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

Beautiful novel

I watched the movie before listening to the book. The movie was very similar but a little different too! I can’t say I like one better than the other. The story of Irya and Ruth is like none other! So beautiful! You’ll have no regrets reading/listening to the book!

Forever a Sparks fan

Such a sweet path of two stories that merge together for a touching conclusion. Highly recommended. Especially if you’re a fan.

Great Book!

Loved the characters and the stories. My jaw dropped at the ending. Really excellent book.

Good audiobook.

A little predictable.
But, really enjoyable.
One thing……THAT BELL IN BETWEEN CHAPTERS!!!!
Extremely annoying.

Tender, Tough & Tears :') (older Teens & up)

What made the experience of listening to The Longest Ride the most enjoyable?

Since typically I am listening to books while doing other things like chores, driving, etc. Books need to hold my attention and not jump around to much. I don't know how Nicholas Sparks does it, but this book jumps around, but feels beautifully smooth.

I also don't like predictable endings, but even though I knew how things were going to end Sparks made me want to go on that journey with them and I hung on every word...with tissue :')

Who was your favorite character and why?

So many people love Ira and I do to, but young bull rider Luke was my favorite! Coming from Orange County and surrounded my metrosexual males, Luke's character was so refreshing. Loved when Luke casually ground the x-boyfriends face in the ground so calmly like no big deal. A mans man, but without the temper.

Which scene was your favorite?

We have horses, so I liked all the Rodeo scenes. I think Nicholas Sparks did a great job setting those scenes, from the outfits, dancing & bulls. And yes, ANYONE can enter to ride bulls! My daughter has two friends that entered last summer after only a couple lessons...and both got hurt. Thank goodness not as bad as Luke. Sounds like Sparks did some up close homework when it came to bulls by his respect of these animals. You can't get that from TV.

Who was the most memorable character of The Longest Ride and why?

Luke...Yee Haw!

Any additional comments?

So refreshing to read a book without a bunch of swearing, inappropriate twisted sexual scenes & garbage. Not so happy that Nicolas Sparks has all his characters sleeping together before their married (including this book). But I guess he wouldn't sell as many books taking the unpopular old fashioned no sex before marriage approach. To bad.

If you liked the movie ...

If you liked the movie you should definitely read this book it’s so much better the only thing better is listening to the audio book!!

Amazing! Performer was Excellent!

This is the best of Nicholas Sparks since The Notebook - 5 stars ++++! Oh course, I have read all his books and have seen all his movies --they are all great – however, I will say The Longest Ride is at the top of the list with The Notebook. What a beautifully written poignant love story and fell in love with all the characters (especially Luke).

I had purchased the book on pre-order; however, was busy packing for an extended stay and drive to Highlands, NC and ironically Winston-Salem, NC (from West Palm Beach) which is a 12 hour drive, so decided to purchase the audio from audible.com for my long drive on iPod for next week. However, started listening to it yesterday while packing, and had to finish it tonight as could not put it down--(so will need another book for my trip next week)! (Ironically, listened to The Best of Me by Nicholas on audio for my last trip two years ago from NC to South Florida.)

I would highly recommend the audio as Ron McLarty (whom I love as is the narrator of David Baldacci’s books) and January LaVoy – made the book! They did an exceptional job with the performance of Ira/Ruth and Sophie/Luke.

Another huge plus – as a native of NC (Piedmont area) it was nice to hear Nicholas incorporating the Piedmont/Western Carolina mountain areas of NC versus the eastern coast as some of his other books. All the familiar places, I love (Winston-Salem, Old Salem, King, Grove Park Inn, Black Mountain, Asheville, Biltmore, Pinnacle, Clemmons, Yadkinville, 421, Pilot Mountain, Wake Forest, Fabien Restaurant, etc.) Kept waiting for Village Tavern Reynolda Road. In your next book would love a setting in Highlands or Cashiers, NC (so quaint and lots of hiking and waterfalls, Old Edwards Inn & Spa–quaint town and at the top of mountains you can see NC, SC, and GA in one view.

Note to Nicholas: I kept waiting for this in the book - For your movie would love for you to use the setting: Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast (361 New Pilot Knob Lane, Pinnacle, NC 27043) owned by Jennifer and Will Allen (located at the foot of the Pilot Knob Park right off the exit.) I have stayed there many times over the years when visiting my sons in Winston-Salem.--The adorable historic tobacco cabins are equipped with front porches and rockers, country breakfast-- would be an ideal setting for the cabin scenes for Sophie/Luke and the owner there also shows horses with barn and stalls. You can bring you own horse and rent a stall-- Water hay and fresh bedding are provided for horses. The trails of Pilot Mt. and Sauratown Mt. run through the property with miles and miles of trails. You can also go horseback riding nearby.

Back to the book – without giving away the ending – it was perfect. Great transition between the old (Ira/Ruth) and younger generation (Luke/Sophie) and a brilliant ending. Two couples who seem to have nothing in common; however, by the end –they have more in common than you think. You will smile and cry. Wow, I know NC has hot country guys as have seen my share of them--Cannot wait to see who will be cast in the movie. A must read – be sure and check out Nicholas’ new website!

Nicholas sparks you've done it again!

Would you listen to The Longest Ride again? Why?

I will listen to this again.

What other book might you compare The Longest Ride to and why?

A walk to remember.

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

Nice performance by both.

Any additional comments?

I was in suspense for most of the book. I new there had to be some connection but could not make it till the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole read. Which turned out to be one day, because I could not put it down.

:) loved it!!!

I loveeeeed this book!!!! Best book i have read this your even in audio form i will read this at least one mire time!!!!

eeek I watched the movie

so I meant to read this but I didn't actually read it. The movie was really good though!!