Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks

★★★★★
As moving as his bestselling works of fiction, Nicholas Sparks's unique memoir, written with his brother, chronicles the life-affirming journey of two brothers bound by memories, both humorous and tragic.In January 2003, Nicholas Sparks and his brother, Micah, set off on a three-week trip around the globe. It was to mark a milestone in their lives, for at thirty-seven and thirty-eight respectively, they were now the only surviving members of their family. Against the backdrop of the wonders of the world and often overtaken by their feelings, daredevil Micah and the more serious, introspective Nicholas recalled their rambunctious childhood adventures and the tragedies that tested their faith. And in the process, they discovered startling truths about loss, love, and hope.  Narrated with irrepressible humor and rare candor, and including personal photos, THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER reminds us to embrace life with all its uncertainties...and most of all, to cherish the joyful times, both small and momentous, and the wonderful people who make them possible.

I had heard of Three Weeks with My Brother quite a while ago, but at the time it just didn't seem like anything I would like to read.  Though I love Sparks' fiction novels, I just didn't know if I wanted to read a nonfiction memoir.  But when I recently borrowed another Nicholas Sparks book from my mom, she said I just HAD to read this.  So I did!

Goodness, it was SO good!  This book chronicles Sparks' once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world with his brother in addition to reflecting on their lives growing up.  It's unbelievable the tragedy these brothers dealt with throughout their lives.  It makes you understand why not all of Sparks' books have happy endings.  His own life was so riddled with sadness and hardship, there were many spots in the book I was reading with a lump in my throat, just as in his novels.

I really enjoyed learning about Sparks' personality (overachieving, type-A, introspective), and I loved seeing how he has been able to accomplish pretty much anything he's wanted to through sheer determination and hard work... even helping his autistic (they think) son.

I also enjoyed getting to 'know' the members of his family... I'm currently reading his novel The Choice, and I'm convinced the main character is very closely based on his brother!

Having read this book, it makes me appreciate his other novels on a much deeper level.  I would definitely recommend this book!!  It was surprisingly great!