Long Way Gone

By: Charles Martin

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author Charles Martin comes a radical retelling of the prodigal son story. Cooper O'Connor thought he could make it big as a musician, but he promptly lost it all. Can he repair his relationship with the father who never stopped calling him home?

At the age of 18, musician and songwriter Cooper O’Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.

Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns home to the remote Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.

When Daley shows up on his street corner 20 years later, he wonders if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past - and if he is ready to face it himself.

Stand-alone novel.

Also by Charles Martin:

• The Letter Keeper
• The Mountain Between Us
• Send Down the Rain
• When Crickets Cry

©2016 Charles Martin (P)2016 Zondervan

Critic reviews

USA Today best seller and Christy Award Book of the Year 2017

“Cooper and Daley's story will make you believe that even broken instruments have songs to offer when they're in the right hands. Charles Martin never fails to ask and answer the questions that linger deep within all of us. In this beautifully told story of a prodigal coming home, readers will find the broken and mended pieces of their own hearts.” (Lisa Wingate, New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours)

Amazing

The prodigal beautifully written... I pray this book will be read by the millions who, have at some point in their life, have done something, anything, from which they believe they cannot be forgiven! No gone is too far gone, for God. You are always welcome in His arms. Be blessed!

Great read

I am so thankful to have discovered Charles Martin's writing. His books are inspiring, thought-provoking and tear-jerking. Long Way Gone is no exception. I love the way he developed the characters, gave life to the settings in such a way I could see them in my minds eye, and the beautiful phrasing he used to express things such that I felt all that the characters were going through. There is just one regret I have with Long Way Gone and it's with the production of the audio version: Buena Vista is consistently mis-pronounced throughout the book. When a narrator is unfamiliar with a locale central to the story, they should take the time to research it, and learn the proper pronunciation.

Charles Martin has really "let it out."

This book is his best one ever in my opinion. And I have been greatly blessed by reading (listening) to all but a few of his works. It is hard for me the express my thoughts about a book by a man who expresses his so masterfully. I loved this book. And oh, the ending! Wow! To borrow the catch phrase of his characters, he "l e t i t o u t!" I wanted to say AMEN at the very end of his prologue. What a message of hope.
Adam Verner did a masterful job in making the characters and events come alive. Superb job.

Pass

I did not enjoy this book. I was highly recommended so I stayed with it but It felt cheesy and too much. The performance too. Not for me.

Couldn't put it down

Loved this book! The story, the imagery, the music, the characters... everything about it drew me in. There were some moments that really touched my heart.

EVER BEEN THE "PRODIGAL SON"?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This is a great read as are all of Charles Martin's books. He paints a great picture all throughout and the reader feels like they are there with the characters!

What other book might you compare Long Way Gone to and why?

The Bible story of the Prodigal son and his return home. We all stray away, at times, from our parents or those who love us the most. The most important one being God! But, He is always standing there with His arms outstretched, ready to accept us back, no matter what we've done!

Have you listened to any of Adam Verner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have read almost every one of Charles Martin's books. I loved this narrator and I'm sure he has been used before! Sounds like the same person....He's good!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry and it was such a love story in many ways. It was a little slow getting started but it was worth sticking in there until the middle-end. It was awesome!

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite author! Always a great story that has to do with everyday things in our lives as Christians and some of the things we go through in this sometimes "hard" traveled life in which we live. Always a good, basic moral to these stories! Can't wait to read the last one on my list...The Dead Don't Dance! My friend is reading it now and she says it's the BEST! I can't ever decide which one I like the most....hard thing to choose..

Another home run!

Another inspirational, exceptional story from Charles Martin. I have never read a book he has written and not been touched soul deep. I can't wait for the next book.

A bit too preachy and far fetched for me

Charles Martin has a wonderful command of language and writes beautifully. He creates real, believable characters, but in this book (only the second of his I have read) there was a bit too much religion preached, and credulity was stretched much too thin.
I have one more of his to try, but I'm not sure he's an author for me.

Wow! Amazing and the BEST yet!

This book just has me in awe, it is so worth it! The best of Charles Martin that I've listened to so far and I've listened to several! Don't hesitate, just get it and indulge! The best ending yet!

Great read (and listen)

Wonderful story. Exceptional narrator. Uplifting and encouraging. Lovely twist near the end. I would definitely recommend this book.