The River Is Waiting

Interesting book. The ending wasn't what I expected, which is always good. Quite sad, so be prepared for that.

When I heard that one of my favorite authors had a new book coming out, it was an automatic add and want to read. Anyone who has read a Wally Lamb novel knows how real and authentic his writing and characters are. The first book by Wally that I read was, "She has come Undone". I remember reading the book just fully engulfed in the story and the raw human emotions that the main brought to life. The River is Waiting is no exception to the Wally Lamb character magic. But this novel is not going to be for everyone, read any trigger warnings before jumping in. It very much is a gut-wrenching read.April 27, 2017 is the day that Corbin "Corby" Ledbetter's life changes. Corby is in a good mood as he is getting his twins ready to spend the day with grandma and what all that free time means for him. He has taken care of everything even taken his anti anxiety medication and washed it down with his liquored up coffee, everything is going to plan until the moment Corby gets distracted by his neighbors. As he rushes the neighbors off so he can get on with his plans of getting loaded, the neighbors watch in horror as Corby runs over his son Nico who he forgot to check if he was strapped in next to his twin sister Masie. Thus begins the story of The River is Waiting. If you read book reviews you will notice that gut wrenching is used a lot to describe The River is Waiting. As a mother I can't imagine my kids being taken away from this earth and especially by the one person who is supposed to care for them, love them just as much as I do, and keep them safe. It's heartbreaking, raw, emotional, but also there are glimmers of hope in the human resilience. The way Wally Lamb writes his characters he brings them to life, makes them human, shows their flaws, and he doesn't back down from it but opens it up to be felt by the reader and the other supporting characters. What I really liked about The River is Waiting is how Corby developed as a character. As the book continues and divulges into Corby's sentence and life at the prison, the reader understands and humanizes Corby and his addictions. The reader learns that Corby's own relationship with his father was nothing short of fractured and not only led Corby into a lifetime of addiction but also how Corby was as a father and a mentor is prison. As the reader you can picture glimpses of what Corby would have been like as a father if addiction and the tragic accident never happened. How Wally Lamb links all the main characters and minor characters in their shared addictions, pain, strength, advice, and survival. Wally Lamb has created another emotional masterpiece with The River Is Waiting. As the reader you will go through all the emotions along with Corby. Grief, Sadness, humiliation, forgiveness rather it be you could or could not forgive if this was your situation. It's a powerful book that will linger long after you close it.