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

Fabulous!!

Not many things in my life can bring me to tears. No book, no movie, not even life. I'm not hard hearted, but have learned to control my emotions. With that being said....
This story gripped my heart and by the last few chapters, I couldn't keep my tears from dripping from my cheeks.
I enjoyed this book above all others I have read and listened to. Unsure why it tugged at my heart like it did, but can only speculate that it was due to the struggles people face trying to make a living, the love of a mother for her son, and the emotions of a true love story between a man and a woman that lasted a lifetime.
For someone who enjoys romance, I strongly recommend.

Great story!

Amazing story! Very unpredictable and heart felt. The love is overwhelming and told in a beautiful way! Loved it! Great!

Good story but bad choice of narrator

What did you love best about The Longest Ride?

Storyline

What did you like best about this story?

Female narrator doing the part of male character.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Ron McLarty and January LaVoy ?

I had no problem with these people. Just use correct gender

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't know

Any additional comments?

I found it very strange that someone if Nicholas Sparks stature would use a female to narrate the lead characters voice. Made me laugh every time "Luke" talked. Took away so much from audio

A lovely and touching story

I actually read this novel many years ago and the memory of the main character stayed with me. I just finished listening to the audible version and again I enjoyed the story at a new level that I do not regret buying a second time. The character, Of Ira, and the moving account of his life, is so memorable. Thank you Mr. Sparks for such a great Novel.

indescribable beauty of an artist's pen

this novel is a masterpiece expression of multiple facets of love brought to life in vibrant color. I thoroughly enjoyed how the detailed, creative and heart-engaging strokes of the author's pen unified every hue into this deeply satisfying story.

Heartwarming

Loved it!! Highly recommend you listen to this heartwarming story. Two love stories intertwined together form a masterpiece.

Another Great Book By Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks wrote another fantastic book. January LaVoy and Ron McLarty did an excellent job as the narrators. The thing that really threw me off was not having a separate male narrator for the character of Luke. Having a female read his story was really distracting and it took away from the quality of the recording. Other than that, it was a really beautiful story.

Oh... Wow... What a ride, indeed!!!

I can't remember when a book affected me as much as this book did. I don't know if that kind of love still exists in this world anymore. With all the hatred being espoused today by those who obviously do not and most probably never will understand what Ira (and the author) was trying to express, if that kind of love still does exist... it is very rare and exceedingly precious¡!!

Most books that I read go into and out of my brain rather surreptitiously... leaving me to wonder years and sometimes even just months later... did I "read" that and if I did, what was it about? This book will not join them in that dust-filled section of my mind.

This wonderful book, the characters that the talented writer and narrators brought to life for me, and the message that I very much do understand will always be right up front and center for me to take out of my memories time and time again to enjoy. And enjoy them I will most definitely until it's my time to join my own Ira (who was known as Gary).

If you do decide to read (or rather listen to as I did) this book, don't be surprised if it affects you in the same way as it did me. If it does, then I know that you understand too.

A true romance tugging at my heart

I love listening to this story. I saw the movie last week and it is so good that I had to get the book. Nicholas Sparks is a true master of romance. He captures the heart. And makes one examine their life. I now look at my
Husband so differently and see him so much like Ira. He is always sacrificing his time. Money etc for my passions A must see for everyone. Your life will be forever changed

Loved it -- awesome story!!

Great narrators and storyline. Look forward to reading another Nicholas Sparks book!! This was my 2nd one and they both were outstanding. Does a great job of making the story real.