What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Best of Me
Michael Hoffman · Film · 2014
If you loved The Best of Me, start with The Best of Me (David Sedaris, 2021) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Best of Me across media.
What hooked you in The Best of Me was the bittersweet ache of reuniting with a long-lost love from your youth.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks · Book · 2008
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: Second chance romance.
Much like The Best of Me, this story explores the enduring power of first love and the complicated reality of reconnecting with someone from your past after many years.
The Sweetest Thing
Deborah Fletcher Mello · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: Small Town Romance.
If The Best of Me hit, The Sweetest Thing shares the thread.
The Choice
Nicholas Sparks · Book
Explores: life-altering choices, destiny, slow-burn romance.
If you enjoyed the way The Best of Me balances fate and life-altering decisions, you will appreciate how this narrative centers on the unpredictable paths of heart-led choices.
One Golden Summer
Carley Fortune · Book
Explores: reconnecting with the past, summer love, emotional growth.
This selection mirrors the nostalgic journey found in The Best of Me, focusing on the emotional weight of returning to a familiar place to face a former flame.
Series on the same thread
Blue Spring Ride
Series · 2014
Explores: First Love, High School Romance, Past Trauma.
This series captures the same longing for a past connection seen in The Best of Me, highlighting the personal transformation that occurs when childhood sweethearts cross paths again.
Lonesome Dove
Series · 1989
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: Nostalgia.
If The Best of Me hit, Lonesome Dove shares the thread.
Every Year After
Series · 2026
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: nostalgia.
You will recognize the poignant exploration of soulmates and the passage of time from The Best of Me in this sweeping story about the lasting impact of first love.
My Brilliant Friend
Saverio Costanzo · Series · 2018
Explores: Female Friendship, Childhood, Memory.
If The Best of Me hit, My Brilliant Friend shares the thread.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
If The Best of Me hit, The Archers shares the thread.
The Big Picture
Podcast
Explores: Hollywood, Awards Season, Film Criticism.
If The Best of Me hit, The Big Picture shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Best of Me movie based on the book?
The 2014 movie The Best of Me is a cinematic adaptation of the source material. You can also read the 2021 book version of The Best of Me to experience the story in its original written format.
Should I read the book if I have seen The Best of Me movie?
Yes, you can read the 2021 book The Best of Me after watching the 2014 film. Both versions follow the story of former high school sweethearts who reunite when they return to their small hometown after many years apart.
What is the plot of The Best of Me?
The Best of Me follows a pair of former high school sweethearts who reunite after being separated for many years. The story centers on their reconnection when they both return to visit their small hometown.
How do the 2014 movie and 2021 book of The Best of Me compare?
The 2014 movie The Best of Me and the 2021 book The Best of Me both depict the same core narrative regarding former high school sweethearts reuniting in their small hometown. The primary difference is the medium of the adaptation.