The Longest Ride

By: Nicholas Sparks

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, January LaVoy

Length: 13 hrs and 12 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....

26 of 26 people found this review helpful

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.

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

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).

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

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 :)

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

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!

32 of 35 people found this review helpful

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!

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

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.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful