The Real-Life Love Story That Inspired Nicholas Sparks' 'The Notebook'

Almost two decades later, The Notebook still brings audiences to tears in the hopes of finding someone to grow old with like its lead couple. A classic example of a love story for the ages, the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams remains the most lucrative Nicholas Sparks adaptation to date, earning over $116 million worldwide. Although The Notebook's long-term success is undeniable, few people are aware that the story is actually based on a real-life couple that Sparks met through his ex-wife, Cathy.