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Even though I love Wally Lamb's writing, I'm afraid that I can't get beyond what happens in the first chapter. I wish I could unsee it, and get beyond it, but I can't. Perhaps I'll try it again sometime.

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This was one of my most anticipated books of the year as I have been a Wally Lamb fan for two decades. Unfortunately, this book was a huge miss for me. The story had potential — a father with a drinking problem runs over his toddler son accidentally — but the characters fell really flat for me and the ending was lazy.

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Corby Ledbetter is at a low point in his life and self-medicating with alcohol and prescription drugs when a terrible accident leaves him responsible for his toddler's death. Sentenced to years in prison as a result, Corby wrestles with regrets and inner demons inside a system more concerned with punishment than rehabilitation.

The River is Waiting didn't exactly wow me at the sentence or structural level (it's been a while since I read Wally Lamb though I recall his books as more literary) though I do think Lamb successfully pulled off an affecting story of remorse, redemption, and resilience, reminding us we are all more than our worst choices on our worst days.

This would make for a good book club book as long as readers are able to handle the challenging content.

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I’m the Nana of twins, and my youngest grandchild is almost 2.

Saying that reading the graphic details of a horrific incident was difficult is an understatement. Some things are best left to the reader’s imagination. We don’t need grisly details.

Then the author leads the readers down a path where we are supposed to feel empathy for Corby.

Sorry, but Corby showed his true colors long before the horrific incident, and I have zero empathy

The author inserted politics in the narrative, which is a hard NO from me, regardless of which side of the aisle. I read to escape politics.

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I gave this book five stars. Not because I loved it. I hated it. I think the author did a fantastic job of writing it. I think he did a fantastic job of making it emotional. It was such a sad book though. I cried so much while reading this book. It is definitely a heartbreaking tearjerker. It's definitely shattering.

If you have lost a child do not read this book. If you have a loved on in prison maybe don't read it. If you love a good hard gut wrenching read, read it. I finished this book but good grief did it hurt.

You meet Corby and Emily along with their two twin children. A boy and a girl. Corby lost his job and is a stay home dad taking care of the children. What a wonderful thing for him to do. Except that Corby has secrets. Bad secrets. He's addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol. He drinks during the day in hopes that his wife, Emily, won't know. Then a tragedy strikes and Corby is sent away to prison. He only got five years, to serve three, and three years probation. Not nearly enough for what he did.

While in prison you get to see what life is like for Corby now. It's not pretty but still it's much easier than he deserves. I absolutely hated him but I did feel sorry for him in places and for certain reasons. I hated him for what he did. For the drinking and drugs and driving. For what to me seemed he didn't consider other people's feelings enough. He was so selfish. But still this book is very well written and the feelings it causes are so real. You truly will feel the emotions and sorrows and sadness that you should. Like you are part of this families lives.

Emily on the other hand was understandably filled with so much anger towards Corby. I didn't much like her either though. I think she should have gone to see Corby more and taken their child to see him. Yes she had every right to be angry. Every right to hate him. Though she didn't hate him. I would have. I did actually. She was just a bit selfish though. Both were. I do understand Emily more though. I felt bad for her. I can't say that she lost so much without acknowledging that they both lost so much. It was Corby's fault though. Yes Emily should have said something when she had her suspicions. But she was not his keeper exactly. Though if she did know or suspect she certainly should have made sure her children were not allowed in a vehicle with him. Period!!!

This is a very emotional book. It's sad. It's horrible. But it's also a good story. It's well written. It had an ending that gutted me in so many ways. And the letter from Corby's dad.... That was so so sad also. Good book but way to sad.

Thank you to the publisher, #SimonElemont for this ARC. It is also a BOTM choice for me.

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Corby is struggling, he has lost his job, he is a new father to twins and can't seem to stop drinking or taking more than he should of his anxiety medication. Because of his addiction issues, he ends up doing something that destroys his family and has him sent to prison. In prison Corby has to experience violent acts while struggling to maintain his humanity and his sobriety. His hope is to emerge from prison a better man, father and husband; but the prison system doesn't help him in his quest.

I do love Wally Lamb, but this one was sad, like really sad (I think maybe all his books were and I just read happier books now). This wasn't trauma for the sake of it, this was the story of a man's struggle to survive when both his environment and his internal demons keep trying to set him off course. So while I found this difficult to read, I am so glad I did because the story and writing were wonderful. Just make sure you are ready this kind of story before you begin; I may have not originally been in the right mindset but I quickly got there because the story was so compelling.

4.25 stars

Thank you to Simon Element and NetGalley for the ARC to review

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“I’ll be ok for a while. Then it clobbers you like a wave you didn’t see coming. Crashes into you and pulls you under so that, for a few seconds, you can’t breathe.”
If this isn’t the perfect way to describe grief then I don’t know what is.

After losing his job, Corby is staying at home with the twins while searching for something new. When tragedy strikes however, he is thrown into a new existence. One that means life behind bars…

Well F me, this is easily my book of the year so far. I was avoiding it because she is a chunker, and I heard it was a tough read. However, once I picked it up, I could not put it down, which is saying something since I have been slumping so hard recently. How I imagine Wally Lamb’s inner monologue went while writing this book: “Let me start by shattering your heart. Then I will add in some back and forth tension. Hmmm, guess I should add a little bit of hope and happiness. Then I will bring you to the top of the roller coaster and drop you free fall without a seatbelt into the deepest despair you could ever know.” Seriously man, this book will destroy you, but in the best way? I immediately texted my friend and told her I was going to give her this book that will destroy her. I mean honestly, that is really all you ned to know going into this book. It is absolutely not in any way an easy read, but phenomenal at the same time. There is so much I could say, but I really think you should go into this one as blind as possible. (If you need trigger warnings shoot me a message!)

Thank you to @marysueruccibooks for my gifted copy of this book!

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As usual, Wally’s books rip me apart in the best way. 10/10 must read if you want to be in your feels and crying on an airplane like I was.

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Whew this book!
Corby Ledbetter causes a horrible tragedy (TW: child death) and is sentenced to time in prison. During this time he has to learn to survive, to forgive, work on his sobriety, and gain hope for a future.
It’s hard to review this book due to its hard look at our prison system, the difficulties of addiction, and how emotionally involved you get with it all! I was reading through a part where Corby is really struggling with his anxiety and circumstances outside his control, while I was at the dentist and had to put it away because I felt like I was about to have a panic attack! But throughout the dark circumstances there was also so much light and goodness sprinkled in! Was this a book I continue to think about weeks later, yes. Is this a book I would recommend to all my followers, no. It has its place, and it is a good overall story, just not for those that want fluffy reads.
It was published last month, so go ahead and grab it if you need a good emotional read.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
#NetGalley #TheRiverIsWaiting

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two Oprah Book Club Picks—She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True—Wally Lamb comes the propulsive story of a young father who, after an unbearable tragedy, reckons with the possibility of atonement for the unforgivable.

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This is the first book by Wally Lamb that I've read and wont be my last. This book guts you right from the start and doesn't let go. This is a story of pain, addiction, loss, heartbreak, and grief. He paints a realistic picture of life behind bars. It's a hard book to read but so worth it. I loved this story and gave it five stars and will be recommending this one.

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Wally Lamb's "The River is Waiting" is an outstanding novel that goes beyond a typical reading experience, offering a nuanced, heartfelt, and utterly gripping journey. From the very first page, I was captivated by its intricate narrative, which unfolded with a series of unexpected plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, making it truly impossible to put down. My empathy for the main character, his wife, daughter, and his unwavering supporters knew no bounds. Lamb masterfully creates characters that are so real, flawed, and relatable that their struggles and triumphs become part of you. I felt their pain, longing, and difficulty in processing challenges, as well as celebrated their small victories, and rooted for them despite the obstacles.
Beyond the compelling personal story, "The River is Waiting" explores profound and timely themes. The protagonist's realizations about the injustices of the world, especially those stemming from colonization and the widespread racial divisions within the systemic structure, are both insightful and highly relevant. These reflections are seamlessly woven into the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on their own views on these critical issues. Likewise, the references to political and global events are handled with remarkable skill, grounding the fictional world in a tangible reality that resonates deeply.
This book is more than just a story; it's an immersive experience that educates, enlightens, and profoundly moves. If I could, I would unreservedly award "The River is Waiting" more than five stars. It is a truly remarkable achievement in storytelling that will stay with me long after the final page.

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One of the most beautiful things about this book is how deceptive it is. Lamb’s writing style here is very simplistic, and so it’s almost surprising when you get to a certain point and you realize it’s invoked emotions you didn’t see coming. At least, that was my experience with the book. Starting this book, reading about the struggles that brought us to the “tragedy” mentioned in the synopsis, I thought the writing was somewhat sterile and straightforward, so I didn’t expect to be as emotional when the tragedy actually occurs. Not only was I affected, I had to put the book down because I couldn’t continue for the rest of the day.

The main character, Corby, is a complex one, and in my opinion, how you react to his story will determine whether you like the book or not. I think Lamb covers him honestly…he does’t hide his flaws, nor does he hide his promise. This book is about his story though, his flaws, his mistakes, his attempts at redemption and whether he ever finds it. One of the things that I think is brilliant is that his story isn’t overly tragic…the reader cannot easily disregard his flaws because of excess abuse or PTSD. If anything, the things that shape the person we meet are more real, more plausible experiences, which makes how you view him all the more complicating.

For my part, I was conflicted with his character. There are moments I’d want to slap him, there are moments I could relate to his pain and even some of the things he did to mask it. There were elements that I related to and was able to give grace to more than I think others may, and while I didn’t act the same way he did, I could at least understand the why’s of it all a little more.

Back to the writing. Like I said, there were moments where I was reading and thinking “huh, I didn’t remember Wally Lamb books being so simply written”. There aren’t complex alliterations, vocabulary, etc…things that people expect, maybe even demand, from books they’d label as “well written”. I didn’t mind it so much, I just wasn’t sure how the story would stick with me without the analysis and dissection of characters, thoughts, feelings. Until I got to the end. And I sobbed for the 10-15% of the book. And then I thought…the best books are the ones that surprise you will feelings you didn’t think you’d have. That’s this book for me. I hope, if you pick it up, it does the same for you.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I am thankful and appreciative of the opportunity!**

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Without being too spoilerish but quite frank, I don’t think you’d end up liking it. I could be wrong. A list of general things that are either given in synopsis or general enough to plot:
HEAVY and immediate gory child death that is heavily revisited over and over
A marriage/communication plot that just felt so underdone and written by a guy.
Distant characters in general for such a heavy emotional book
Jail time plot was very long and drawn out. Very little to invest in
Biggest cop out of an ending I’ve ever read. Like I cannot believe in any universe that that ending got him above a 4⭐️

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This is such a hard book to review. The topic is so heavy that there’s no way you can “like” the book. It’s deeply uncomfortable, especially because the main character is utterly unlikable. I expected that his journey towards being a better person and atoning for unforgivable crime to bring out ambivalence. But I didn’t feel sorry for him or think he changed in any meaningful way. He was a narcissist (like his father) from start to finish. Instead of wallowing in the horror of killing his child while under the influence during his jail sentence, he only cared about his wife not bringing their toddler to prison to see him and maybe she might find another man while he’s inside. You’ve got to be kidding me.
So, I appreciate the story that Wally Lamb told but if we’re supposed to finish this book with any conflicting feelings about the complexity of how to forgive this particular unforgivable character, it was a miss for me.

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Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors. I also recently learned that is son is a really cool principal that I follow too! What a great family.

She's Come Undone and I Know This Much is True are two of my absolute favorite books. I didn't love much of what came after. I have mixed feelings about this one. I do find myself still thinking about it days after I've finished. Lamb is a master. This may have been a bit too long for me and it is a bit frustrating but I will eat up anything Mr. Lamb puts out. I hope there isn't as much of a delay in his next one.

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I Know This Much is True is one of my top three books of all time so it pains me to write that The River is Waiting was a huge disappointment. The premise of the story was interesting, but I just couldn't connect with Corby and felt the story was too long. If it hadn't been for Wally Lamb being the author I wouldn't have finished it. I know I'm in the minority here, but this one is a pass for me. I'm giving it three stars because of Wally Lamb.

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Truly one of the best written and emotionally hard-hitting novels I’ve read recently. In a nutshell: a young family of twins suffers a horrific accident and the husband is sentenced to prison. The majority of the story is his as he struggles with his new situation, memories haunting him, missing his family, and so much more. Emotion is raw on nearly every page. As readers, we glimpse so many of those emotions: regret, anger, blame as we reach for understanding and forgiveness. This is a title that deserves all of the accolades that are sure to come.

Thanks to NetGalley and Marysue Rucci Books/Simon and Schuster for the ARC to read and review.

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Right out of the gate, this book was a tough read because of the tragedy it is centered around. However, I am glad I stuck with it. This story is very impactful and emotional and also hard to review without spoiling the story for future readers. Just be prepared to be moved and to continue thinking about this book weeks after you finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This novel is complex and emotionally intense, exploring the intricate details and far-reaching consequences of a horrific tragedy.
There were a range of diverse and compelling characters who have profound impacts on Corby, main POV, both positively and negatively.
This story is undoubtedly one of the most challenging I have encountered.
The narrative was deeply affecting, thought provoking and stills leaves me uncertain about the possibility of forgiveness. It is a book I will not forget.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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