This is the first book I’ve read by Wally Lamb though I’ve heard great things about his writing. This was a beautifully written heart-breaking book. Corby lost his job about a year ago and has been watching his twins while also supposed to be looking for new employment. He starts to depend more and more on substances to help him cope with his daily life when his actions result in the cause of a tragedy. He is sentenced to prison and he works to attain forgiveness from those he’s hurt.

Wally Lamb is amazing at creating characters that feel real and have a lot of layers. As the reader I both sympathized with Corby, but also extremely disliked him. The same went with many of the characters throughout the book, where you loved and disliked them at the same time. It was interesting to see this perspective.

The book started as Part One being so heart-wrenching which made it both hard to read and hard to put down. Then Part Two and on, it became a little too realistic. It was quite predictable and I became kind of bored reading it. It’s possibly because I’ve seen tragic events through my job and I’m familiar with the system of counseling and prison. I would have to say that this book is accurate in how it depicts them.

I would still highly recommend this book if you’re interested in heart-wrenching slice-of-life type books. This book wasn’t exactly for me, but I can see how many people would find this story amazing. I plan to check out more books by Wally Lamb.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon Element for allowing me to read this book early. The opinions on this book are my own.

I love Wally Lamb books but I feel this one was not one of his best. It was a good story line but I found the characters were unlikable. I’m not really fond of books taking place in a prison so that influenced my opinion of the book. I feel it will be a big seller and would make for an excellent book club discussion.

This was such a wonderfully done mystery to it and had that tragedy element that I was expecting. It worked with the description and I felt for the characters in this. Wally Lamb has a great way of conveying the story it needed to and glad I read this.

This is hands down the best book I've read in years. I've long been a fan of Wally Lamb (who isn't), but honestly - this book rivaled I Know This Much is True for me, something I didn't think possible. The writing, the story, the emotions - this book is truly just next level and I know long time fans and new readers will agree when this releases May 2025.

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for honest review!
WOW! This was such a tragic, heartbreaking, emotional novel that I could not put down. This is one of those 5 star reads that makes you second guess every other 5 star rating you've ever given because it's so much better. Corby's story will definitely break your heart. Most of this story is from Corby's perspective while he is serving prison time for an unimaginable, unbearable accident that occurs while he is under the influence of Ativan and alcohol. His struggle with addiction as well as his daily struggles with the bullies he encounters in prison are poignant, and i know this book will stay with me for a vary long time.

I sure do love the writing of Wally Lamb. I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and the S&S/Marysue Rucci Books. Many thanks for allowing me to preview this book. Wally Lamb is way up there on my list of favorite authors and he does not disappoint with this novel. This book is written true to life. It is the story of Corby and Emily who fall in love, get married and have twins. Both Corby and Emily work outside the home. Corby gets laid off and becomes the primary caregiver. It is only supposed to be temporary but as time goes on and he does not get a job, he starts drinking and taking benzos. One day when he has overindulged a horrific accident occurs. This is the story of the ramifications of that. As a registered nurse, as well as in my personal life, I have know people with addictions/substance abuse. Some have been active users and are under the impression that they are fooling others. Some have been in recovery and some have relapsed and are in between. I have been to AA meetings to show support to those people close to me. I have worked as a paramedic and have responded to very similar incidents as the one that happened to Corby and his family. I have friends that are ex-cons and have heard some of the prison stories. This is all to say that this book is written very true to life. This book is cultural; it tells of life that many do not experience. It is disturbing. It is sad. It is also compassionate. This book is a five star read. I hope Wally Lamb never quits writing.These are my own thoughts and words.

If you liked “She’s Come Undone”, you’ll definitely like this book, too. The drama was heavy, the story was deep, and the characters were well developed. Any fan of a good drama will enjoy this book. I would absolutely recommend it to others.

This story will stay with me a long, long time.
Every possible emotion passed through my heart as I read slowly, sometimes needing to take a break to lessen my own pain for Corby and his family.
`
Corby has lost his job and until he finds another, will be the carer of his and Emily's sweet toddler twins.
The fear of not getting a new job and money worries creates anxiety and stress.
His physician prescribes an anti-anxiety medication for nighttime.
However, increasing apprehension gives Corby a reason to drink alcohol and take this medication through out the day together.

A severe error in judgement causes a horrible tragedy that gives this man a jail sentence for three years.
The journey for Corby and his family begins and it is intense, hard and unimaginable.
Yet, the lessons learned and the love that came forth were evident and I truly did loved this novel and believe you will too.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @Simon Element for this wonderful ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors and I was so excited he released a new book after almost a decade. The River is Waiting was wonderful. He hasn't lost his touch in bringing a heartwrenching, poignant story to life.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Wally Lamb had written a new book. It's been so long since I've seen a new work from him and I was so excited to be granted this ARC. I Know This Much Is True if one of my favorite books of all time (right up there with The Bridges of Madison County) - which is strange because this genre is not my usual choice. It's a book I'll never forget. While I wasn't a huge fan of his books following IKTMIT, The River Is Waiting left me in a dazed silence, thinking to myself "wow". I thought about this book for days. And like IKTMIT, I won't forget it.

It's the tale of Corbin Ledbetter, a father and husband that has been harboring a lot of secrets in his life; secrets from the love of his life, Emily, and secrets that his addictions are trying to numb. Until one day, an accident that will change his life and the life of his family forever. It examines how one single choice can immediately become a mistake and leave a disaster in its wake. It's a story of the human spirit, strength, devastation, love, pain, and how those that are left behind move on.

Be prepared for this book. It's very long (I can't believe how fast I read it), It will leave you exhausted and uplifted all at once. It's a rollercoaster, so hand on tight. Bravo, Mr. Lamb. Well done.

The River Is Waiting NG
Since being laid off from his job, Corby has been a stay-at-home dad, taking care of twins. When a tragedy
occurs, Corby wonders if he can forgive himself and if he will end up losing his family as a result. Sent to
prison for three years, Corby slowly adapts to the system and dealing with fellow inmates and correctional
personnel. Gut-wrenching story that is difficult to read at times, but so worth it.
#TheRiverisWaiting #SimonElement #S&S #MarysueRicciBooks #NetGalley

I was so excited to see Wally Lamb has a new book coming out! I Know This Much Is True is one of my all time faves. The River is Waiting is a lengthy book, but it reads quickly. It’s not easy topic-wise, but the plot and the character development keeps the pages turning. I’d recommend it!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Simon Element for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an amazing read!!! It was about growing, loss, destruction, and the cycle of it. The writing was very well done, and it kept me intrigued from the very beginning. I loved it and would read more from this author

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

thank you for an advance copy of this book by one of my favorite authors Wally Lamb. This tells the story of Corby, who when we first meet him is clearly living on the edge of disaster and destruction. I was literally reading the first few chapters with this feeling of serious doom, not knowing what would happen but knowing something was going to happen and it wasn't good. This book is heartbreaking as we watch Corby destruct, try to rebuild, and see him struggle time and again. My heart broke for every character in this complicated, touching and devastating story. 5 stars no question.

Wally Lamb is a master at storytelling. I have loved some of his previous titles and when I saw this new one, I knew I needed to read it. This story is powerful, heartbreaking, hopeful, and raw. I stayed up late because I couldn't stop reading it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Wally Lamb is one of the authors that first got me into reading as an adult, and I've read all of his books. This is, in my opinion, his weakest title. I felt the arc the main character went through, but his other books have so much more nuance and depth, while this felt almost crass at points. I'm not sure if it was the main character or the subject I couldn't fall into, but all in all, it was still a beautiful story.

If you are looking for a compelling story that will keep you up late reading it because you have to know how it ends, you’ve got to read Wally Lamb’s latest novel, THE RIVER IS WAITING. Lamb writes insightfully about difficult topics including incarceration, guilt, addiction, friendship, forgiveness, atonement, mercy, marriage and fatherhood.

When Corby Ledbetter is sentenced to three years in prison for causing a terrible accident that rips his family apart, he doesn’t know if he can forgive himself. Corby enters prison with the understandable trepidation of a man who never imagined himself in such a position, but also feels as if he deserves the punishment. Over time, he’s able to form friendships which change the landscape of his incarceration and teach him about privilege and humanity.

Lamb writes characters I am really able to connect with and as I was reading, I was hoping Corby’s loved ones would forgive him. THE RIVER IS WAITING did not conclude the way I thought it would … The surprise near the end left me with actual goosebumps and the symbolism of the river is perfection.

THE RIVER IS WAITING is not a light book, but it has an uplifting message of hope. It’s one I’ll be contemplating for a while and highly recommend (just as I do all of Lamb’s novels).

A sincere thank you the publisher, Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley for an early digital copy of THE RIVER IS WAITING and for the opportunity to give my honest feedback.

Insert gif of Oprah screaming in her “YOU GET A FIVE STAR READ, EVERYONE GETS A FIVE STAR READ!” And this is how I feel about Wally lamb’s latest book The River is Waiting. I devoured this in two days and was devastated when it was over. Do we need to wait another decade for another Wally Lamb book??!!!

I will be the first to tell you that despite how amazing a book might be, I just won’t read it because I have a hard time going over various intense topics : slavery, racism, the American prison system, just to name a few. But, when Wally Lamb writes a book, you run don't walk.

Corby is a husband, and father to twins - Maisie and Niko. Recently laid off from his job and struggling to find a new one, he has become the main caretaker of the house, while his wife continues her job as a teacher. They live what can be considered an idyllic suburban life in Connecticut.
Until tragedy strikes and their entire lives are upended.

What happens next sends Corby to Yates Correctional Prison for three years. Prison - a place where you can only imagine the most hardened criminals go to, not a place where mistakes were made, anything from tax evasion, low level drug trafficking, mental illness, or in Corby’s case, the worst thing that could possibly happen, actually happens.

We spend the entirety of this book watching Corby navigate prison life - the food, the noises, the inmates, the correctional officers. We watch as he succumbs to depression, boredom, sadness, everything you can imagine someone might feel knowing their life will never be the same, both inside and outside of the cell.

Wally Lamb has created another gut wrenching, tear at the heartstrings novel, but still one full of optimism as we watch Corby, and a cast of characters that you won’t soon forget. Whether it’s his wife Emily who struggles to find reasons to stay married to Corby, Manny, his gay bunk mate with a heart of gold, the friendly prison librarian, or correctional officers who think they can treat the inmates like roaches, each character tore at my gut.

The River is Waiting isn’t just about forgiveness and doubt, it’s about the prison system as a whole. These institutions are supposed to “rehabilitate”, so when all is said and done, they return to normal life as if they didn’t just witness the horrors of American justice. Taking away books, decent food, the right to speak up to the abuse, sickens me to my core, as I’m sure Wally Lamb can attest to, having worked with female prison inmates for decades. He proves that we cannot all lump criminals into one group - not everyone deserves the hand they are given to them. I walked away knowing what I already know, the criminal justice system needs a complete reboot starting from the bottom to the top.

Whether or not Corby will find if he is forgiven, his true goal is to forgive himself of his wrongdoings. How you will feel will be debatable, as I went back and forth - how would i feel if that was me? Would I leave my husband? And so forth.

I was blessed to receive an Arc from Netgalley and Simon, and this is one book you will not soon forget. It will surely be one of the most discussed once it hits shelves in 2025.

All the emotions from this one and definitely not an easy read. Corby Ledbetter comes from a childhood of struggles with his father and a loving relationship with his eccentric mother. When he finds the love of his life in Emily, he will stop at nothing to marry her and start a family. A few years later, Corby is struggling with the loss of his job and being a stay at home father to twin toddlers, a boy and a girl. Trying to cope with his unhappiness, he turns to drugs and alcohol. One terrible day, all of his recent bad decisions turn into a nightmare scenario and Corby is sentenced to prison. During his sentence, we meet so many different characters, good and bad. Corby tries to help a younger, disturbed prisoner, makes some good friends and tries to keep his head above water, just waiting to be released and reunited with his beloved Emily. Cruelty is visited upon Corby and he struggles to cope. I’ll leave the rest for the reader to find out, as I don’t want to post spoilers. I’ll just say my heart broke for Corby and I wish Wally Lamb had extended more kindness to our protagonist.
Hard to read and hard to put down. Written with the lyrical prose that Lamb is known for, this book will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you, Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for the copy of The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. Even though this isn’t my usual genre, I'm so glad I read it and I was so immersed in Corby’s life I stayed up reading until 3 am. If you want to read a beautifully written book that tugs at your emotions, evokes feelings of sadness tempered with moments of human caring and empathy, and delves into the intricacies of complicated relationships, this is the book for you. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. 5 stars