and dominating woman who is so into shopping.

It is a reflection of Russ's life and the vivid memories he has of their meeting and marrying Vivian. They never had a spark in their relationship, especially when Russ quit his job and started his own advertising agency. The only bright spot of the book is the relationship between Russ and his daughter, London, which is developed day by day, and it is so sweet. There are other characters too. Emily, Russell's ex-girlfriend. Marge, the elder sister of Russ and her live-in partner, Liz. Russell's parents were busy with their own lives.

Russ is a guy in his early thirties, fighting to keep his life on track. He loves his daughter and wife, but things have changed when London is almost six and his wife wants to go back to work because she thinks they need more money. She also loves her daughter and is scared to lose her. But she is the only character one can hate the most. The way she does things and says things in the book is hurtful.

Russ is old-fashioned and does everything to please his wife, even though he knows he's doing wrong, but he is portrayed as helpless by the author. Emily's son, Bodhi, becomes London's best friend. Russ and Emily slowly renew their friendship as their children's lives touch. When Russ went through the divorce and didn't know how to fix all things, Marge and Emily helped him a lot.

There is sadness, loss, and struggle, but it is balanced by the love of family, friends, and renewed love. The relationship between Russell and London was well portrayed by the author. But the way Vivian blames his husband for everything and Russ, who never stands up for himself, was a bit annoying. Russ always wants to please his wife and daughter, no matter how much he gets hurt in the process.

I'm sure everyone wants at least once that Russell gives an answer to Vivian about his bad behavior, but it doesn't happen either. It's an extremely long story and slow pacing. The first half about their routine, again and again, was boring. I heard so much about the author, but after reading this book, I feel disappointed, and the ending just made me roll my eyes. I certainly do not recommend this book to anyone.

Read more here - https://www.bookschharming.com/

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Two by Two, the latest release from international bestselling author Nicholas Sparks, was an auto buy for me. I always rush out to buy each new book Sparks releases, as his familiar love lost – love found formula, with a few dips in the road thrown in for good measure, gets me every time. Two by Two does contain the classic ingredients that we have come to love about a Nicholas Sparks novel but Two by Two delivers the final product in a slightly different way. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed this novel.

Two by Two is the story of Russell (Russ) Green, who narrates the unfolding story. Also included are flashbacks to Russell’s upbringing, particularly his relationship with his older sister Marge. In addition, we learn about the great loves in his life, two formative relationships and the bond he shares with his daughter. In the beginning, Russ is a man who seems to have the perfect life. He has a beautiful wife, a healthy daughter, a successful career and a supportive family. Over the course of just a year, everything is turned on its head for Russ. The catalyst seems to be a change in career, as frustration in the workplace leads Russ to make the drastic decision to go out on his own. This results in the creation of his own advertising company. When things don’t go quite to plan, Russ’ wife Vivian decides enough is enough and this stay at home mum becomes a career woman. When Vivian’s career becomes more successful and demanding to Russ’ dwindling career, cracks in their marriage begin to show. The tables are turned and while Vivian is making a success of her new-found career, Russ becomes the main caregiver for their daughter London, while also managing affairs in the household. With Vivian away for work, Russ turns to an old love, who also happens to be the mother of his daughter’s best friend. In true Nicholas Sparks style, tragedy beckons for the already challenged Russ, as he must summon all the strength he can to take charge of his life.

By golly, Two by Two was an emotional read, Nicholas Sparks certainly knows how to put his readers through the wringer. This is a novel that will make you cry, laugh, love and want to throw things at the main characters! It was an interesting move on behalf of Sparks to narrate the bulk of the novel from Russ’ point of view. It is not often that I get to understand the inner workings of a male’s mind.Sparks certainly provided us with insight into a male’s experience of career, love and life pressures. I didn’t immediately warm to Russ’ character and at times I got frustrated with his inability to take a stand and gain some control over his life. However, by the close of the novel, I appreciated the journey as well as growth his character was able to make. Though I was not completely happy with his final decision, it seemed in line with the traits shown by his character throughout the novel.

As much as this is the story of Russ, Two by Two is about the beautiful relationship that flourishes between a father and a daughter. Initially a fairly absent father, Russ is able to build his relationship with his daughter London through the circumstances they are both thrown into. Russ and London’s relationship is perhaps the most important feature of this novel, rather than the love story.

Fans of Sparks work will be pleased to see that Two by Two offers a love story. Although it is not the major feature of this novel, the love story is about second chances, missed opportunities, making wrong choices in love and revitalising a previous relationship. It also shows us the uglier side to a marriage breaking and the process of falling out of love with a person, which many people will be able to relate. It was a tad predictable but I still enjoyed the road I was taken on.

In true Sparks style, there was a tragedy thrown in the mix that really turned the book and the characters on their head. In fact, I was sitting reading this book waiting for the tragedy to make itself known, as a seasoned Sparks fan I knew it was coming. Although things were not all hunky dory in the novel, it seemed like something else, on a bigger scale needed to happen in the storyline. That it did, it was upsetting to read but Sparks handled this storyline with the dignity and sense of understanding it deserves.

So Two by Two, which signals the 20th book from Nicholas Sparks was mostly a winner for this reader. The ending didn’t quite work for me, as I was frustrated that a certain main character got their own way and didn’t seem deserving of this. However, the loving relationship between father and daughter that emerges from a challenging year and the restoration of lost love, gave this novel enough pull for me to endorse it.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming from a die hard NS fan (me!) - I have to say this one truly disappointed me. What has happened to Nick?

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●• · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Não sou um homem sábio.
Também não quero que pensem que sou burro, mas sabedoria é muito mais que inteligência porque engloba compreensão, empatia, experiência, paz interior e intuição, e agora que penso nisso é óbvio que me faltam muitas dessas características."
*
“I’m not a wise man.
I’m not unintelligent, mind you. But wisdom means more than being intelligent, because it encompasses understanding, empathy, experience, inner peace, and intuition, and in retrospect, I obviously lack many of those traits.”
- Russell Green

* * *
"Dito de outra forma, a culpa nem sempre é inútil. Pode evitar que cometamos o mesmo erro duas vezes."
*
“Guilt, in other words, isn’t always wasted. It can keep us from making the same mistake twice.”
- Russell Green

* * *
"Lembro-me de pensar que era isto que importava na vida. Amor, risos e amizade; momentos felizes passados com os entes queridos."
*
“This, I remember thinking, is what life is really about. Love and laughter and friendship; happy times spent with those you care about.”
-Russel Green

[Katie Andersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't even finish this book. Very disappointing.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.While it is many years since I read a book by Nicholas Sparks, I am very happy to have picked up Two by Two, it kept me reading into the night until I had finished it.

It is narrated by Russell - husband to Vivian and father of London. He is a wonderful father, but somehow his relationship with Vivian has been in a bit of free fall, without his awareness. He is a romantic, a people pleaser - he is always trying to give her what she wants and has started to fail miserably. It seems he is never going to win. There is tension galore.

Vivian is a character I didn’t like - and that’s putting it mildly. We never hear her point of view, but what she says and does and what others observe, rounds her out somewhat. She seems irresponsible to me and really selfish. I got annoyed with Russ for not standing up to her more, in a way he enables her in her ways, always believing in the love he has for her.

This is a book about fatherhood, both Russell’s own Dad and his pleasure in his own daughter, London. He has delighted in everything about her since birth, and when Vivian goes back to work, his more hands on parenting is heartwarming. Its a beautiful relationship to watch.

Russ has a sister Marge, who has a partner Liz and both are very much part of the the family. Russ has an excellent relationship with Marge, they have shared much and Marge is often that friend and voice of wisdom and love.

As well there is Emily, a woman who Russ loved at one time, now divorced with a son that London has become friends with. Russ and Emily slowly renew their friendship as their children’s lives touch.

Russ has some rather tough things thrown at him, however he doesn’t crumble, because he has a strength within that helps him to keep putting one step in front of the other, and also placing other people first. He is able to listen and take on board the support and advice he is given. One step at a time when things just keep getting worse he moves through it.

There is sadness and loss, big loss (this is a Nicholas Sparks novel after all) but it is balanced by the love of family and friends and renewed love. The power of two by two, rather than descending into loneliness.

While I found it sad, it was also very uplifting and I don’t hesitate to recommend it as worthwhile reading.

[Kaitlyn Ennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a difficult review to write. I've been a lifelong fan of Mr. Sparks and have actually read every single one of his books. While they definitely aren't my favorite reads of all time, I have come to appreciate his work for what it is-- a simple, basic and lovely story. However, there are things about this book that I just can't look past.

It's his longest book, and yet the book that didn't need to be even half as long. While I ended up liking Russ and London in the end, the entire first half was literally their same routine over and over again, and they were so boring, that I had no interest in picking up the book to keep reading. Russ was so bland, without much of a personality and Vivian was so horrible, that I had a very difficult time believing that they were ever in love and the circumstances surrounding the beginnings of their relationship. While some say she was redeemed by the end of the novel, I don't agree. She was so horrible, and Russ just continued to let her be horrible, that I was clutching the book in frustration. While that may have been Sparks' goal, it just didn't work for creating an interesting and captivating story.

Marge and Liz were definitely a high point. Their relationship was a first for a Sparks novel, and it was a wonderful breath of fresh air, and reminded me why I've always loved Nicholas Sparks. I wish this novel had been about them. And of course that ending...ugh.

Overall, not a huge fan of this one. I can see why people still love it, because it had that beautiful, wrapped-up-in-a-bow ending that Sparks is known for, but that wasn't enough for me to redeem the horribly slow pacing, and unnecessary and excessive plot fillers.

[Tiffany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this book is probably a result of NS signing a 3 book contract or something and even though im sure he knew it was not that good (compared to his previous books, not including SEE ME because that was awful too) he was more than likely under pressure to produce something and quickly. I read the E-book and the editing was sooooooooo freaking awful that it actually pissed me the F#&*! off that someone didn't take the time to edit the book properly, there were sooooooo many mistakes, including grammar, punctuation, missing words, and within the story, like one minute there is a dog who is female & in the next scene the dog has magically transformed into a male. WTF?! The actual story itself was incredibly boring, I hated the characters, I felt nothing for them, at all. They had no depth, no anything, nothing to make me feel for them in any way. I feel cheated, I don't even feel as though I was reading NS. Sooooooooooooooooo disappointed :(

[Katie Bananas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love most of the Nicholas Sparks novels. As renowned as he is in his storytelling talent of converting his books into worthy and amazing tear-filled movies, I was very disappointed with this one.

I wouldn't exactly say that it's not worth reading, because it does have a lot of good marital and family building advice; I just thought the story took a turn.

All of Sparks' characters usually have personality to them to give fervor for further reading; yet, Russel gave me a slump in the book by page 96. He wasn't a bad character, but I thought he lacked interest. All my life watching and reading Nicholas Sparks, I thought he was great at stimulating a relationship's bloom or ending it gracefully, as in the happenings of The Notebook for example. Here, Russel was a bored bachelor, and when he looked for a wife, he chose the one who cared for him with looks yes, but she's depicted in the book to overcome her motherhood boredom by lashing out on her husband to fill the everlasting void and emptiness of a boring marriage by shopping, and doing things for herself without having Russel involved.

I think I have a lack of interest for the book that I even forgot his wife's name. Marriage is the grand responsibility of communication, commitment to one another, and exchange of interests to make a blooming and growing relationship. With her looks, Russel's wife was flirting around with his bosses, who gave her a job to which she took hold. This made Russel feel like a failure, especially after the decision of quitting his job to start his own (failed) business. He was also assigned to be a stay at home dad, while his wife was away from their daughter, taking her to different activities and art classes.

I personally couldn't take the constant drone of words written across more than 400 pages. I'm seriously disappointed and aggravated with this novel; it definitely didn't leave me with a lesson or at least something to remember.

As the 20th year celebratory novel for Nicholas Sparks' storytelling, this is definitely the most miserable way to get readers to celebrate. I was excited for this very much when I saw it, but I was wrong! I expected so much more to celebrate your excitement after 20 years of writing, but I can see Russel hating his life and being absolutely miserable for deciding to marry this bossy and domineering wife of his and raising a kid that's brought up too spoiled. I love your novels, but you owe an apology to your readers for this book by hopefully writing your next good one!

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you go into this book expecting the usual type of Nicholas Sparks’ love story, then you may be disappointed. It took me a little while to settle into this one. Initially when I met Russ, in the incident when Vivian was having the baby, I thought he was a bit of a vain idiot. However as the story goes on and I learned more about Russ, I came to see a different side of him. And Vivian. The world changes for Russ when he decides to go out on his own and launch his own advertising business. It doesn’t work out as he expects. Vivian either doesn’t seem to understand or care that circumstances have changed and keeps spending like there is no tomorrow. I found Vivian selfish and spoiled. When she goes back to work Russ is left to care for their now pre-school aged daughter London.
The relationship between Russ and London is well portrayed, as all around him the life he thought he had begins to go from one disaster to another. Russ feels it cannot get any worse. But it does. Meanwhile he tries to shield London from much of the problems between him and Vivian.
Russ has the support of his parents, his older sister Marge and her partner Liz and Emily, an old flame who ends up being the mother of London’s closest friend Bodhi. I particularly liked the way parents and family relationships are portrayed, not just with Russ and London but also with Russ and Marge and their parents, especially their father. This is a story about change, about love and loss, family, parenting and relationships. For me it pressed all the emotional buttons. There were moments of laughter, tears, and cries of disbelief and outrage especially in regards to Vivian and her behaviour. I suspect some people aren’t going to like this book but I loved it. I was up at odd hours of the night and early morning reading it. With lots of dialogue and interesting characters I found it a quick and engaging read. loved the cover too. Four and a half stars.

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that heifer with a passion I cannot express with words alone. Good thing Vivian is a fictional character because I would so go hunt her down and dog slap her! Ugh! HATE. HER.

OK, now that I've got that out of the way, I feel a tiny bit better. This book is so good! Really! It's fiction but it's not. It's incredibly realistic and very believable. It's NOT a romance book though. If you are looking for a love story, this book is not for you. But if you're looking for a great book about a father who loves deeply and a family with a heart of gold, then please give this book a go. It's my FAVORITE Nicholas Sparks book so far.

[Pilar S.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leer una novela de Sparks siempre es un acierto; conmovedora, emotiva y plagada de frases y argumentos que desearías que fuesen para ti. Sparks es el rey de la novela de ficción contemporánea y dudo mucho que exista alguien que logre superarle.
Esta novela es especialmente maravillosa pues, aunque el título te incita a pensar el curso de la trama, no es hasta que llegas a más de la tercera parte de la novela cuando te das cuenta de lo equivocado que estás. Una temática difícil de tratar entremezclada con un día a día bastante habitual en el siglo en que vivimos (por desgracia) que Sparks narra con mucho mimo y cariño.
Sin duda, una de las mejores novelas que he leído de él.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Two by Two” is the latest novel by Nicholas Sparks. In true Sparks’ fashion, it is romantic, sappy and predictable. It is also, delightfully charming.
In “Two by Two”, we are introduced to Russell Green, an advertising executive who has a happy and seemingly perfect life with his gorgeous wife and young daughter. Soon though, Russell’s life is turned upside down when he loses his job and his wife files for divorce. Russell is soon the sole caregiver of his young daughter, and as he tries to balance his busy lifestyle he serendipitously rekindles a friendship with an old flame. Just when Russel begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel, things go from bad to worse and soon he is in the fight of his life- the fight to keep his daughter.
As is Sparks’ way, the novel is emotional and sweet, with saccharine, predictable plotlines and innocent and naïve characters. However, fans of Sparks (like myself) will find comfort in his writing style. Russell is a bit of a romantic sap, seeking to see the good in others and to please those he cares about. Vivian (Russell’s wife) is a complete she-devil who I absolutely felt nothing but hatred for throughout the novel (even at the end when she shows some humanity), but I think this was Sparks’ plan and any other female reader who enjoys this novel will surely feel the same.
This novel is an addictive read, its easy story telling taking a reader from page to page with charm and creativity. Although the ending in this novel is predictable, it does hold some surprises, and provides a reader with comfort and satisfaction. The novel is written well, the flow of the novel making it very easy for a reader to disappear into its pages.
Older fans of Sparks will enjoy this novel, as it is has none of the teenage-love-story plotlines that have shown popularity in his other novels. But as Sparks matures, his reading audience does too, and this novel will particularly strike home with the adult reader in a committed relationship or marriage, especially those with children (please note if you are on the fence about getting married- this novel may serve to sway you against the idea!)
A sweet, delightful novel about the relationship between a father and his daughter, and the challenges life throws at us, “Two by Two” is a great read, and Sparks’ does not disappoint.

[Sasha-Lee Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow I honestly don't know how to feel about this one I felt like I reading and reading but actually getting nothing in return from the book I felt like i was waiting patiently for Russ to stand up to Vivian it was practically like abuse they was she treated him it continued throughout the book and also the fact that he just listened and practically agreed with her made it worst it felt like she was just making all the decisions and at the end she got her way as well I was waiting for something to happened that he sees she's wrong but no it never happend the fact that she loved someone else and blamed Russ was just the tip of the iceberg like they never did sit down it was as if he cheated and not her I just wanted to know why she thought it was okay doing what she did and how she did know wrong the book just went about as being walk over and never standing up for yourself and believing anything even if its wrong

[Jenny Qn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books that made me cry. Incredible perspectives.

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two by Two By Nicholas Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved reading Two By Two, Nicolas Sparks you have never disappointed me with any of your books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge Nicholas Sparks fan I always expect a beautiful love story from each of his books. Although not what I was expecting and definitely far from what I've come to expect from his books I have to admit the book was great. Not a lot of dialogue, but that's to be expected as the book is about Russ and London his young daughter. He takes us through their everyday routines while having us go through the emotions Russ is dealing with regarding his failed marriage, his new business, his feelings for Emily and then for his sister Marge.
I personally related to this book on many levels. I've been where the character of Russ is and know that when a marriage fails no matter the reason why it's devastating. I've had feelings for someone and didn't know what to do about them and know how it can make you feel to not know what to do. Above all else I relate to his character because I know what it's like to watch a loved one battle cancer and watch as they deteriorate slowly and know that their time is coming and being helpless to stop the inevitable.
The story is beautifully told and at least for me it's relatable. It is not the usual love story we've come to know and love from Mr. Sparks but it's definitely worth reading. He definitely works wonders and brought tears to my eyes with this beautifully told story about a man whose dealing with so many emotions and attempting to make the best of it while trying to hold himself together to be nothing less than a great father.

[Lyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glad I got this at the library and did not waste the money on purchasing it. Probably one of the more disappointing books by Sparks. Long and drawn out and the male character was sooo wimpy, I thought. I basically made myself finish it.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two by two, I thought to myself as I made my way down the stairs. London and me, father and daughter, both of us doing the best we could. Even then, I felt like I was failing her, failing at everything.

I’ve never read Nicholas Sparks before, have only seen one movie based on one of his books, so despite not really being a fan of what I presumed to be his genre, I was happy to pick this up as a book club selection; something “light” for these heavy times. Having now finished Two By Two, and thinking it was plain bad, I’m gratified to see from other reviews that even many long time fans of Sparks found this to be plain bad. Ultimately, this may have been a poor example of Sparks’ work, but even so, I simply cannot imagine ever picking him up again. Hard pass.

Where does one begin when trying to make sense of a story that makes little sense at all? At the beginning? And where is the beginning? Who knows?

In the first chapter, our narrator Russ Green tells us that if he were a wiser man, he would have listened when his older sister asked him if he really thought he should marry Vivian; he should have listened when his father asked him if he thought he should really quit his job and start his own advertising agency at thirty-five; should have listened when his mother warned him to spend as much time as possible with his daughter, London, because it all goes by so quickly. So, knowing that Russ is about to tell us about how his world fell apart, it would have been more impactful if that world had seemed worth keeping intact. Instead, we meet his terrible wife — gorgeous but a shopaholic who refuses domestic duties and turns all of Russ’ complaints back on him — and learn that his job sees Russ working long hours for a ruthless and capricious man who tends to fire employees who don’t let him hit on their wives. As for London, she’s the most special and precious little girl in the world, and while Russ really only gets to see her at bedtime and watch her on the weekends (while Vivian has her Me Time), he doesn’t so much resent time with London as wishes he didn’t have to spend that time in Vivian’s narrowly-prescribed activities. When Russ does decide to open his own agency, Vivian secretly decides to go back to work; and when Vivian is suddenly travelling for half the week, Russ is forced to balance the demands of starting up a business and essentially acting as a single father. Something will have to give.

That’s essentially the plot (with some dumb and dramatic subplots) and it all tied up exactly the way I expected it to; so I could hardly crown Nicholas Sparks the king of plotting. Early on, my daughter asked me what I was reading and I gave her an overview that ended right after Russ’ sister developed a cough after bringing their dad to the hospital because their mother had a terror of him getting “the cancer”. She came into the room again later and asked me, “So, has Marge got the cancer yet?” And I nodded and said, “She just started coughing up blood,” and then gave her another plot update. “Well,” she said, “Let me know if Russ and Emily move to Atlanta in the end to be nearer to London or if the billionaire breaks up with Vivian so she has to move back to Charlotte as the third wheel.” Flip a coin, Mr. Sparks, it’s all the same to me.) But what I really resent is how dumb Sparks treats his readers. Everything is told instead of shown; everything is completely spelled out. Before taking London to the zoo, Russ says about the lions: “I hope they don’t have any mean ones like Scar,” I was referring, of course, to the villain in the movie The Lion King. The mother of a little boy says to Russ: “You get sugar and spice and everything nice,” she said, referring to the nursery rhyme. “Meanwhile, I get the snail.” And, worse, after telling us repeatedly that their father is a gruff and undemonstrative type of guy, Russ explains about their dad renoing his sister’s house when she gets sick:

Marge knew that our dad had never been a man of words, nor had he ever been openly affectionate. But through his labors, she could see that in his own way he was shouting his love for her at the top of his lungs, hoping that she could somehow hear what he’d always found so difficult to say.

That kind of unnecessary observation happens constantly and I totally resent an author who assumes I'm too dumb to figure out something like that for myself. And, I understand that Sparks is essentially a romance writer, but is he a famously wholesome one? Russ complains about going to a comedy night and the first comic was “too profane”; after he tells his sister about his wife doing something particularly terrible, Russ notes, “When she referred to Vivian with a term synonymous with female dogs, I echoed the sentiment”; and when Russ finds himself attracted to another woman, he observes, “Despite the casual mom-at-the-park wardrobe, she seemed to glow with health and vitality. I couldn’t stop staring at her thick hair and unblemished skin.” This really didn’t feel like Sparks was writing for an adult audience.

This was long and dull and pointless; I have more complaints but I'm not putting any more energy into this; plain bad.