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.
Audiobook review ~ A heartfelt reminder that love is timeless and enduring! I hadn’t planned on reading The Longest Ride. Usually, Nicholas Sparks’ books are a hit or miss for me, but when I saw the movie trailer, my interest was piqued. The summary already explains a lot about what is going on, so I will quickly give you a break down of my thoughts.Â
so why do I hate it? Midway through and am having difficulty mustering … Well written, so why do I hate it? Midway through and am having difficulty mustering up the energy to keep revisiting this book. I do enjoy Ira’s story. If it could just stay with that story I wouldn’t dislocate my eyeballs from rolling them so much.So predictable ad nauseam. How many times can this and the “unfortuntate urban youth taught by the well meaning white lady” be told?
Amazing! Best of Nicholas Sparks since The Notebook! 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).Â