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

Two stories in one!

This was a great story. I normally stay away from the sappy, love stories, however Nicholas Sparks can write some that are more realistic and not too sappy, which makes the journey a good one. This novel is actually two separate stories that eventually come together, but all along I kept wondering, "how in the world will these two stories ever relate?" I am glad that I didn't find out until the end. It was perfect. Of course there are parts that drag a little, but overall, I would recommend this to those who like this genre.

Beautiful

This is an amazing love story it had two stories in one , you will laugh you will cry just breath taken ...

Pretty Nice Read

Classic Sparks story.. It is a very moving story. Of course I shed a tear or two through my reading of it. It was kind of predictable though. but all in all I really liked it. and I would recommend for others to read. It sort of jumps around a lot also.

Great book, movie didn’t live up

This was a great love story from two different generations. Loved the ending. However, the movie didn’t do the book justice. Do they ever really?

Great book, one of best by NS

One of the best books of Sparks collection! Cant wait till the movie! Hopefully the movie is as good as the book!

Absolutely Love it!

It was a fantastic read. I related easily to the characters and enjoyed every second of the book. I will be reading this again in the future for sure!

Another great story by Nicholas Sparks

I love how Nicholas Sparks can make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with every one of his books. This one is no different. Great listen!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

I have not listened to any of Nicholas Sparks books before. I will purchase another one if they are anything like this one. I was sucked into the story with every fiber. The relationship between Sophia and Luke, from beginning to end, was so sweet and I loved Luke's personality. January LaVoy made him so sexy with her narration and did such a great job with Sophia also.
The other part of this story narrated by Ron McLarty was so sweet and well done.
The two lives of these people and how they came together was one of those "on the edge of your seat and can't stop listening." I thought I knew but then it just got better and more surprising at the end. The ending was Fantastic!! So well done. LOVED THIS ONE!!

Amazing Story

Normally, I can't abide stories that bounce back and forth in time. But when it is done well, as it is here, it is thought provoking. Two couples, an older one looking back, and a younger one that is looking forward. The narration is fantastic, and the ending is just so profound...don't want to give it away. Want to go watch the movie next.

great. I did not expect that ending.

now I want to watch the movie. where can I watch it? anyone have an idea