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

Fantastic story

This was such a great listen...it started a bit slow for me...but I was soon taken in by Ira. And then Ruth, and then their relationship. I LOVED this story. It brought out emotions in me that were different than other books...I think its because of the relationships....what a great turn of events... the narration of Ira and Ruths voices were so convincing to me. I loved how they were projected....it could be a very good movie.....

I highly recommend this book to others....

One Word-- FANTASTIC!!!

The LONGEST RIDE is a work of ART in which Nicholas Sparks magically brings together two stories. The story makes a perfect circle. The narrators in the audio version is extremely well done. This is one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books to date. I read only nonfiction unless the author is Nicholas Sparks. He is not only gifted as an author but also has depth in showing what is truly important in our lives-- family, values and our spirituality.

Sum of parts greater than whole

The author had two different stories playing in his mind and by telling both of them in one book made for a better book.

This book was much better than watching TV. The different narrators make each story their own as the one is telling their story. My wife would sew and I would work on the crossword puzzle while listening. Sometimes, the story got so compelling at our bedtime we brought it with and kept listening for over an hour more. We seldom do that but the story is that nicely written and narrated thus compelling.

I don't want to mislead. By Nicholas Sparks standards this story was only okay, but even a so so Sparks' novel is better than 90% of everything else (Sturgeon's Law as applied to novels with the Nicholas Sparks exception).

Must read

There is not enough words for me to describe this book. Once again, Nickolas Sparks has done it again. This book is about 3 live coming together in 1 single moment. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. How can 1 person love another so much? Read the book and you'll find out and be hooked just like I was. I hope they don't make this 1 into a movie :)

Appealing characters in an improbable story.

This was my first Sparks story. Beautifully written, the story is very well developed with characters who have remarkable depth of character. Although most of the story follows the day to day life of a sorority girl and a bull riding guy (highly unlikely but warmly developed), the story alternates with sections devoted to Ira, a very old man in a fight for his life whose life becomes forever intertwined with the improbable lovers. Overall a very good story.

McLarty did an excellent job as Ira. LaVoy is outstanding as well but she struggles to effectively speak for male voices.

Another amazing book by Nicholas Sparks.

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

Definitely. You won't be able to put it down because you are constantly wondering how the pieces will fit together. A fantastic, heart-warming story that proves our lives constantly touch one another regardless of whether we know one another or if we are complete strangers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

They were all my favourite. Ira did stand out because of the story he had to tell.

What does Ron McLarty and January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

They bring the characters to life. You begin to feel as if you are a part of the characters lives and they are sitting with you telling you about their lives.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, I was brought to tears near the end and don't want to spoil anything for anyone. I became so emotional that I had to stop my audiobook for a few minutes. This is one of Nicholas Sparks unique qualities though. His stories could be real life experiences which in turn elicits strong emotions from readers.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next book, even though I know it will be awhile in it's making, I will be waiting anxiously. Another fantastic storyline! Thanks!

I Understand!

Nicholas Sparks does it again. A heart warming story unlike most of his previous works, but still all about people, and the unexpected juncture at which they meet. At this stage of my life, this book reminded me again to appreciate the wonderful wife I have also been blessed to share a life with. It reminded me to treasure the time we still have together, and to make the most of every moment. I even had the privilege to listen to the audiobook with her as we worked our farm and prepare produce for the market. Without giving away anything specific, rest assured, this is one of Nicholas' feel-good stories!

One of my favorites

Would you consider the audio edition of The Longest Ride to be better than the print version?

A great production.

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

The final letter and the great twist at the end

Any additional comments?

He captures how love is the greatest gift to each other.

Great Story - MUST buy!!

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

Yes!!! The performance was excellent - I vision everything!

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

I'm thinking the Notebook, how it took you back in time. But, the storyline is different.

What does Ron McLarty and January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

They brought the story to life!!

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

Ruth - I would like to learn more of her history. Trying to adopt to the new culture living in the US.

Any additional comments?

I loved the fact, their were 2 stories and how they were combined together at the end. Beware - you will cry in this book, but don't we always with Nicholas Sparks books.

Not the best

What did you like best about The Longest Ride? What did you like least?

I have always purchased Nicholas Sparks books the first day they became available. Somehow in my busy life I missed one. So as soon as I saw it on Audible I grabbed it. It took several weeks to get through it. I restarted from the beginning several times. It was almost torturous. I can't decide if it was the reader trying to sound like the male and female characters that ruined it for me or the storyline. I am so very sad. Oh well. All of them can't be great all of them time.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

A better storyline. The good part took so long to get to. It was hard to hang on long enough for it to get interesting enough to want to continue.

What three words best describe Ron McLarty and January LaVoy ’s performance?

Oh! Ron's was good but January had a bit more than she could handle well with both the male and female characters.

Do you think The Longest Ride needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nah

Any additional comments?

I look forward to the next one. Please don't have a girl read the guy parts though.