The Choice... by Nicholas Sparks

Book 30! Ten more to go before I reach my target for the year. 8) This is the second book from Sparks that I am reading, the first being Nights in Rodanthe. Anyway, 2 Sparks' books and they seem to prod this emo-ness in one.

The story makes a good reminder to appreciate our spouses, though I think the part where Gabby's (the lead character) unfaithfulness to her 'first' boyfriend is not something I'd applaud. But the theme for this particular novel, a good marriage being the closest thing to heaven (or hell) on earth, is quite a nice reminder that the marriage institution still has many good things which many seem to forget now.

The plot is rather simple, 2 main characters meet and it was ZAP! First meeting and sparks were already flying. Like they knew they were meant for each other.... a little like the Nights in Rodanthe kind of plot. In a 24-hour span, romance blossoms! But then again, lately I've become a sucker for such kinds of improbability.

The choice in the title simply refers to the choice Travis (lead character) had to make whether to honour his wife's (Gabby) will about no heroics in a medical condition with 'no hope'... after 11 years of wedded bliss and 2 children later. She fell into a coma after an accident. So while the storyline is a little unoriginal at times, I still think it's a good read, simply because it has a simple story line... minus all the intricacies and web of this and that. The simplicity appeals. Today the institution of marriage is under siege from women's emancipation fight and the moral revolution of the previous century. I heard over the news recently that in Japan they throw divorce parties... We seem to celebrate everything!

To fall in love is easy, to stay in love... that takes more than just chemistry. It takes commitment and I guess that word just don't quite appeal today to many. The use and discard (pakai-buang) society in us is creeping into the marriage institution.

But this book gives you a warm and fuzzy feel after reading; tugs the heart, makes you a little mopey... So no matter how out of fashion some may think of marriage, I still believe that the bedrock of a society is still the institution of family and that requires a good marriage.

So, this remains a nice read despite unoriginal plot. Also, it is light reading; did it in a day... made possible cos I had to sit in a 2 hour long meeting, not because I mattered but to make up the number.