One Sentence Summary
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks is a romantic story about two couples from different eras: one in the future and one in the past, whose lives intertwine and share a connection.
Book Genre
The Longest Ride is a romantic fiction novel by Nicholas Sparks.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of the book is the connection between two couples, one in the present and one in the past, and how their stories intertwine.
Key Ideas
- Love – in both its power and struggle
- Commitment – to relationships and dreams
- Family – how it influences and shapes people
- Fate – how it connects people from different paths
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
The Longest Ride is divided into three distinct parts:
- Part One: Sophia – Sophia Danko is a beautiful art student in North Carolina preparing for a career in New York. She is caught in the heavy rain while driving home one day, only to be saved by a young bull rider, Luke Collins, who rescues her. From there, a strong connection is formed between the two.
- Part Two: Ira – Ira Levinson is an elderly man who finds himself trapped in his crashed car. It soon becomes clear that Ira’s life is closely entwined with the young couple from North Carolina, as he has a moving story of his own to share.
- Part Three: The Longest Ride – In this closing chapter of the book, the full connection between Sophia, Luke, and Ira is made clear. It’s an incredible climax filled with emotion that will stay with readers for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Love is a powerful force that can connect two people in different eras and from different paths.
- Commitment and dedication to relationships and dreams can be a positive force in life.
- Family can shape people, and the decisions made by one generation can influence the lives of those in future generations.
- Fate can show us how two people from different times and places can be connected.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Nicholas Sparks is an American novelist, screenwriter, and philanthropist. Sparks has written over twenty-two novels, many of which have been turned into feature films with great success. He has sold over 105 million copies of his books worldwide and is most known for writing timeless love stories. Sparks was formerly a real estate agent and holds PhD in Entrepreneurial Management from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Target Audience
The Longest Ride is an emotional romance novel geared towards readers who love stories about human connection, fate, and love. It is a good book for readers looking for a strong emotional and romantic connection that will stay with them for years.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Longest Ride was first published in 2013 by Grand Central Publishing.