More Nicholas Sparks books being made into movies...

Just how many books has Nicholas Sparks written?! Eighteen. And how many of those have been adapted for the screen? Seven. So forgive me for thinking that it's Nicholas Sparks who is truly The Lucky One. Yes, you are Mr. Sparks, yes you are. The latest adaption of a Spark's novel, The Lucky One, due out April 20th, is about a Marine who finds a photograph of a beautiful woman in the dirt in Iraq, and then back home, sets out to find her.  The film stars Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner and if you've seen the trailer you know it looks tres romantic and more than a little steamy. I will be honest and admit I haven't read the book yet, I will probably try to get to it before it hits the multiplex. Have you read it? What do you think of Zac as Logan? In the book he is supposed to be old enough to be on his third tour of Iraq when the story starts...I bet the movie will change that. Will it be another The Notebook? I just don't see how it could be. I think it will join the ranks of his other sweet and somewhat sappy stories; Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, and Dear John. Not terrible but not The Notebook. Sparks fans may note I didn't even mention The Last Song - that was the one that starred Myley Cyrus.  No I didn't! Hah! Moving on...

If not, The Lucky One, perhaps Safe Haven will reach The Notebook's heights? I read recently at AroundtheNetworks.com that the 8th adaptation of Spark's work is in the works. The highly respected Lasse Hallstrom is going to direct and Keira Knightly is in negotiations for the lead role of Katie in Safe Haven! The book came out last August and I haven't read it either but here's the quick lowdown from the publisher.

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

This one sounds good to me and I am a Keira Knightly fan so I'll be watching for progress reports as production gets underway. Has anyone read this yet? What do you think of the potential casting of Keira?