Allyson Gurczynski
I think this is the first time I enjoyed the movie more than the book, don't get me wrong, its a great story, I read it in a day. But that spark just wasn't there, and I feel there was a bunch of fluff in between the important parts of the story. I liked that the book explained everything out like with Logan and Victor, but I feel like the movie projected all the situations more realistically than the book described them. For example in the movie Logan tried to tell her about the picture in the very beginning but was unable to because Beth jumped to conclusions; in the book Logan just doesn't tell her because he was afraid of how she would react, even when she gave him plenty of opportunities to mention it.
1 person found this review helpful
A Google user
In The Lucky One by Nicolas Sparks, is an empowering love story that triggers every human emotion from bliss to sorrow and truly pulls on your heartstrings. Logan Thibault finds a picture of a woman in the debris while fighting in Afghanistan. By the end of his time in Afghanistan, Logan witnessed many people die but miraculously he survived. He soon realizes that the picture brings him good lucky and the girl is his good luck charm. Upon returning to Colorado, Logan decides to walk across the country to find the woman in the picture. After five years, he finally finds her in North Carolina. He takes a job at the dog training facility her grandmother owns. At first the woman, Elizabeth Green, finds him unpleasant and wants nothing to do with him. After falling in love, Elizabeth’s ex-husband, Keith Clayton, tries to sabotage their relationship. Throughout all obstacles their love prevails.
Throughout the book Nicolas Sparks does an extraordinary job elucidating the power of love. As a result of their love, Beth realized on day as “Logan stopped and gazed skyward as the kite began to soar above them, and when he clapped his hands at Ben's obvious joy, she was struck by the simple truth that sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people” (174). The moments in Beth’s life were no longer simple, but they were remarkable. Also, Beth finally found the power to stand up to her ex-husband after his constant threats. Not only was it for her, but for Logan as well. Love bestowed Beth with courage.
Logan exemplifies a lucky person by cheating death, finding the woman in the picture, and also falling in love with her. Logan's friend Victor told him “You found that picture for a reason. No one claimed it for a reason. You took it today for a reason. Only you were meant to have it” (23). The picture turns out to be the creator of many problems, because Logan cannot find the right words to explain to Beth how he found the picture. Not only was the picture just Logan's good luck charm, but it also had a special meaning to Beth.
In comparison to other Nicolas Sparks books, this book was different in a sense that the antagonist played key role in the story. Keith, being the father of Elizabeth’s child would use his authority against Logan constantly. At parts you wish that he would just disappear, but without Keith the book would not have been nearly as dramatic.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading love stories. However, it is similar to your typical love story, but Nicolas Sparks does an excellent job at incorporating unexpected twists. Although it is a little slow in the beginning, after a few chapters you will become enthralled.
A Google user
U.S. Marine Logan Thibault is in Iraq and finds a photo of a woman in the sand. The photo shows the woman in front of a sign "Lucky Lady' and an inscription tells the bearer to "keep safe."
When he can't find the owner,before going into battle, Logan places the photo in his pocket. Other men in his unit are injured and killed but he escapes. He comes to feel that the woman in the photo is protecting him.
When he is discharged from the Marines he decides to find the woman. He does't know why, exactly but is drawn to her as if she was part of his destiny.
He walks from his home in Colorado, accompanied by his dog, Zeus, and goes to where he found the photo was taken, Hampton, N.C.
Logan finds that the woman runs a kennel and there is a help wanted sign. He takes the job but doesn't tell her of the photo. Eventually he becomes a valued part of her business and a special friend to her son, Ben, and her grandmother. Then Logan and Beth begin a romance.
The pacing of the novel is precise with a gradual build up to the conclusion. Logan had made an enemy in the town who was Beth's former husband, Keith. The reader doesn't know if Keith will be able to gain revenge on Logan by ending the romance Logan and Beth share.
Well done and enjoyable.