As I contemplated the next book I wanted to read, I wanted to pick something light, but meaningful. I stumbled on a book written by bestselling author Nicholas Sparks that caught my attention. I would soon find out that while meeting my goal of being meaningful, the book would be anything BUT light.
Sparks writes In this book about being in the throws of a major project when, as fate would have it, a brochure shows up on his doorstep. This brochure was advertising the opportunity to travel around the world in 3 weeks. In a spark (no pun intended) of spontaneity he thought it would be a good idea to invite his brother on a sort of male bonding type adventure. Both men were approaching 40 and in the throws of raising families. The idea of a trip around the world would allow them to reconnect as life had become very busy. If Nicholas Sparks sounds familiar to you, it’s because he is the bestselling author of The Notebook.
This book caught my attention because I too, have a brother that I’m very close to. I am greatly looking forward to reconnecting with him once I’m out of these prison walls. He’s always been there for me when I need him. This book starts out with a Bible verse from Proverbs 17:17 “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in the time of need.”
In the beginning, he speaks about the excitement of the trip. Excitement quickly turns to guilt as he wrestles with the idea of leaving the house for several weeks to do something fun while leaving his wife to tend to their five children. His wife was very supportive of the trip. I’m reminded that being in a supportive marriage makes such a huge difference in a relationship.
As he goes through the book, he bounces back and forth between the present trip, and the past experiences as a family. He was raised with an older brother, Micah, and a younger sister, Dana. Tragedy would strike the family over and over again. This book tugged at my heart and helped me to see that life shouldn’t be taken for granted. I don’t want to give too much away because I definitely think it’s a book worth reading.