Nicholas Sparks’ latest book is set in Asheboro

Ray Criscoe
Randolph Hub

ASHEBORO — Author Nicholas Sparks’ new book went public this week. For local fans of Sparks’ work, there’s an additional reason you should care:

The book, called  Counting Miracles, is largely centered in Asheboro.

This book will be the 24th released by Sparks. Eleven of his previous 23 have been made into movies, headlined by the wildly popular The Notebook in 2004. But the list also includes Message in a Bottle (1999), A Walk to Remember (2002), Nights in Rodanthe (2008), Dear John (2010), The Last Song (2010), The Lucky One (2012), Safe Haven (2013), The Best of Me (2014), The Longest Ride (2015) and The Choice (2016).

So with the potential of having a movie made about or in Asheboro and Randolph County, it’s potentially a big deal.

In his review of the book, Washington Post reviewer Ron Charles notes:

“Sparks is superb at what he does. The setting is postcard perfect. The characters are immensely likable or fun to hate. The narrative is so slick that dialogue slides across these pages and right into the inevitable Hollywood script. … If you’re craving a packet of syrupy tropes and sentimental resolutions that provides a dependable sugar rush, this is a tidy miracle you can count on.”

While the book was scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Sept. 24, Sparks began book promotion stops on Sunday, Sept. 22, in his hometown of New Bern.

That was the first of 11 planned stops. The only other one set in North Carolina is on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m. at a Barnes & Noble in Charlotte. That event, however, like most others on the list, is sold out.

The Heart of North Carolina (HONC) has a story on its website regarding the book’s release (www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/plan/counting-miracles). 

It leads with a quote from Sparks: “Asheboro is the perfect setting for Counting Miracles. I hope readers feel inspired to visit and see all that Asheboro has to offer.”

HONC then goes on to answer a few questions about what readers might see in the book, without giving anything away, of course.

Here are some excerpts:

“In Counting Miracles, fictional character, Tanner Hughes, visits several places in our area. He’s come to Asheboro to perhaps find his father and to reset his inner compass; he’s a veteran, serving as a U.S. Army Ranger. 

Does Tanner visit the North Carolina Zoo?

“Yes, how can you not visit the largest natural habitat zoo in the world when you come to Asheboro? The North Carolina Zoo brings more than one million visitors to Randolph County every year. ... The book specifically calls out the Cypress Swamp and Junction Springs Cafe.”

What places does the author mention by name?

- The Hampton Inn.

- Kickback Jack’s (beside the Hampton Inn).

- Coach’s Neighborhood Grill (a chain started in Asheboro).

- Asheboro Public Library.

- Bojangles’s (the beloved North Carolina-based chicken chain).

- Asheboro High School.

- Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

The HONC piece also answers other questions:

- Downtown Asheboro’s boutiques, shops and antique stores are mentioned in the book. Where should I go when I visit?

- The Uwharrie National Forest plays a significant role in the book. Where do I get more information about hiking in The Uwharrie National Forest? 

- Where’s the “brewpub” mentioned in the book?

- There’s a cabin on the cover of the book. Any good cabin rentals in your area?

- Where else should I go when I visit Asheboro and Randolph County?

The book will be available at your usual book-purchasing favorites, including Books-A-Million in Asheboro Mall. Online, it’s selling price is $20.29.