Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Grand Central Publishing (2015), Edition: Mti, 416 pages
Description
After being trapped in an isolated car crash, the life of an elderly widower becomes entwined with that of a young college student and the cowboy she loves.
User reviews
LibraryThing member MyBookAddiction
Another timeless classic by Nicholas Sparks! Come along on a journey of not one, but two heart-warming love stories. In The Longest Ride, enjoy the beautifully recounted story of Ira and Ruth as Ira remembers the wonderfully long life he shared with the love of his life. Become completely swept
This book was simply amazing. In the beginning, I had a difficult time with how the story switches from Ira and Ruth to Luke and Sophia with what seemed like no connections at all between the two stories. What made it even harder for me to get into the book was the way Nicholas Sparks switched back and forth from first person to third person. However, by the middle of the book, I had adjusted to both the story lines and the narration switch and was really able to get lost in the story. I absolutely loved this book, as I have all of Nicholas Sparks’ books, and was very happy that this book, while staying true to Sparks’ usual tear jerking story lines, also managed to have a very sweet, very unique happy ending. This book is a definite must read so make sure to pick yours up today!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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away by the chemistry and attraction between Luke, a bull rider, and Sophia, an art major at Wake Forest University, as they begin a new and sometimes difficult relationship. And discover how two seemingly unrelated love stories merge together to make one outstanding novel.This book was simply amazing. In the beginning, I had a difficult time with how the story switches from Ira and Ruth to Luke and Sophia with what seemed like no connections at all between the two stories. What made it even harder for me to get into the book was the way Nicholas Sparks switched back and forth from first person to third person. However, by the middle of the book, I had adjusted to both the story lines and the narration switch and was really able to get lost in the story. I absolutely loved this book, as I have all of Nicholas Sparks’ books, and was very happy that this book, while staying true to Sparks’ usual tear jerking story lines, also managed to have a very sweet, very unique happy ending. This book is a definite must read so make sure to pick yours up today!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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LibraryThing member alekee
This is one book that I never wanted to end; from the beginning to the end it was great. The story is based on a romance lasting over 60 years, and another just beginning. You will wonder what they in connection, although I thoroughly enjoyed Ira and Ruth’s long relationship, all of its twists
When the story begins with Ira in a precarious position, he lost control of his car and has gone through the guide rail and hanging down a hill. The weather is horrible and he is badly injured, but with his life hanging by a thread, his beloved Ruth spends time with him. It appears he is delusional, but oh how wonderful the story is as they spend time with each other.
Another young couple has a chance meeting at a rodeo. Luke is a bull rider, and Sophia is a senior at Wake Forest. To make a long story short, Luke becomes Sophia’s knight in shinning armor when he comes to her rescue as her former boyfriend is accosting her. You wonder what a rodeo feller and an art major will have in common, and how possibly can the two stories have any thing to do with each other. As the story unfolds, will be amazed, and love how these stories do finally meld together.
One starts back prior to WWII and the lasting results that the war has on their relationship. How I loved being in that car with Ira and Ruth, here she has passed on, but she is scolding him. So sweet! He shares with us his mind pictures of Ruth throughout their lives, down to what she was wearing on that particular day.
Coming off her break up Sophia is not ready for a new relationship, but meeting Luke seems to have changed that. Can it be real, or a rebound romance? While I love the spark between them, I kept waiting for something to happen to Luke. This book is a real page-turner, you will not be able to put it down until you are done and know the answers to a lot of questions.
I received this book through Readers Favorite, and was not required to give a positive review.
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and turns and great passion.When the story begins with Ira in a precarious position, he lost control of his car and has gone through the guide rail and hanging down a hill. The weather is horrible and he is badly injured, but with his life hanging by a thread, his beloved Ruth spends time with him. It appears he is delusional, but oh how wonderful the story is as they spend time with each other.
Another young couple has a chance meeting at a rodeo. Luke is a bull rider, and Sophia is a senior at Wake Forest. To make a long story short, Luke becomes Sophia’s knight in shinning armor when he comes to her rescue as her former boyfriend is accosting her. You wonder what a rodeo feller and an art major will have in common, and how possibly can the two stories have any thing to do with each other. As the story unfolds, will be amazed, and love how these stories do finally meld together.
One starts back prior to WWII and the lasting results that the war has on their relationship. How I loved being in that car with Ira and Ruth, here she has passed on, but she is scolding him. So sweet! He shares with us his mind pictures of Ruth throughout their lives, down to what she was wearing on that particular day.
Coming off her break up Sophia is not ready for a new relationship, but meeting Luke seems to have changed that. Can it be real, or a rebound romance? While I love the spark between them, I kept waiting for something to happen to Luke. This book is a real page-turner, you will not be able to put it down until you are done and know the answers to a lot of questions.
I received this book through Readers Favorite, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member JEB5
A classic Nicholas Sparks' novel from beginning to end!
When elderly Ira ends up in a car accident on the side of a snowy hill - he becomes stuck. His only companion is his deceased wife, Ruth, who helps keep him conscious as they reminisce about their life together. Meanwhile, Sophia, a senior at
When elderly Ira ends up in a car accident on the side of a snowy hill - he becomes stuck. His only companion is his deceased wife, Ruth, who helps keep him conscious as they reminisce about their life together. Meanwhile, Sophia, a senior at
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Wake Forest, is dealing with a recent breakup and meets Luke, a bullrider who has problems of his own. These characters tell his heartwarming story in all their varying perspectives, providing hope, encouragement, love, determination, and even regret to readers. Like all of Sparks' novels this one holds nothing back and offers insights into a loving and successful marriage. It is well worth the read and will bring you to tears several times with how touching a story it is. I don't know how Sparks is able to do it but he continues to writes gems. Show Less
LibraryThing member PeskyLibrary
I never seem to tire of Nicholas Sparks! His latest “The longest Ride” interweaves two love stories. I found one to be more compelling than the other, but enjoyed both stories the same. One couple is older, and the other younger, but they have similarities that come out in the storyline. It is
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vintage Sparks, with the easy-going romantic style, but always leave you wondering where he is going with the story next…I think this one will be in the theaters someday also! Enjoyable easy reading for a rainy weekend. -Reviewed by Andrea, staff- Show Less
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Two stories of romance intertwined. In one, a 91 year old man crashes his car and is trapped in the auto, he feels alone but is visited by his dead wife and they go over their courting and marriage.
The other story deals with a college student who meets a rodeo star and they fall in love.
The other story deals with a college student who meets a rodeo star and they fall in love.
LibraryThing member berthashaver
The longest ride refers to a seriously injured bull-rider, Luke, and his sorority girlfriend, and Ira who is an elderly man who is seriously injured in a car accident and reminises his live that his had with his wife, Ruth. The book went back and forth between the two couples and I tried to figure
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out how their lives would be entertwined. Sparks finally intersects their lives toward the end. A quick read that reminds the reader throughout that people are more important than wealth. As Ruth stated, "You are smart. You are important. You can be anything you want to be. You can change the world." Show Less
LibraryThing member jbarr5
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
The book follows two couples.
Sophia is in college and meets Luke at a barn dance where she's stalked by an old boyfriend. They start dating and find out about one another, their hopes and dreams and family life's.
The story also follows Ira who's in his early 90's
Mystery of how these stories connect to one another has me wondering...
Love the art Ruth and Ira collect and what it signifies.
The love Sophia and Luke have for one another and the choices their paths have yet to make-him especially due to his career and his future life.
Such heartbreak and it comes to a full circle in time...
The book follows two couples.
Sophia is in college and meets Luke at a barn dance where she's stalked by an old boyfriend. They start dating and find out about one another, their hopes and dreams and family life's.
The story also follows Ira who's in his early 90's
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and his car has run off the road and it's some time before anybody will even see his car. He's visited by Ruth his wife that had passed away and they reminisce about their life together over the years.Mystery of how these stories connect to one another has me wondering...
Love the art Ruth and Ira collect and what it signifies.
The love Sophia and Luke have for one another and the choices their paths have yet to make-him especially due to his career and his future life.
Such heartbreak and it comes to a full circle in time...
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LibraryThing member JCNielsen
This is now my favorite book of Nicholas Sparks. I did not see how the two stories were going to come together. But when they came together, it ended up being a wonderful love story.
LibraryThing member loveofreading
The Longest Ride is Nicholas' Sparks latest warm, fuzzy, and addictive romance novel. Thankfully, I didn't need the tissues like I did for The Guardian and Dear John. If you love a down-to-earth man in cowboy boots, you'll devour this story!
Told in alternating narratives, The Longest Ride is
In typical Nicholas Sparks' style, girl meets boy and in spite of coming from completely different worlds, they fall in love. They question whether or not they can make it work, a jealous ex causes problems, and life nearly ruins it all, but in the end, love wins out. The story is a little predictable, and I never teared up; it's commute-friendly! It's not his most powerful novel, but Sparks never fails to put a smile on my face.
I really only have two complaints about the book. Firstly, Sparks doesn't write a convincing female character. Sophia is a senior in college, a sorority girl, immature, dramatic, and above all, stereotypical. Sparks has been long out of the university scene, so I know I can't blame him too much for this, but I'm surprised his editor didn't help mould Sophia into a more believable heroine. The sorority house, her relationship with her jackass of an ex, etc. made no sense for her character.
Worst of all is Sophia's admitting to having suicidal thoughts after she and her ex break up the first time. The relationship doesn't warrant the reaction. It's unrealistic, which undermines the seriousness of the subject. It would have made more sense in a book like Safe Haven, where the character is exposed to abuse, but not in a story of a healthy, happy university student.
Secondly, Sparks hit my biggest pet peeve of them all: an unrealistic medical emergency. (I have training; I'm allowed to complain!) Ira spends most of the book trapped in a crashed vehicle, injured, and slowly dying. Given his age and injuries, he should have died of shock, if not from exposure, around the 24-hour mark. This is standard first aid knowledge! Yes, I know it's more dramatic to keep him alive, but it cheapened the story for me. And I don't see Nicholas Sparks as a cheap romance writer; he's one of the best! I'm saddened by the lack of substantive editing in both instances. Sophia's suicidal thoughts were not congruent with her characterization and clearly were thrown in for shock factor, and there clearly was no basic medical research performed to see if a major story arc would work. An elderly, bleeding man, who is dehydrated and trapped in cold car in the winter does not equal a survivor.
Regardless, The Longest Ride is an endearing and heartwarming story of couples that love each other, through thick and thin. Luke is a heartthrob in cowboy boots, and Ira's love story is as sweet and timeless as Noah and Allie's in The Notebook. A great book to warm up to this winter, but it'll also make a great beach read. This is a wonderfully written romance that will sweep you off your boots!
4 Stars
Told in alternating narratives, The Longest Ride is
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comprised of two love stories of couples who are brought together by fate. Ira and Ruth are an elderly couple who have had a lifetime of happiness and heartache, while Luke and Sophia are young and just starting out. Much like Safe Haven, there's a small supernatural twist on the plot, which gives this romance a little something extra.In typical Nicholas Sparks' style, girl meets boy and in spite of coming from completely different worlds, they fall in love. They question whether or not they can make it work, a jealous ex causes problems, and life nearly ruins it all, but in the end, love wins out. The story is a little predictable, and I never teared up; it's commute-friendly! It's not his most powerful novel, but Sparks never fails to put a smile on my face.
I really only have two complaints about the book. Firstly, Sparks doesn't write a convincing female character. Sophia is a senior in college, a sorority girl, immature, dramatic, and above all, stereotypical. Sparks has been long out of the university scene, so I know I can't blame him too much for this, but I'm surprised his editor didn't help mould Sophia into a more believable heroine. The sorority house, her relationship with her jackass of an ex, etc. made no sense for her character.
Worst of all is Sophia's admitting to having suicidal thoughts after she and her ex break up the first time. The relationship doesn't warrant the reaction. It's unrealistic, which undermines the seriousness of the subject. It would have made more sense in a book like Safe Haven, where the character is exposed to abuse, but not in a story of a healthy, happy university student.
Secondly, Sparks hit my biggest pet peeve of them all: an unrealistic medical emergency. (I have training; I'm allowed to complain!) Ira spends most of the book trapped in a crashed vehicle, injured, and slowly dying. Given his age and injuries, he should have died of shock, if not from exposure, around the 24-hour mark. This is standard first aid knowledge! Yes, I know it's more dramatic to keep him alive, but it cheapened the story for me. And I don't see Nicholas Sparks as a cheap romance writer; he's one of the best! I'm saddened by the lack of substantive editing in both instances. Sophia's suicidal thoughts were not congruent with her characterization and clearly were thrown in for shock factor, and there clearly was no basic medical research performed to see if a major story arc would work. An elderly, bleeding man, who is dehydrated and trapped in cold car in the winter does not equal a survivor.
Regardless, The Longest Ride is an endearing and heartwarming story of couples that love each other, through thick and thin. Luke is a heartthrob in cowboy boots, and Ira's love story is as sweet and timeless as Noah and Allie's in The Notebook. A great book to warm up to this winter, but it'll also make a great beach read. This is a wonderfully written romance that will sweep you off your boots!
4 Stars
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LibraryThing member ctopps
So for my choice book I decided that I wanted to read The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. This was a really hard decision for me because before I knew that it had to be an American novel that was published in the last 50 years, I had thought that I wanted to read the second book in the Outlander
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series. I am really excited that I picked this novel by Nicholas Sparks because I really want to see the movie that just came out and I have read a lot of his other books and loved them so I was hoping for the same with this book. I realized after finishing reading the book, that it is pretty different from what the movie is. This is because they changed some of the early setting, like where and how they met. Show Less
LibraryThing member Annabelle86
In his latest romance novel, Nicholas Sparks once again demonstrates the beauty of love, both young and old, as he delicately intertwines the lives of an elderly man involved in a car crash, a handsome bull rider fighting to keep his family’s ranch, and a college senior whose future is yet to be
The story begins in February 2011 with Ira Levinson, a ninety-one year old World War II veteran from North Carolina, who finds himself trapped alone in his car on the side of a mountain after an accident. As he clings for life awaiting rescue, Ira recounts the beautiful story of his life with his deceased wife, Ruth. Barely conscious at times, he imagines Ruth is in the car with him, urging him to stay alive just a little longer, no matter how desperate he may be to join her in death.
The story then goes back to months earlier when Sophia Danko, a senior at Wake Forest University, meets the handsomely stoic bull rider, Luke, after her sorority sisters urge her to attend a rodeo to help her cope with a bad breakup. Before long, Sophia and Luke find themselves falling in love with each other, despite the many obstacles life throws their way. Eventually, their story catches up to Ira’s, and the plot lines merge to show how each of these characters is experiencing their own “longest ride.”
Alternating between the three characters’ points of view, Sparks does a magnificent job connecting the different story lines. Though Ira’s point of view displays the least amount of dialogue, it is the one that is most likely to tug at the reader’s heartstrings, as it articulates the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows, of a decades old love that even death cannot destroy.
Despite this, the story seems to fall short of what has come to be expected out of Sparks’ usually well-crafted romance novels. The story of Luke and Sophia falling in love comes off as too predictable and artificial at times, making it hard for readers to truly believe in it and immerse themselves in the overall story. Furthermore, there are some parts of the novel that seem to drag on at a slow pace.
Overall, The Longest Ride is a typical romance novel; however, that is the main problem here. Sparks’ dedicated fans have come to expect magic from him in the form of eloquently written words about the beauty of love. This novel, though, does not provide this to its readers; it is just too average. Therefore, it only receives three out of five stars, as fans will surely be hoping that Sparks’ next novel will redeem his credibility as one of the greatest romance writers of all time.
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determined. The story begins in February 2011 with Ira Levinson, a ninety-one year old World War II veteran from North Carolina, who finds himself trapped alone in his car on the side of a mountain after an accident. As he clings for life awaiting rescue, Ira recounts the beautiful story of his life with his deceased wife, Ruth. Barely conscious at times, he imagines Ruth is in the car with him, urging him to stay alive just a little longer, no matter how desperate he may be to join her in death.
The story then goes back to months earlier when Sophia Danko, a senior at Wake Forest University, meets the handsomely stoic bull rider, Luke, after her sorority sisters urge her to attend a rodeo to help her cope with a bad breakup. Before long, Sophia and Luke find themselves falling in love with each other, despite the many obstacles life throws their way. Eventually, their story catches up to Ira’s, and the plot lines merge to show how each of these characters is experiencing their own “longest ride.”
Alternating between the three characters’ points of view, Sparks does a magnificent job connecting the different story lines. Though Ira’s point of view displays the least amount of dialogue, it is the one that is most likely to tug at the reader’s heartstrings, as it articulates the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows, of a decades old love that even death cannot destroy.
Despite this, the story seems to fall short of what has come to be expected out of Sparks’ usually well-crafted romance novels. The story of Luke and Sophia falling in love comes off as too predictable and artificial at times, making it hard for readers to truly believe in it and immerse themselves in the overall story. Furthermore, there are some parts of the novel that seem to drag on at a slow pace.
Overall, The Longest Ride is a typical romance novel; however, that is the main problem here. Sparks’ dedicated fans have come to expect magic from him in the form of eloquently written words about the beauty of love. This novel, though, does not provide this to its readers; it is just too average. Therefore, it only receives three out of five stars, as fans will surely be hoping that Sparks’ next novel will redeem his credibility as one of the greatest romance writers of all time.
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LibraryThing member JoeYee
Both stories are sweet. Didn't like Ira's story at first then it got better.
LibraryThing member Nebraska_Girl1971
I did enjoy this novel. It was a book that was hard to put down, but I have just enjoyed other books by Nicholas Sparks a lot more. Nothing wrong with this book, and it would be a great beach read, I just thought it was a little predictable for Sparks.
LibraryThing member sharlene_w
I always enjoy a Nicholas Sparks romance. Different spin from some of his others, combining two stories.
LibraryThing member Joann_Palmieri
** spoiler alert ** Captivated me from the beginning. Made me cry at some points. Its nice that the little boy that ruth had loved when he was a child was somehow brought back towards the end. Totally captivating. Its nice to have read a nicholas sparks book where the good guy did not die in end. A
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definite must read for any sparks fan. Very well written. would love to this as a movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member rabidmunkee
Wow. There are no words to describe how amazing this book was. Ira was a great man and loved his wife so much. I wasn't sure how Sophia and Luke's love story was going to intertwine with Ira and Ruth's, but it was a spectacular way to tie them all together. The ending was the best and I had a few
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tears in my eyes, but this story just warmed my heart. Show Less
LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
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
I had purchased the book on pre-order; however, was busy packing for an extended stay and drive to Highlands, NC and ironically Winston-Salem, NC (from West Palm Beach) which is a 12 hour drive, so decided to purchase the audio from audible.com for my long drive on iPod for next week. However, started listening to it yesterday while packing, and had to finish it tonight as could not put it down--(so will need another book for my trip next week)! (Ironically, listened to The Best of Me by Nicholas on audio for my last trip two years ago from NC to South Florida.)
I would highly recommend the audio as Ron McLarty (whom I love as is the narrator of David Baldacci’s books) and January LaVoy – made the book! They did an exceptional job with the performance of Ira/Ruth and Sophie/Luke.
Another huge plus – as a native of NC (Piedmont area) it was nice to hear Nicholas incorporating the Piedmont/Western Carolina mountain areas of NC versus the eastern coast as some of his other books. All the familiar places, I love (Winston-Salem, Old Salem, King, Grove Park Inn, Black Mountain, Asheville, Biltmore, Pinnacle, Clemmons, Yadkinville, 421, Pilot Mountain, Wake Forest, Fabien Restaurant, etc.) Kept waiting for Village Tavern Reynolda Road. In your next book would love a setting in Highlands or Cashiers, NC (so quaint and lots of hiking and waterfalls, Old Edwards Inn & Spa–quaint town and at the top of mountains you can see NC, SC, and GA in one view.
Note to Nicholas: I kept waiting for this in the book - For your movie would love for you to use the setting: Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast (361 New Pilot Knob Lane, Pinnacle, NC 27043) owned by Jennifer and Will Allen (located at the foot of the Pilot Knob Park right off the exit.) I have stayed there many times over the years when visiting my sons in Winston-Salem.--The adorable historic tobacco cabins are equipped with front porches and rockers, country breakfast-- would be an ideal setting for the cabin scenes for Sophie/Luke and the owner there also shows horses with barn and stalls. You can bring you own horse and rent a stall-- Water hay and fresh bedding are provided for horses. The trails of Pilot Mt. and Sauratown Mt. run through the property with miles and miles of trails. You can also go horseback riding nearby.
Back to the book – without giving away the ending – it was perfect. Great transition between the old (Ira/Ruth) and younger generation (Luke/Sophie) and a brilliant ending. Two couples who seem to have nothing in common; however, by the end –they have more in common than you think. You will smile and cry. Wow, I know NC has hot country guys as have seen my share of them--Cannot wait to see who will be cast in the movie. A must read – be sure and check out Nicholas’ new website!
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love with all the characters (especially Luke). I had purchased the book on pre-order; however, was busy packing for an extended stay and drive to Highlands, NC and ironically Winston-Salem, NC (from West Palm Beach) which is a 12 hour drive, so decided to purchase the audio from audible.com for my long drive on iPod for next week. However, started listening to it yesterday while packing, and had to finish it tonight as could not put it down--(so will need another book for my trip next week)! (Ironically, listened to The Best of Me by Nicholas on audio for my last trip two years ago from NC to South Florida.)
I would highly recommend the audio as Ron McLarty (whom I love as is the narrator of David Baldacci’s books) and January LaVoy – made the book! They did an exceptional job with the performance of Ira/Ruth and Sophie/Luke.
Another huge plus – as a native of NC (Piedmont area) it was nice to hear Nicholas incorporating the Piedmont/Western Carolina mountain areas of NC versus the eastern coast as some of his other books. All the familiar places, I love (Winston-Salem, Old Salem, King, Grove Park Inn, Black Mountain, Asheville, Biltmore, Pinnacle, Clemmons, Yadkinville, 421, Pilot Mountain, Wake Forest, Fabien Restaurant, etc.) Kept waiting for Village Tavern Reynolda Road. In your next book would love a setting in Highlands or Cashiers, NC (so quaint and lots of hiking and waterfalls, Old Edwards Inn & Spa–quaint town and at the top of mountains you can see NC, SC, and GA in one view.
Note to Nicholas: I kept waiting for this in the book - For your movie would love for you to use the setting: Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast (361 New Pilot Knob Lane, Pinnacle, NC 27043) owned by Jennifer and Will Allen (located at the foot of the Pilot Knob Park right off the exit.) I have stayed there many times over the years when visiting my sons in Winston-Salem.--The adorable historic tobacco cabins are equipped with front porches and rockers, country breakfast-- would be an ideal setting for the cabin scenes for Sophie/Luke and the owner there also shows horses with barn and stalls. You can bring you own horse and rent a stall-- Water hay and fresh bedding are provided for horses. The trails of Pilot Mt. and Sauratown Mt. run through the property with miles and miles of trails. You can also go horseback riding nearby.
Back to the book – without giving away the ending – it was perfect. Great transition between the old (Ira/Ruth) and younger generation (Luke/Sophie) and a brilliant ending. Two couples who seem to have nothing in common; however, by the end –they have more in common than you think. You will smile and cry. Wow, I know NC has hot country guys as have seen my share of them--Cannot wait to see who will be cast in the movie. A must read – be sure and check out Nicholas’ new website!
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LibraryThing member jkgrage
My reading tastes have changed over the year but I still love a Nicholas Sparks novel. If an author makes me care about what happens to the people in his book, he has done his job. This book is touching, as you follow two couples to their inevitable meeting.
LibraryThing member Mzkitty570
This book caught me by surprise!! I haven't read any of Mr. Sparks books before, but I have seen a couple of the movies based off of his books. I should have known then how this book would have turned out.
This book is the story of Ira and Ruth and Sophia and Luke. The first two have been married
The stories started out slow for me as I thought they were just two individual stories and I couldn't see where it was going, but I hung in there. It isn't until chapter 29 where get to see where everything connects. In chapter 33 I had to pull out a Kleenex to dab at my eyes (I was at work) and couldn't just start sniffling! As usual, things are resolved at the end.
This is a very beautiful story and I can't wait to read more of his books. Also, this book is being made into a movie and will be in theaters April, 2015!! Make sure to bring the Kleenex!!!
P.S. The cover of the book I have is different than what is shown. Mine has a picture of a cowboy on front and a bull towards the bottom. It also has "Walmart Inc. Exclusive Edition," hence the possible different cover.
This book is the story of Ira and Ruth and Sophia and Luke. The first two have been married
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for many years and the 2nd pair have just met. Ruth becomes a teacher and is very involved in art, Ira has no clue about the art world other than it makes his wife happy and he enjoys seeing her happy. Sophie is certain that her old boyfriend, Brian, is stalking her as he keeps turning up wherever she is, Luke just so happens to come to her rescue on one of those occasions. The stories started out slow for me as I thought they were just two individual stories and I couldn't see where it was going, but I hung in there. It isn't until chapter 29 where get to see where everything connects. In chapter 33 I had to pull out a Kleenex to dab at my eyes (I was at work) and couldn't just start sniffling! As usual, things are resolved at the end.
This is a very beautiful story and I can't wait to read more of his books. Also, this book is being made into a movie and will be in theaters April, 2015!! Make sure to bring the Kleenex!!!
P.S. The cover of the book I have is different than what is shown. Mine has a picture of a cowboy on front and a bull towards the bottom. It also has "Walmart Inc. Exclusive Edition," hence the possible different cover.
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LibraryThing member LorettaR
I just now finished the last wonderful page. What a beautiful, heartwarming story. I will say only 3 more words...”I understand Ira."
LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
I enjoyed this novel, for the most part, although it was fairly predictable, at least to some degree. I knew almost from the beginning who would be the main romantic pair. I enjoyed the stories that went back and forth, about Sophia and Luke and Ira and Ruth. I could not figure out, however, how
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the stories would come together. When they did, it was again fairly predictable, especially when I quickly recognized the source of the ending. Still, I got bored in parts of the book and skimmed through some pages. I also found the description of sorority life and college life in general very shallow. I was in one of those sororities, and it was nothing like Sparks portrays it. Also, I've never seen so little studying among a college population. I'm sure Wake Forest does not appreciate the idea that all its students do is drink and party! There was even a line in the book about the shallowness of college life with its endless parties and dramas. I would quote it if I could find it. Sparks is way off with that one! Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
In typical Nicholas Spark's style, this is a touching, feel-good romance focusing on two couples (Ira/Ruth and Luke/Sophia) from different generations. I enjoyed the art references throughout and, although predictable, I liked how the two stories merged together at the end. An enjoyable read.
LibraryThing member skye.knight
I might be the odd woman out here, but I really hated the way two stories were intertwined.
I feel as though each could have been it's own book and while both charming, I have never been a fan of books that flip flop between stories. Just as I was falling in love with Luke and Sophia it flipped to
Luke and Sophia's story is a modern day love story - my type. While Ira and Ruth was set in the past and is being told through Ira's memories. If these were separated, I would have given Luke and Sophia 4.5 out of 5 stars and Ira and Ruth 3 out of 5.
I feel as though each could have been it's own book and while both charming, I have never been a fan of books that flip flop between stories. Just as I was falling in love with Luke and Sophia it flipped to
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Ira and Ruth.Luke and Sophia's story is a modern day love story - my type. While Ira and Ruth was set in the past and is being told through Ira's memories. If these were separated, I would have given Luke and Sophia 4.5 out of 5 stars and Ira and Ruth 3 out of 5.
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LibraryThing member heritagebook
Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one 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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Book on CD narrated by Ron McLarty and January LaVoy
2.5**
Two love stories converge on a snowy mountainside. Ira Levinson, age 90 , recalls the love he and his wife, Ruth had over their courtship and marriage, from the Great Depression to the present. In current time, Sophia, a senior at Wake
Okay, I knew going in that this would be a romance, somewhat maudlin, and intended to produce tears. I basically got what I expected, though I didn’t shed any tears. I found the story line predictable, with plot twists that are intended to manipulate the reader’s emotions. I did like the central characters, though I found some of the dialogue and description painfully clichéd. That being said, however, Sparks does a good job of writing entertaining romance novels. And this is no exception. It was a fast, easy read.
Ron McLarty (voicing Ira & Ruth’s story), and January LaVoy (narrating Sophia & Luke’s) did a good job performing the audio version. They have good pacing and skill as voice artists, though I did wonder why another male narrator wasn’t chosen for those chapters told from Luke’s point of view. My pet peeve though is that the audio included a little musical interlude between tracks. Totally unnecessary, and I found that irritating.
2.5**
Two love stories converge on a snowy mountainside. Ira Levinson, age 90 , recalls the love he and his wife, Ruth had over their courtship and marriage, from the Great Depression to the present. In current time, Sophia, a senior at Wake
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Forest University studying art history, is getting over a broken heart when she meets local rancher and bull-rider, Luke Collins. Luke works his family’s ranch with his mother, and rides bulls on the circuit, hoping the prize money will help them stave off foreclosure.Okay, I knew going in that this would be a romance, somewhat maudlin, and intended to produce tears. I basically got what I expected, though I didn’t shed any tears. I found the story line predictable, with plot twists that are intended to manipulate the reader’s emotions. I did like the central characters, though I found some of the dialogue and description painfully clichéd. That being said, however, Sparks does a good job of writing entertaining romance novels. And this is no exception. It was a fast, easy read.
Ron McLarty (voicing Ira & Ruth’s story), and January LaVoy (narrating Sophia & Luke’s) did a good job performing the audio version. They have good pacing and skill as voice artists, though I did wonder why another male narrator wasn’t chosen for those chapters told from Luke’s point of view. My pet peeve though is that the audio included a little musical interlude between tracks. Totally unnecessary, and I found that irritating.
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Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Romance — 2014)
Colorado Blue Spruce Award (Nominee — 2017)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
416 p.; 5.25 inches
ISBN
145558472X / 9781455584727