The Longest Ride

I do not even know where to start. This was one of the best romance book I have ever, ever read. It is definitely one of my new all-time favorite Nicholas Sparks books. I was drawn into the book as soon as I started it, though at first it was hard to understand why we were being told two love stories, but I was captivated and wanted to keep reading, but afraid it would end. I think the reason I loved it so much was because it was in the end, just two love stories, two simple and amazing love stories, and the journey each couple took to find what they wanted and needed in the person they loved. Simple and complicated. It was refreshing.

First, there is Ira and Ruth. A love so strong and lasting, told from the past, by the two who lived it. It was not perfect, but it was perfect for them. You understood their love, their passion, their heartache and the life they built together. My heart broke a little as I kept reading and learned of Ira's love, his heartache (not a spoiler, as its in the blurb) of losing Ruth and how she pulled him through. Their love story was absolutely amazing to hear and you just fell in love with them. And though it was crazy, I could understand why he did what he did.

Second you have Luke and Sophia. A new love we see grow as they get to know each other and understand what matters to each of them. Both of them find themselves in a crossroads in their lives, each needing to make a decision on how to live their future. Luke struggling with decisions that would affect him irrevocably, but somehow he needs to right things. Then he meets Sophia and suddenly there is more at stake. Sophia finds herself in her last year in college, recovering from a break-up and trying to decide what she wants and needs for future. Then she meets Luke. Their love story is sweet, as they get to know each other and realize the choices and sacrifices that would need to be made if they are to have a future. And I can understand why he does what he does that changes his life forever. He understood what it meant to Ira.

Two couples, so different and separated from each other, but somehow they have a profound effect on each other. I would definitely recommend this book. You will love the characters. You will cheer for them, you will cry for them, your heart will break a little for them and then you will smile for them. And in the end, what more can you ask of an author. Nicholas Sparks, you have done it again.

Happy reading!

I am a Huge-and I Mean Huge Fan of Nicholas Sparks. His Books Blow Me Away and Takes My Heart with each one of His books. I Have Read & kept every book He has written & even seen every single Movie that has come from His Books!!! "The Longest Ride", His Latest & Long Awaited Book is NO Exception to how AWSOME His Talent is. He has once again stolen My Heart with this book. (I Can't Wait fot The Movie Adaption to come out)!!!! This Book Literally Blew Me Away. I Don't Like to Spoil any of the Story & Plots, bc I believe everyone should have there own option in what TheyRead & some ppl don't always Read Carefully Enough to Understand what is being told In The Story. If You Read This Story with an open Mind & Your Ability to Understand what He's trying to convey in This Book, You to will Fall Inlove with Both Set of Characters & Plots. The Couples May be Several Years Apart & Grew-up & Lived in Different Generations, but having Read This Book already over 2 times bc I Couldn't Get Enough, You yourself will see how Those 2 different Couples have more in common than you'd think. There feelings, values, ideas, & most importantly there Love-for There Soulmates, are so similar to one another & is so sweet & romantic you just CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF EACH OF THERE STORIES. One Thing I Will Definitely Say to You is Make Sure You Have Plenty of Tissues with You while Reading This Book-Starting from the Beginning. Ira, the 91 yr old Man-just breaks your Heart for Him & especially whens He's remembering His Life over the years with the Love of His Life. I Couldn't stop crying, while I was reading & stared the water works, My Husband looked at Me & asked Me what was wrong & was worried something was really wrong with Me. I just had to tell Him one thing & He understood bc I usually get like that over the years since I started reading All N. Sparks books. I just told My Hubby-I'm reading the New Nicolas Sparks book & He totally understood. He-knows how I am when reading or waching His Movies. My Hubby is'nt one for the romance stuff, but He Will Set Through A Movie with Me. He says He Loves Me Enough to endure a few hrs of a Movie that's important to Me. He may not totally admit it, but There are a couple of Movies He actually likes, but wont say, bc He thinks He wouldnt be masculine enough if admitted it. To Me it makes Him the perfect Hubby-passionate, kind, & Loving. He wouldn't let it show but when He watched "A Walk to Remember", He was almost in Tears. I thought it was so sweet & shows He has a loving heart. But when this book comes out as a movie, I don't know if there will be 1 dry eye in the Theater when this Movie comes out!!! Its impossible if you have a heart. Just like the Characters in this book. Other than Ira & His wife Ruth, you have 2 younger characters that you'll fall Inlove with just as much. Lie I said, the 2 seperate couples are so alike with the way they act, feel, see things, & Love most of All. They share that same feeling even though they are so far apart in age & a big generation gap. So, the major part is LOVE IS LOVE NO MATTER THE AGE, GENERATION GAP, OR WHERE YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS TAKING YOU!!!! Some comments I read, was a lil upsetting to Me bc it just felt like they didn't get what N.Sparks was trying to convey. Its really sad, bc I understood everything He was saying for these couples. Love is sometimes hard to find, but once you do, its an Amazing Journey & No matter what lies ahead its worth every step you took to get there. One you want to hold on with both arms, legs, & heart. You may even get to ride a horse along the way to your happy ending. Like Sparks says, The Longest Ride-Is This Thing Called Life... Amen to that, I Couldn't Agree More... There are ups & downs in life, but with Your Soulmate you can overcome almost anything in this life. I believe that this book is trying to tell you that & make you think about the importance of Love & Life. Open Your Heart & let it in. You'll be a much happier & Loving Person if You Do. I have it, & Love every minute of Our lifes together-even the ups & downs, without them you don't know what Love is really about & how it makes you stronger as a couple, just like His 2 sets of Characters in this book. Money may help buy you things you need or want, but Love-has No price, its priceless & needs to be cherished with All Your Soul & Heart. Ira, the older man in this book trys to explain that, if you actually read carefully through your tears. I wouldn't know what to do with My Life if something were to happen to My Hubby before Me. We started out very young, I went from living at Home with My Mom, to straight getting Married & living with My Hubby (@ age 16).. We knew eachother since I was 12, He was 13, frienship 1st-so get heads out of the gutter, yes We still were young when We got Married, but We already knew We were meant to be... 24yrs of marriage, 3 kids, & 4.5 grandbabies later & We are still HAPPILY MARRIED. OUR 3 KIDS ARE ALL ADULTS NOW-THE YOUNGEST IS 21 IN JANUARY. MY LIFE FEELS COMPLETE WITH WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET WHERE WE ARE NOW, LIKE I SAID-UPS & DOWNS, BUT THERE'S SO WORTH THE JOURNEY TO GET TO YOUR HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER. I JUST HOPE TO GOD, MY CHILDREN KEEP THE HAPPINESS THEY HAVE FOUND FOR THEMSELVES, LIKE THERE PARENTS. WHEN I SEE THEM & LOOK IN THERE BEAUTIFUL EYES-I CAN SEE THERE LOVE, & THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY THEY FOUND THERE SOULMATES & HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER!!!! I THINK THAT'S WHY I FEEL LIKE I CAN SO RELATE TO THESE COUPLES. THE YOUNGER ONES BC OF MY BEGINNING WITH MY HUBBY, & THE OLDER COUPLE-EVEN THOUGH I'M NOWHERE NEAR THAT AGE, BUT I FELT LIKE IVE LIVED A LONGER TIME BC OF HOW OLD I WAS WHEN I STARTED, BUT TRUE LOVE DOES & WILL CONCOUR ALL.. I KNOW BC IVE HAD IT FOR 26YRS NOW & ITS AN AMAZING THING TO HAVE. I HOPE EACH ONE OF YOU EITHER HAVE IT OR FIND IT SOON!!!! READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T YET. YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF NOT ONLY IN TEARS, BUT WANTING THAT FEELING OF THE MAGIC NICOLAS SPARKS BRINGS TO HIS READERS IN EVERY BOOK HE WRITES. YES BTW, THERE IS A SUPPOSE GHOST IN THIS BOOK, LIKE THERE WAS IN "SAFE HAVEN" & "THE BEST OF ME", BUT THIS ONES A BIT DIFFERENT. I REALLY DON'T LIKE TO GIVE SPOILERS BEFORE YOU READ, BUT I HAD ALSO READ A NEGATIVE COMMENT ABOUT HIM WRITING ABOUT GHOSTS NOW & THAT PERSON WASN'T TO HAPPY ABOUT IT, BUT IT WAS MORE OF IRA'S IMAGINATION OF HIS WIFE KEEPING HIM ALERT & ALIVE TIL HELP CAME, THAN A REAL GHOST. HE EVEN SAYS ITS IN HIS MIND IN THE BOOK. HE IS THOUGH WHEN THE TEARS START TO FALL & NEVER STOP TIL ALMOST THE VERY END, BUT ITS JUST THE SWEETEST THINGS HE SAYS ABOUT HIS WIFE & THERE LIVES TOGETHER THAT HE ABSOLUTELY WOULDN'T CHANGE FOR ANYTHING. THE MEMORIES IN THE BOOK HE SHARES IS SO WONDERFULLY HEARTBREAKING & HEARTWARMING THAT WILL GET YOU!!! I DARE YOU NOT TO CRY, ITS IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS YOU HAVE A COLD HEART!!! LUKE & SOFIA THE YOUNGER COUPLE HELPS RELEAVE THE TEARS FOR A BIT. NOT TO SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THERE EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS ALSO. I THING ABOUT THEM ALL BEING AGES APART & A BIG GENERATION GAP, THEY ALMOST HAVE THE SAME ISSUES & SAME IDEA ABOUT LIFE AS THE OLDER COUPLE. THEY ALSO END UP COMING FACE TO FACE WITH IRA, & THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOW THAT IS HEARTBREAKING, & CHANGES THE LIVES OF THE YOUNGER COUPLE FOREVER, A SPECIAL BOND HAD BEEN CREATED & FOREVER ETCHED IN THERE MINDS FOREVER IN A SAD BUT GOOD WAY... READ & YOU'LL UNDERSTAND MY ENDLESS RAMBLING ABOUT THIS BOOK, THESE CHARACTERS, & MY OWN LIL BRIEF STORY-I FELT COMPELLED TO SHARE, BC THIS BOOK IS THAT DAMN (SORRY) GOOD & WILL FOREVER STAY WITH YOU IN YOUR HEART, MIND, & SOUL!!!!!!! GO READ NOW, 1 MORE THING, IF I COULD-I'D GIVE MORE THAN 5 STARS, IT DESERVES SOOOO MUCH MORE. NOW READ YOUR NEW BOOK OR GO GET ONE, ITS SO WORTH THE COST & MORE.... YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED ONE BIT-WELL MAYBE A BIT LIKE ME BC IT ENED & ALSO I WISH THE ENDING HAD A BIT MORE TO IT, MORE OF A FINALITY THAT YOU WANTED, I NO I DID, BUT IT WAS STILL SATISFYING!!!! CHERIE S.- LOVES ROMANCE & A HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER!!! ;-) GO FIND YOURS..

This is the second book I read from this author. My little sister introduced me to his novels by giving me “The Guardian” to read about 3 years ago. I was not that impressed but I kept watching his movies though. I’ve always been a little hesitant to keep up with his novels since my sister has always told me that death always roamed somehow in the story and is always part of his novels. That’s one of his distinguished mark. Since then, I’ve unconsciously have stepped back on his new releases. However, when I saw the title of this new book and the design of the cover, I instantly decided I had to give this book a try. I didn’t know at first, what had attracted my attention and what gave me this instant determination to read it. Now that I have read it, all I can tell you is that this beautiful and authentic novel is a must read! it’s so powerful, warm, it does reach to your heart anxiously and you become so attached to the characters. It does have this impact force and I know with certainty that I will be reading this novel again. It is tough, I cried many times but it’s so worth it. It made me wonder if that kind of love really exist and I found telling myself that I wouldn’t have mind a strong love and a marriage like that. Also, one of Nicholas Sparks’s talents is his ability to provide you with this real, ordinary life situations with a sense of beauty, even magical in a way that makes it easy to identify yourself with the story. Tragedy is presented with a sense of hope and meaning, especially in the case of Ira. As I am sure you have read the plot, it’s the story of 2 couples ( Ira and Ruth, Luke and Sophia) at different stages of their lives, one ending and one beginning that is simultaneously described individually. Later on, their stories become merged unexpectedly. The novel is not predictable. Even though I was a little paranoid with Luke’s outcome, all I can tell you is that he made it. Ira’s legacy and unending love to his wife becomes a blessing and a life message to Luke.

There is a recurrent message all along the novel that reflects the title:

“we shared the longest ride together, this thing called life, and mine has been filled with joy because of you.” Sparks, Nicholas (2013-09-17). The Longest Ride (p. 78). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.

The title not only reflects one of the major message of the book but is intrinsically linked to Luke’s lifestyle (riding bulls career).

Luke’s fate reminded me at times of “Me Before You” novel by Jojo Moyes and “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz. His inability to escape his destiny.

Ira’s attachment to his paintings as the last vestige of his wife’s love, reminded me of “The Girl You Left Behind” novel by Jojo Moyes. How art becomes part of us and becomes this sort of testament that gives meaning to our life and gives us strength to carry on.

Favorite quote: “Art is a lie that makes us realize truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand,”

Sparks, Nicholas (2013-09-17). The Longest Ride (p. 377). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.

I have read every book by Nicholas Sparks. He was my first romance author I ever read and had me hooked! His books are instant buys for me. This book was absolutely beautiful. I loved that we get two love stories out of this book. The first couple we get to know are Ira and Ruth. I loved going on the journey with them. Then we get to know Sofia and Luke. As these storylines progress, we get to know these two couples and all the while ponder how Sparks will merge their lives. These characters are well written which makes this book feel like you are right there with them. I had such a great time reading this heartfelt books and can't wait to read his next book. I HIGHLY recommend this book along with all of his other books.

Senior art history major Sophia Danko doesn't have high expectations when she joins a few of her sorority sisters to attend a bull-riding event and barn dance; the main thing she's looking for is distraction after a painful breakup, and when her ex shows up at the dance, already a little drunk and looking for her, even that seems to be out of reach - until a handsome bull rider comes to her aid. Sophia spends the rest of the evening talking with Luke, and accepts his invitation to come over to his ranch the next day to ride horses. Within a few weeks, the relationship shows signs of getting serious, but before they can plan a future together, Luke and Sophia have to navigate the reality of their very different backgrounds and ambitions - and Luke's been keeping a secret that just might ruin everything.

Ninety-year-old Ira Levinson should know better than to drive at night in bad weather, especially after he's started to suspect he's lost his way, but the personal importance of his errand overrides his judgment. When his car goes off the road on a mountain highway and plunges down a steep slope, leaving him severely injured, Ira doesn't have much hope of survival. It's the memory of his beloved wife, Ruth, whose loss he still mourns after nearly a decade, that keeps him clinging to life. As night becomes day and the snow continues to fall, Ira loses himself in memories of a romance that was still going strong after sixty years.

Ira and Ruth, Luke and Sophia. Two very different couples, one at the end of "this longest of rides, this thing called life," the other just beginning. In "The Longest Ride," Nicholas Sparks treats readers to two satisfying love stories. Throughout most of the novel, he alternates a chapter of Ira's story with a couple of chapters about Luke and Sophia. It's not until seven-eighths of the way through the novel that the two stories connect, but when they do, several lives will be forever changed.

Nicholas Sparks is at his best when celebrating the deep and time-proven love between couples who have been together for decades, 'til death do them part. "The Notebook" is a strictly ordinary romance, made unforgettable by a frame story featuring the lovers grown old together. I enjoyed "The Best of Me," but the five pages about Tuck and Clara were the only part that moved me to tears. Even "A Walk to Remember" fits the pattern, in a strange way. "The Longest Ride" is no exception to the rule; I liked Luke and Sophia and very much wanted a happy ending for them, but it was Ira's chapters that I found most memorable and moving. If more of the novel had focused on Ira and Ruth, this would have been a five-star read, easily.

Readers well-versed in inspirational copypasta may well guess rather early on what's going to happen in the end, as Sparks has borrowed a major plot element from a certain bit of Christian folklore that's been passed around for decades. Some have called it plagiarism, but I thought it was a nice touch, especially since he's acknowledged it in the Author's Note at the end of the paperback edition. And yes, I was familiar with the original tale and I knew what was going to happen, but that didn't ruin the story for me; I was happy just to sit back and see how exactly it would unfold.

"The Longest Ride" isn't perfect, or even Sparks's best. The final draft really could have used a bit more polishing to eliminate some of the clunky or repetitive passages. Sparks's treatment of Greek life deals largely in stereotypes; Sophia is apparently the only sister in Chi Omega who isn't a shallow, promiscuous gossip. Perhaps there's a bit of truth in the stereotypes Sparks reinforces here, but do we really need to hear about "the fact that the plumbing had to be replaced because too many girls were bulimic, which corroded the pipes"? Bulimia nervosa is a serious illness, not a lifestyle choice for the rich and foolish, and at any rate, Sparks is dipping into folklore again here whether he knows it or not: there have been plenty of rumors, but never a documented case in which the plumbing in an entire women's dormitory had to be replaced because of bulimia among the residents.

In spite of occasional lapses of diction or characterization, however, I enjoyed "The Longest Ride." It's the perfect book to pick up when you're sad, sick, or stressed and in need of a sweet, simple, undemanding story to take your mind off your troubles. Sparks has created likable characters who inhabit a world it's easy to lose yourself in. You'll be glad you came along for the ride.

I preferred the movie to the book. The screenplay was well written, except for the end. The meetings with Sophia and Ira in the movie were quite poignant, as well as the brief encounter in the hospital corridor with Luke.

Did not understand the segue to the end where Sophia is the docent at the Ira & Ruth Levinson Museum and Luke has the ranch. Also there was nothing in the movie about the upcoming foreclosure on the ranch as Luke's motivation. Realize the movie went over 2 hours, but a little time could have been expended how the estate was settled. And no mention of Luke proposing to Sophia, another serious omission in the movie.

To repeat, I prefer the movie to the book, but the gaps in the movie plot compelled me to buy the book. So, the book author and publishers, as well as the movie producers and screen writers, all win!

I seldom have time to read fiction. This was worth the read.

Please read the following story and see if it doesn't sound exactly like the ending of Spark's story...

There once was a well-known and very successful art collector, who had a knack for finding undiscovered artists. He loved what he did, and his vast fortune enabled him to travel all over the world looking for fine pieces of art. He had a son, who was the joy of his life. Not only was the object of his love, but all the love of his deceased wife dwelled in him as well. So it was a special joy to him that his son shared his passion, and that the boy became even better than he at finding good pieces of art.

But the world is a dangerous place, and war broke out. The son, wishing to do his duty, one day came to the father and told him that he had to go off and defend his country. The old man was afraid, but gave him his blessing and, after a tearful goodbye, the young man left.

The old man’s worst fears were soon realized. A message came from the front – his son had been killed in action, while trying to save the life of a fallen comrade. The old man was crushed. Even all of the beautiful artwork that they had collected together could not bring him joy, but only reminded him of the son that he had lost.

Then, on Christmas Eve, there was a knock on the door. A young man stood there in army uniform, with a package under his arm. He introduced himself and asked if he could have a moment of the old man’s time. The old man invited him in, noticing that he walked with a limp. The young man pointed at his leg – I got this during the war," he said. "I was the man that your son saved, at the cost of his own life." Then he related other acts of heroism and sacrifice that the young man had made. Finally, he pulled out the package and unwrapped it. Your son used to tell me about how the two of you went all over the world collecting works of art. I’m just an amateur, but I’d like to give you this painting I did." The old man looked at it – it was a painting of his son. Not very good as art, but certainly recognizable. And it seemed somehow to capture him. And obviously was a work of love. He thanked the young man and promised him that it would have a place of honor in his home.

He kept his word. He placed it in his living room, right above the fireplace, where he could see it always. And the more he studied it, the more he loved it. Sometimes he would even talk to it, as if he was talking to his own son.

The old man died. Having no relatives, the wonderful collection of art was to be auctioned off – on Christmas Eve. Dealers from around the world came to bid on his fine collection. The hall was packed. Anticipation was high. The auctioneer entered, and brought his gavel down. "The auction is open. Bring in the first piece." It was brought in and unveiled. It was the picture of the son. There was a moment of silence. Then some laughter. "What? What is this? This is nothing! Where is the collection?" The auctioneer explained: "According to the stipulations of the will, this piece must be the first piece to be auctioned off." There was nervous silence in the hall. No one would bid on it.

Finally a man stood up in the back of the room. "Excuse me," he said. "I really didn’t come here to bid. I was a friend of the old man and the boy, and I know how much that painting meant to him. I only have ten dollars, but if that’s o.k., I’d like to have that painting.

"Ten dollars!" the auctioneer said. "Going once! Going twice! Sold!"

Then he brought his gavel down again. "The auction is over!" "What? What do you mean, ‘it’s over’? What about the rest of the collection? What about the rest of the estate?" the dealers cried out with one voice.

The auctioneer looked the crowd over. "There was one more stipulation in the will. It says, ‘whoever gets the son, gets it all.’"

"Whoever gets the Son, gets it all." I would like to share with you that that is the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world, that He sent His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life." This tiny infant, now cooing in the cradle, holds in His hands all of eternity. In Him rests the fate of every man and woman, of every nation. In love, God sent Him to us, allowed Him to be crucified, to die for us. But that was not the end. He also lives for us - He lives in us - in our hearts, in the faces of every person we meet this holiday season.

Only faith sees that. Only faith can recognize that. And that, too, is the gift this child gives us. In Him, we see God's presence in every person. In Him, we find hope for this worn and bedraggled world. In Him, we come to know the loving face and hands of our Father. All in this little child. He is our peace, our hope our joy. "Whoever has the Son, has it all."

May you hold this babe, the child of Bethlehem, in your heart; may He give you eyes to see Him everywhere around you; and may He be your peace, your hope, your joy this holiday season. Amen.

Needless to say- I told my wife this is how the book was going to end and I was right... Because I had read it and told it before...