Long Way Gone

I admit I didn't connect to the Biblical sermon/talk at the end. Too many questions I've had unanswered were in there. The story, however, THAT was something that helped me remember what I knew I knew but couldn't get to, or some things I forgot. The music mentioned had me looking up and listening to you tube versions of the songs by various artists. I felt good reading the story. There were times I groaned and wrote in my Kindle "why do they do this in stories?" Then this author would actually explain why and I had to write "mea culpa". It got too dramatic at times, visions of Hollywood stunt men and Lifetime Movies tears...then the story showed need for such theatrics & redeemed itself--felt real again. This author and his storytelling depicted people as being good, loving, and flawed. I loved the subtle spirituality. I do have a teensy disappointment that the leading lady's behavior was not explained. Well, it was explained by the leading man's pov, but not hers. She didn't even apologize for it. I admit to passing over this author's books in the past because he was touted as a Biblical Christian writer. I support the beliefs of others, and I've had disappointments with any kind of overarching views of any belief system in books, movies. This writing is a pleasant exception. After the story and before the book club questions, the author offers his take, and his joy, on the Bible story that inspires this version of it. I looked at the words but can't say I read them cause it lost me. I read through hoping for answers but didn't see them. No matter. The author is sincere, his feeling of the story is sincere, and it shines through in his writing. I only hope the next book of his that I read is close to as good as this one! I have found a new favorite author!

This is an amazing story about love and redemption, failure and forgiveness, and above all, hope. Charles Martian is a gifted author who beautifully paints a picture of the prodigal son and a father’s unconditional love. This story was encouraging and uplifting and gives us a glimpse of how God views each of His children.

Charles Martin is an excellent story teller. It is easy to get caught up in the lives of his characters. Though I knew from other reviews that this book was a retelling of the parable of the prodigal son, Mr. Martin made it come alive in a new way to the modern day reader. I thoroughly enjoyed and would certainly recommend!

I do not have an expertise in guitars. However, the author clearly does, and he uses that as an integral element and telling his story.More importantly, the author tells the story of Hell music becomes poetry that touches the soul.This is a great story. it ranges from the literal to the supernatural, and everything in between. Everyone who has a soul should read this book.

This story has great history of the healing of music through are spiritual lives. Very emotional and easy to read. Truthful and heartfelt!

Another great book by Charles Martin. Thank you sir.I don't have anything more to say, but I am typing to complete the number of words required for submission. Oops, I went over.

A few days ago I posted on FB that Long Way Gone by Charles Martin was one of the best books I have ever read. Quite an assertion, I agree. But this part coming-of-age, part love story, part parable, conveys beautiful truths while immersing its reader fully into the story. Martin is an excellent story-teller and has proven it over and over again. But I think Long Way Gone goes one step further. Maybe it is the subject matter or maybe it is the characters that immediately capture your heart. Or maybe it is the underlying truths of God’s love and care for His children. Whatever the element, the magic is there.Cooper is a musical prodigy who soon becomes the draw for his father’s tent revivals. Hundreds of people come from far and wide to hear his song. But he soon comes to believe that he is indeed something special and rejects his father’s way of life — striking out to find his own way, a way that shuns not only his father but God.Long Way Gone is a retelling of the Prodigal Son. This is an emotional story filled with song that shows the depths of God’s love. Martin expertly describes just how far a person can fall and just how deep a father’s love can be. Characters are complex and real. The first person account from Cooper holds nothing back as he journeys from cocky kid to a wiser, yet resigned adult. The supernatural becomes natural as well under Martin’s deft hand. The ending will surprise and delight and cause not a few tears. I have been recommending this novel to all because while on the surface it is a great story, it also conveys the truth of God’s love and care even while letting us suffer the consequences of our own actions. Be sure to read the Afterword — insights into Coop’s story as well as the beliefs of the author are revealed. There were a lot of things that hit home with me as I was reading Long Way Gone. One thing that resonated over and over was that we are made to worship, and we need to be very careful what we choose as the object of our worship.For those who love music, for those who love great characters, for those who want to be touched and challenged, for those who have a prodigal in their life, Long Way Gone is a must read.Very Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.To purchase, click HERE.

This is the second book Ive read by Charles Martin, The first being "Chasing Fireflies" which I loved. The author gets bogged down in unnecessary details just at the midway point of the book and I found myself skimming through it hoping it would get better, which it did but I almost decided to shelve it due to this. I did however love the characters and thought the main ones were well developed.Worth the read if you can get past the one section I found to be worthless to the story.

This is the third book I read by this Author and it didn’t disappoint. The story is very well written.

My favourite Author.This one did not disappoint.Short but still an undeniable pleasure to read.He is taking me daily through 40 DaysIT IS FINISHEDA personal journey he chose to share with those who have this incredible book.Read each day slowly.

Charles Martin is my favourite author. He draws you in to the lives of his book characters until they almost feel like family. Here he gives us characters who love music, and how music moves us closer to God. He captures well, the joy that music brings to the heart. He also retells the Prodigal Son story, again illustrating that God and family are always waiting for the prodigal to return. No strings attached.

I really enjoyed this book. It is evident that the author does a lot of research into his characters. In one book his main character is a heart transplant doctor. In this one he's a professional musician and song writer. I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this since I read the last one of his. This is a parody of the prodigal son in modern terms.

It was such a beautiful piece of writing. I could not put it down once I started to read. Thanks