Long Way Gone

By: Charles Martin

Narrated by: Adam Verner

USA TODAY bestseller | Christy Award Book of the Year

Cooper O'Connor thought he could make it big as a musician, but he promptly lost it all. Can he repair his relationship with the father who never stopped calling him home? A Prodigal Son retelling where Redeeming Love meets Walk the Line.

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 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.

With powerful themes of redemption and forgiveness, second chances, and the power of music, Long Way Gone is a story that sticks with readers long after the last page.

"Cooper and Daley's story will make you believe that even broken instruments have songs to offer when they're in the right hands. Charles Martin never fails to ask and answer the questions that linger deep within all of us. In this beautifully told story of a prodigal coming home, readers will find the broken and mended pieces of their own hearts." --Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

Critic reviews

'Martin (When Crickets Cry) crafts a playful, enticing tale of a modern prodigal son. Told as a memoir, the novel begins in the middle of Cooper O’Connor’s story as he struggles to get his life together on the streets and in the bars of Leadville, Colo. '

“Another stellar novel from Martin. His fabulous gift for characterization is evident on each page. Layers of the story are peeled back to show the spiritual truth underneath the gripping plot. Cooper is an intricate character with an amazing story to tell, and the supporting cast is just as important to provide additional depth and understanding. This novel should be on everyone’s must-purchase list.”

Worth every Star!

The book was beautifully written and beautifully performed. Everyone should read this book and your views will be changed forever.

Wonderfully written powerful story

Charles Martin has written a wonderful yet powerful story. He has so perfectly demonstrated the story in the Bible of the Prodigal son.

Adam Verner has done a really good job of narrating this book. He has a good pace and brings the necessary emotions for each scene.

I highly recommend this book.

A reminder that Hope is within reach

Martin weaves a compelling store of hope for healing and restoration, that both rings true to life and lifts us above our day to day experience. After reading this my wrung out and dried up heart is beginning to feel again.

Excellent +++

What a wonderful book. This book covers all family emotions: love, pain, suffering, joy, happiness, etc., all rolled into one story. You find yourself pulling for the main characters to find fulfillment in their lives separately and together. Mr. Martin is a fantastic author who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. He makes the characters simply walk off the page and sit down beside you as you read his books.

a must-read for young people

a beautiful story and very well done. Love the book. could not put it down