USA TODAY bestseller from the author of The Mountain Between Us, now a major motion picture! “No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.” At the age of eighteen, musician and songwriter Cooper O’Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a … riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.
Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns home to the remote Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.
When Daley shows up on his street corner twenty years later, he wonders if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past–and if he is ready to face it himself.
A radical retelling of the prodigal son story, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home.
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What a wonderful story of a prodigal son. It resonated in my heart the way Cooper’s music resonated whenever he played. Emotional and uplifting, this book shouldn’t be missed.
Charles Martin gives the reader an insider’s look at the music industry and the life of musicians while also exploring the complexities of the father/son relationship. This is a deep, emotional ride through the perspective of a man discovering his identity and how to use his talent. He struggles with faith in his father, faith in himself, and faith in life and all of his struggle rings true.
I didn’t know what to think for most of the book, but I loved the ride! The themes are gracefully woven into a poignant story with memorable characters. The writing, the prose itself, is exquisite.
A modern day retelling of the prodigal son story through the eyes of the Nashville music scene. OUTSTANDING!
Deep and rich. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. A lot of great Christian undertones and lessons.
Probably one of the best books that I have ever read. Characters reach out to your heart. I had enjoyed several of Charles Martin’s books and think highly of them, but this is the best so far. Words cannot express how wonderful this book is!
This is a pretty good retelling of The Prodigal Son, with some contemporary flourishes that enhance the story. As usual, his writing is poetic and his research impeccable.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Charles Martin. I will be reading all of his! I didn’t want to read ahead the brief “jacket” information about the book ahead of time because I just wanted to be surprised. I couldn’t put it down. I read until 3a.m. and finished this afternoon. Nothing got done today in my house but I was transported by the words I read. The author described the gift of music in words that brought everything to life. The characters were ones that touched by heart…that I would have loved to know. They made mistakes but gained wisdom. This is a definite buy book so I can read again and pass on to others.
I’ve enjoyed so very much every book I’ve read by Charles Martin
My favorite author of all time!
One of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors!
This is my favorite of Martin’s novels (so far). I haven’t read some of his earlier titles, but I always compare his other books to this one. Stories about the long-lasting love of a father always get me in the feels 🙂
I really enjoyed this book. Charles Martin provides wonderful details in his book and after reading them I feel just a little bit smarter. This book had a wonderful story line and a wonderful reminder that no matter what, we are never too far gone from forgiveness and renewing relationships. I find some of the analogies Mr. Martin uses in his books makes me ponder for a long time after the book is completed.
Love this book!!
Another great book by Charles Martin. Couldn’t put it down !
I love Martin’s use of language and that he tells such compelling stories about people you care about.
I fell in love with Charles Martin’s writing style in the first paragraph. More so with each paragraph after that. Then I fell in love with the story and the characters and absolutely could not put the book down. I’m well on my way to owning all of Charles Martin’s books, and I’m excited about getting them all autographed at this year’s Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference!
Well Charles Martin is one of my favs since I discovered him last year.When Crickets Cry was my first one and I have read all he has written since. Great stories with Faith based threads running thru his books
You will love his writing so get to reading and enjoy!!
One of my favorite by this author! Inspirational!
Any book by Charles Martin is outstanding!