5 stars out of 5!
Charles Martin is a master at writing words that touch the soul. Long Way Gone is no exception and in fact, it is my favorite Charles Martin book to date. His books often are set around protagonists with big hearts and broken lives and their attempt to right the wrongs they have done to others. What makes this book truly unique and special is its prodigal son imagery that reminds us about unconditional love and the gift of free forgiveness. It's a great reminder that even if we feel we are a long way gone from grace and forgiveness that God is closer than we think. Cooper O'Connor and Daley Cross's intertwined story is a breathtaking read from its valleys of tragic heartbreak and its hills of redemptive renewal. As someone who loves to play guitar and sing, I appreciated all of the musical elements and learned more about the Nashville number system than I could have imagined. And of course, the best parts of a Charles Martin book are often the supporting cast of characters. I found Cooper's dad very likable and enjoyed his part in the story. And then there was quite possibly my favorite character of all time: Big-Big. Words cannot describe the amazing depth of how Charles Martin wrote this character. His scenes made an incredible book even better. And like with all Charles Martin books, be prepared for emotional moments that sneak up on you and stay with you long after the final page is read.
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