The Longest Ride

By: Nicholas Sparks

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, January LaVoy

Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Romance, 2014

Ira Levinson is in trouble. At 91 years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together - how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can't possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior's life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward - even life and death - loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans - a future that Luke has the power to rewrite... if the secret he's keeping doesn't destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

©2013 Nicholas Sparks (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Amazingly touching though predictable

A great typical Nicolas Sparks. Touching story, though it didn't make me cry like some stories have in the past. I predicted the ending almost exactly though I thought Sophia would have bought the painting. (Won't spoil anything else for those who don't know the story. ) I would recommend Rosas if you like the romantic drama stories

Happy tears

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Longest Ride?

Nicholas Sparks' ending are always tear filled, but this one were happy tears that left me smiling. I love the ending.

What about Ron McLarty and January LaVoy ’s performance did you like?

Each took a different time and place. They were excellent.

If you could take any character from The Longest Ride out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ira, he is so loving.

loved it

I stayed up into the late hours to finish listening to this audio book. . it kept my interest all night.

heartwarming story. easy read.

Typical Nicholas Sparks. loved how the stories came together in the end. a story for all generations.

The next "The Notebook"

Sweet, mushy love story that makes you smile, cry and then hit your almost perfect boyfriend in the arm and say, "why can't you be more like Luke?!" :)
( I did find myself becoming annoyed with he repetitive use of the phrase "for a beat". I don't know why it annoyed me. I know... Stupid complaint.:)

Finally, a happy ending from Nicholas Sparks!

Excellent story with an interesting twist. Not as predictable as Sparks' stories before this one. Kind of slow at times, made me thankful for Audible's speed settings. But the story was still satisfying and never boring. Recommended for romantics and lovers of happy endings!

Fantastic read!

Great performance by both readers. Beautiful story about love, life and the most important things.

I Balled my Eyes

I loved this book. I cried for the ring and the auction. Completely worth listening to, rather then reading. Just wish I knew more about Sophia.

Loved It!!

Loved it! you will also, the back and forth of the story keeps you guessing

Great Book, unexpected ending , enjoyed the book

book was a little slow at first. I snuck a peak at part of the movie. the movie covered 90 percent of the book time line in 10 minutes.
The movies loses 95 percent of the details. I believe the book is much better than the movie. Will look for other books by the author.