Book Review: Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks

“I never know what to tell them. I mean, there's nothing you can say to make a person stop hurting. Half the time, I just feel like telling them the truth. I'd say that for 3 months, you're going to feel worse than you've ever felt and you cope as best you can. And that after 6 months, the pain isn't so bad, but it still hurts more than you think it will. And even after years, you still find yourself thinking about the person you lost and get sad about it. And you still miss them all the time.”

― Nicholas Sparks, Three Weeks With My Brother

Nicholas Sparks and his brother Micah co-wrote the book Three Weeks with My Brother. This book recounts their three-week travel across the world as well as their family's recollections from their early years to maturity. The two brothers set out on their adventure to see the world's wonders as the only surviving members of their family. However, they learned more about themselves during this adventure. They learned the real meaning of love, grief, and life.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

The day the brochure came was a typical one. With a wife and five small children, a hectic schedule, and a new book due to his publishers, Nicholas Sparks was busy with his usual routine. The colorful mailer, however, described something very different: a tour to some of the most exotic places on Earth. Slowly, an idea took hold in Nicholas's mind and heart. 

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. And as they voyaged to the lost city of Machu Picchu high in the Andes. . . to mysterious Easter Island. . . to Ayers Rock in the Australian outback. . . and across the vast Indian subcontinent, the ultimate story of their lives would unfold.

 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 photographs, 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.

 My reaction to this novel...

Nicholas Sparks and his brother Micah went on a journey that was truly exceptional. They traveled to amazing places that most of us could only fathom. The complexity of their trip is intertwined with the complexity of their lives. They have had the most incredible, lovely relationships, and they have had great professional success. They have, however, also experienced severe catastrophe more frequently and earlier than the majority of us. It is a moving story of family love.

I've read a ton of Nicholas Sparks' books, and I enjoy each and every one of them. One of his outstanding books was this one. It differs significantly from Nicholas Sparks' "typical" novels. In any case, this is an amazing testament to his growth and to their journey together as siblings. It feels as though you're traveling through time with them because of how it's put together. Their challenges in dealing with a demented father and an overachieving mother who constantly wants their life to appear flawless. As I read some of this fervent message and the experiences they had shared over the course of their life, I began to feel like a member of his family.

I can only remark that it's comparable to getting two novels for the price of one. Nicholas provided a wonderful travelogue that covers a variety of amazing destinations around the world, as well as his life tale and the experiences that helped him become the man he is today. I enjoy the moving parts and, of course, his amazing capacity to take you to other places with his unique representations. Even if the author's style of fiction isn't your cup of tea, you should still read this book.

I would now be able to recognize the various connections between his writing and his history after reading this book. This book is really helpful when I think of what he has been through and experienced. His life story particularly touched a deep chord with me because my family has also experienced many hardships and early tragedies. I want to give Nicholas Sparks all the credit he deserves for creating such a fantastic book and for all else he has done in his life.

This is unquestionably an excellent book to read and deserves to be highly recommended to all book readers. Additionally, it is an excellent starting point for any reading adventure. a really touching story of a man who has been through a lot but yet relies on his love for his brother and his own family.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

“Dreams are always crushing when they don't come true. But it's the simple dreams that are often the most painful because they seem so personal, so reasonable, so attainable. You're always close enough to touch, but never quite close enough to hold and it's enough to break your heart.”

This phrase is both correct and tragic. There are times when we have deep desires and dreams, but it seems unlikely that they would be achieved, despite our prayers. Dreams might be grandiose, but most of the time they are little and straightforward. Having a simple dream may be devastating, and I'm sure it occurs to everyone at some point. However, no matter how straightforward the dream, it will always be difficult to fathom especially witnessing it in other people's life is terrible.