II. BackgroundNicholas Sparks was born on December 31, 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska (Jessica Estremera). He was the second of three children born to Patrick Sparks, a college professor, and his wife Jill. Nicholas spent the early part of his childhood moving around with his family while his father finished his graduate work (Biography Channel website). "Because my father was a student until the age of 9 and my mother didn't work, we didn't exactly have the good life when I was little. I grew up on formula milk and ate tons of potatoes, although to be honest, I didn't never noticed how poor we really were until I was old enough to honestly evaluate things. Even then, it didn't matter. For the most part, I had a wonderful childhood and I wouldn't have changed anything," Nicola said in a statement. interview. The University of Notre Dame had offered Sparks a full-ride scholarship. In 1985, during his freshman year, Sparks was part of a relay team that set a school record that still stands. But the season didn't end on a high note for the future scorer: an Achilles tendon injury slowed things down for Sparks and forced him to spend the summer recovering. In 1988 Sparks graduated with honors and also met Catherine Cote, his future wife, whom he soon married (Jessica Estremera). The day after he and his bride were married, Sparks heard the story that inspired The Notebook. Cathy's grandparents were too ill to travel to the ceremony the day before, so the Sparks decided they would bring the wedding to them, dressing in tuxedos and evening gowns and taking photos at Cathy's grandparents' home. Nicholas observed how Cathy's grandfather treated his wife with great respect and admiration. The story of their love was told to Sp...... middle of paper ......azine, 06 Oct. 2003. Web. March 25, 2014. Amy Kaufman. “Nicholas Sparks is a master of romance.” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, February 4, 2010. Web. March 25, 2014. Estremera, Jessica. Nicholas Sparks: A Biography. Hyperink. 2012. Print."NCW: What Critics Say About Nicholas Sparks." NCW--What critics say about Nicholas Sparks. Np, nd Web. March 25, 2014. "Nicholas Sparks Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television and Web. March 24, 2014. Nickell, Kelly. “Writing on Instinct: Nicholas Sparks.” WritersDigestcom. WritersDigestcom, March 11, 2008. Web. March 25, 2014.Schillinger, Liesl. "Eclipse Children's/Young Adult Books." The New York Times. The New York Times, August 11, 2007. Web. March 25, 2014. Sparks, Nicholas. At first glance. New York: Warner, 2005. Print. "Stephenie Meyer Biography". Bio.com. A&E Networks Television and Web. March 25. 2014.