Owensboro Mentioned in Nicholas Sparks’ New Novel “The Longest Ride”

While his characters don't refer to my hometown too fondly, Nicholas Sparks seems to at least KNOW about Owensboro, Kentucky.  In fact, the best-selling author includes us in his latest novel, The Longest Ride.  Check out the excerpt!  Owensboro gets four shout-outs in the book.

“But I thought you were going to be a newscaster,” Brittany said. “Last week, you were telling us about your job offer.” Mary-Kate tossed her head. “It’s not going to work out.” “Why not?” “It was for the morning news. In Owensboro, Kentucky.” “So?” asked one of the younger sorority sisters, clearly puzzled. “Hello? Owensboro? Have you ever heard of Owensboro?” “No.” The girls exchanged timid glances. “That’s my point,” Mary-Kate announced. “I’m not moving to Owensboro, Kentucky. It’s barely a blip on the map. And I’m not getting up at four in the morning. Besides, like I said, I want to make a difference. There are a lot of people out there that need help. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time."
― Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride

Thanks to my friend Keith Lawrence (from the Messenger-Inquirer) for finding this passage and tipping us off to it.  Like Keith suggests, "They say any publicity is good as long as they spell your name right.  Well, he spelled our name right."  LOL!

Of course, Nicholas Sparks is the famed and celebrated author of The Notebook, Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember and more.  To get more on his latest novel, The Longest Ride, CLICK HERE!