The Longest Time

by Jared Vaughn

Meet Charlie, a little boy with big dreams and an even bigger heart. When Lisa moves in next door, they begin a friendship that will change their lives forever. As time goes by, and they travel different paths, it becomes clear that some things were meant to be. Filled with exciting twists and surprises, Charlie’s journey will make you laugh and cry as he overcomes the odds to discover the reason for the secrets he carries. The secrets that could change everything. Celebrating the power of love, dreams, music, friendship, and family, The Longest Time is a unique story of hope that you’ll never forget.

318 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2017

About the author

Jared Vaughn is the author of the acclaimed novel The Longest Time. It's a nostalgic story about a unique boy named Charlie, whose love for his childhood friend Lisa leads him to fulfill a heroic purpose. Readers of all ages have unanimously agreed that they "couldn't put it down," and eagerly awaited the recent sequel, Another Time, also receiving rave reviews. He loves to encourage dreamers in his writing workshops and panels at conventions and libraries, with a special emphasis on the youth. Jared's vision extends beyond The Longest Time series with his company, Time Honored Productions. An exciting addition to the Time Honored family is the release of Tobias’ Travels, a delightful story for all ages about a little robin that goes a long way. Cleverly written by Shoshanna Aaliyah and beautifully illustrated by Raymond Burrows, this is the first book in history that’s written and illustrated by two teenagers and will have a coloring book version available as well. Shoshanna also contributes to Free Time Tales, a collection of short stories by new writers of all ages. Jared’s Longest Time spinoff Invisible Touch is also available exclusively in this collection. In addition to his writing and publishing, Jared is known for his cosplay. He has appeared at many conventions as Marty McFly beginning on Back to the Future Day, October 21st, 2015. He's quick to make you laugh with his impressions and costumes from all three films, often accompanied by Doc Brown and Jennifer. In 2019, the trio appeared in Augusta, Kansas when the mayor proclaimed the town as Hill Valley for a day. Jared's cosplay has also included Clark Kent, Neo, George McFly, Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts, Inigo Montoya, Count Rugen, Ernest P. Worrell, Ted "Theodore" Logan, Robin, Gomez Addams, Louis Tully, the Hamburglar, Steve Trevor, Flash Gordon, Skinhead, Faceman from The A-Team, the highly original Mario McFly, and many more to come. Whether he's riding a hoverboard or writing a story, Jared Vaughn is always looking for innovative ways to express his creativity and share the Power of Love. He encourages you to take Doc's advice--"The future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one."

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scientific research has proven that certain parts of the brain are activated when reading good fiction. If a fictional character is running, the reader's brain will feel as if they are running. If the character is sad, the reader empathizes with them and feels the emotion. I love how active my brain was while reading this book! It was such a sweet story about a boy who loves a girl, and so much more. The author used history and a story of young love to remind us that a lot can happen in a lifetime. We are also reminded that, although mistakes happen, there's no time like the present to "do the right thing".

[Jeannie Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the greatest story of love, hope, and faith that I have ever read. It includes some basic philosophical statements that everyone should be told in their youth as well as some epiphanies that should be part of life in general. This story of life and love could stand as a handbook for behaving in the real world, for how to do the right thing even though the right thing is often the hardest thing to do. I gave this book five stars because I will very likely think of it and tell others about it often.

Great job Mr. Vaughn!!

[Karla Savard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word review.... Brilliant!

When I first read the teaser of The Longest Time I was a little worried, I am not a fan of romance. I am so glad I opened the book. The story and the writing truly makes it easy to keep turning the page.
This book is not a romance, it is a love story. Happily, it is not just a love story of boy meets girl, it is a love story of family, friendship, and hope.
Charlie is an easily loved character from the first page. Joining him in the books journey are is mother, the girl he loves, and an amazing cast of characters that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why they need to be so mean.
I'm not one for spoilers, but I will say that this books takes you in one heart pulling direction and then takes a hard left into a new adventure I did not see coming.... And the telling of the complete tale was written as well as any classic I have read.
I highly reccommend this book if you want to meet a big hearted little boy and follow him as he goes through life's trials of love, loss, and hope.
"We never know what will happen in life. What can we do? We dance. We sing. We laugh. We love." To this I add that this first book of a series gives those who read it hope for more travels with Charlie. Because in his heart, he holds on to hope.

[Jim Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Longest Time by Jared Vaughn is a delightful book by an incredibly talented Hutchinsonian (KS) author.
The novel reminds me of my childhood when anything was possible, that is, before reality and gravity held me back, and the word “possible” became “unlikely,” and then “impossible” due to my age and time.
Since reading this fantastic adventure about friendship and love, I’ve regained a bounce in my step and a twinkle in my eye.
Obviously, I highly recommend this book. Warning: Reading this book may cause temporary loss of sleep, hallucinatory visions, and a resetting of your clock.
--Jim Potter, author of Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery

[Justina Auernheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book was absolutely wonderful! There is no way to know what is going to happen, so you just have to keep reading, and never put it down! The way he writes keeps you guessing, and wondering...

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Jared at a comicon and picked up his novel. I am not a romance reader, but I thought I would give The Longest Time a shot. Charlie grows up with a loving mother and a best friend who never mention he’s different. It’s that difference that keeps him from his true love until releases he can go back and correct his mistake and live the life, he should have with her. Ignoring the Back to the Future time travel logic. The tale is a deeply rich love story with one lesson: Take the chance because you never know what happiness it will bring.

[Karis Ens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about a boy who loves the girl next door. He is shy, yet that doesn't stop him from sharing some chocolate chip cookies with her. They soon become best of friends. However, problems and bullies shove their way in between them causing them to be distant.

It is a relatable story about belonging, depression, and how love can change everything.

[S.V. Brosius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I’ve read before. The slow, deliberate pacing allows the story to unfold around the main character, Charlie Jordache. His simple honesty about his feelings and the way he perseveres through his life experiences make him easily relatable.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This is written in 3rd person POV which generally for me is a bit harder to immerse into however, this book was an exception to the rule. The dialogue in this felt natural, and age-appropriate. Charlie was also such a passionate, loveable character. I wanted to scream and throw the book across the room at the many times Lisa was just out of reach from him. The ending makes the emotional rollercoaster worth it- It had me ugly crying happy tears much like a Fredrik Backman
novel.

Will be needing a copy of the sequel!

[Pamela Aikman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with Charlie and how his story was re-written. No spoilers here on the twists. Never give up - Love always finds away.