Nicholas Sparks has written 24 novels.Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty ImagesNicholas Sparks is, without a doubt, the king of romance novels.Sparks has released 24 books, and 11 have been adapted into movies."The Notebook," "Dear John," and "A Walk To Remember" are among his best.Any romance reader knows Nicholas Sparks isn't just an author — he's practically a genre of his own: the kind that promises sweeping love stories, emotional gut-punches, and at least one moment that will have you staring at the page in disbelief.The American writer has spent decades dominating bestseller lists with stories that blend heartfelt devotion with inevitable heartbreak.From "The Notebook" to "A Walk to Remember," his books have become cultural staples, many of which have made the jump from page to screen with massive success.But are they all unforgettable masterpieces? Not exactly.Here are five of the best Nicholas Sparks novels and five you can skip.
First: his must-read books.5. 'The Longest Ride'"The Longest Ride."Grand Central PublishingA Nicholas Sparks must-read is "The Longest Ride," which follows two interconnected love stories: Ira Levinson, an elderly man reflecting on his lifelong love for his late wife, Ruth, and Sophia Danko, a college student who falls for Luke Collins, a professional bull rider. As Sophia and Luke navigate their own relationship and the obstacles in their path, Ira's memories unfold alongside theirs, revealing parallels between the two couples.The New York Times bestseller, released in 2013, deftly weaves these two love stories together, creating a feeling that is deeply personal.
The contrast between Ira and Ruth's enduring, decadeslong relationship and Sophia and Luke's more immediate, uncertain romance adds emotional depth and complexity.The book shows how love can evolve over time through loss and amid difficult choices. There's also something moving about how art, memory, and sacrifice tie everything together, giving the novel a more reflective, lasting impact.If you love the book as I do, the movie — released in 2015 and starring Clint Eastwood and Britt Robertson — is equally good."The Longest Ride" had a modest box-office performance, grossing about $63 million worldwide against a $34 million budget, making it a mild financial success but not a major hit, according to Box Office Mojo.Plus, who doesn't want to stare at Scott Eastwood in a cowboy hat?4.
'The Last Song'"The Last Song."Grand Central Publishing"The Last Song" is another Nicholas Sparks classic that balances romance with a deeper, more emotional story about family, forgiveness, and growing up.The New York Times bestseller, released in 2009, follows Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teenager sent to spend the summer with her estranged father in a small beach town. Initially resistant, Ronnie slowly begins to reconnect with him through their shared love of music while also forming a relationship with a local boy, Will. As the summer unfolds, secrets are revealed, and relationships deepen, leading Ronnie to confront difficult truths about love, family, and loss.Ronnie's journey feels especially real — she's not instantly likable, but watching her slowly open up, reconnect with her father, and find love makes the story more meaningful.
It's not just about the relationship; it's about healing and second chances, giving it a different kind of emotional weight than a typical romance. The mix of love, music, and loss made it a story that really stayed with me.The movie, released in 2010, stands out because it brings the story's emotion to life, with Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Their on-screen chemistry feels genuine, especially given their real-life relationship that followed (but eventually ended)."The Last Song" was a box-office success, earning about $89 million worldwide against a $20 million budget, driven largely by strong domestic performance, per Box Office Mojo data.3.
'Dear John'"Dear John."Grand Central Publishing"Dear John" is another of my favorites by Sparks because it captures that specific kind of love that feels intense, real, and a little bit out of reach. The New York Times bestseller was released in 2006.The story follows John Tyree, a soldier on leave, who falls in love with Savannah Curtis, a college student, during a brief summer together. As John returns to the Army, the two maintain their relationship through letters, navigating the challenges of distance and changing life circumstances.Over time, their love is tested by duty, personal growth, and unexpected choices, turning their story into a bittersweet exploration of what it means to love someone even when life pulls you in different directions.This feels like a realistic story: John and Savannah's relationship is affected by distance, timing, and real-life responsibilities.There's something especially emotional about the way their connection unfolds through letters, giving their love story a sense of intimacy and longing. It's not a perfect or easy romance, and