Tuesday, April 28, 2015

THE LONGEST RIDE by NICHOLAS SPARKS

Title: The Longest Rid
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (September 30, 2014)
Pages: 496

It is my custom to review a book upon completing it, even those I don’t feel obligated to do so. With THE LONGEST RIDE by NICHOLAS SPARKS, it crossed my mind not to bother with a review. MR SPARKS is one author that is not in need of a review, and mine will most likely get overlooked by most, if it is read at all.

However, upon completing THE LONGEST RIDE, I could not do anything less than write a review. I admit that the book started out slow – well, it continued to plug along at a slow pace for much longer then I would typically stick with a book. MR SPARKS also breaks a few writing rules, that as a writer myself, have a hard time getting through such situations.

Having read a few of MR SPARKS books, as well as seeing several of his movies, and the fact that the writing – despite the overload of telling and back-story – intrigued me enough to continue, and so I did. Perhaps, having seen the movie trailer and a love for cowboys had something to do with it as well. Whatever the reason, I am SO happy that I didn't give up. It may have taken over half the book for the pace to pick up, but it was SOOOOOOO worth it!

Ira Levinson is trapped and dying. Will he get out of this situation, and if so, will he survive?

Despite what Sophia Danko’s best friend believes, she is not on the rebound…or is she? Luke and Sophia are from two different worlds, yet she can’t help but wonder if it will matter in the long run.

Luke Collins has a secret, of sorts. One that could end the relationship with Sophia Danko, the girl who is quickly stealing his heart. Given the choice between Sophia and his lifelong passion, which will win out?

As I was deep into the story, it finally hit me. What I believe to be the connection between Sophia, Ira and Luke . One of the things that I really loved about THE LONGEST RIDE is the element of surprise. The ability to lead the reader down one path, believing they have it figured out/which direction the author is taking the plot, just to have it swept out from beneath your feet. Before you have a chance to get too discourage - bam! Wow, what a powerful and memorable ending! I could not have asked for more. I am so thankful I did not give up on this amazing story.

I am now confronted with the struggle of going to seeing the movie. I hate to tarnish this amazing book with what I know is bound to happen with the movie, so typically of NICHOLAS SPARKS books made into movies. There will be changes, and more likely than not, important/big changes. As desperate am I to see the movie, I don’t want the brilliance of the book to be altered. For that reason, and that reason only, I am holding off as long as I can to see it. 

THE LONGEST RIDE is now on my list of top favorite books I’ve read. Only time will tell if the movie will be one that I will purchase and watch endlessly.

UPDATED 4/29/2015:


UGH!!! Just got back from the movie The Longest Ride! I knew it was going to happen. Happens every time. But still I went. And still I am shocked. Why, oh why, does Nicholas Sparks make the movie SOOOO different than the book. And we are not talking about little things, but HUGS BIG things. But here is what I didn't expect. The direction I thought the book was going, and didn't...the movie did! How in the world did that happen? Seriously. How? With that said, I still liked the movie. How could I not? There was a cowboy in it. Perhaps one of these days, Nicholas Sparks will shock us all, and actually stick to the book. I would love an opportunity to sit down and talk to the man to see why he does that.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

ENOUGH: DISCOVERING JOY THROUGH SIMPLICITY AND GENEROSITY by ADAM HAMILTON



Title: Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity
Author: Adam Hamilton
Publisher: Abingdon Press (February 1, 2009)
Pages: 110

Don’t let the size fool you. ENOUGH: DISCOVERING JOY THROUGH SIMPLICITY AND GENEROSITY may be small in size and page numbers, but the content is huge. This is the second book I’ve read by ADAM HAMILTON, the first being Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go. I was so taken by it; I used it for a “Bible” lesson for the youth at a correctional center.

ENOUGH: DISCOVERING JOY THROUGH SIMPLICITY AND GENEROSITY is a much needed topic. I often think of years ago, back in the days when the world wasn't so materialistic. What a shame it is we have grown to work our life away for the sake of accumulating stuff, and trying to do it all. Stuff we can’t take with us, and a life so packed with activities we are often stressed out and in debt.

It’s crazy how advance technology has come, how much there is out there for us to experience. How many new products are being produced. How much waste we create. We are such a throwaway society. When something new comes out, we just have to have it. Not long after, in a new color, shape or size. We just have to have it even though the other one is still in working condition.

MR HAMILTON speaks of a four part strategy that will free up our life both financially and emotionally. The first step is to recognize there is a problem. The second it to have a clear plan of action to resolve it. The third is to live it out. Once we accomplish these things, we are free to give as God intended us to do. If you have not known the joy of giving, I pray that one day you will.

Don’t miss out on this great little book so you can begin to live a less stressful and debt free life.