I have loved Wally lamb since I Know This Much Is True. As I was reading this, I did NOT like the character if Corby even a little bit. I thought his self pitying victimizations were so off putting. Ok, maybe shades of an ex’s personality but really really an unlikable creature. I rounded up to. A4 bc the very last 2 chapters that were not from his point of view were somewhat redeeming.

Summary: Main character, Corby, is struggling with life: substance abuse, fatherhood, career slump, and mental health issues. Then life is turned upside down when an unforeseen tragedy results in a jail sentence. Follow Corby as he navigates his new life as a convicted felon.

Format: The book is first person POV, mostly focusing on Corby’s time in jail. This is a 5 star book, hands down, but if I could change anything about it, I think the story could have been even better if the chapters were split up so that the events leading up to the jail time were peppered throughout rather than chronological.

Opinion: I really enjoyed following Corby’s journey. It was extremely emotional (ugly sobbed so many times), and should come with some trigger warnings (abuse, death, suicide, sexual harassment) but if you can handle that, the story is worth reading! The author did a great job capturing big picture moments as well as smaller mundane details. The events depicting life in jail - fellow convicts, corrupt guards, conversations, isolation, prison work, etc. - were well written and eye opening. I was hooked from the very beginning. Every turn of the page was shocking. The ending destroyed me.

Takeaway: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes slower paced contemporary fiction books with immense emotion and dark topics. This novel is heartbreaking and tragic but the lessons learned on the journey are powerful. This is not a book for the faint of heart!

Review and rating is posted on Goodreads. Social media posting will occur on May 6.

When I found out a new Wally Lamb book was coming out in May, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy fast enough. Not only is Wally Lamb a must-read author for me, he is THE must-read author. His books get to me in a way no one else can, and he is one I re-read, which I don’t do often.

The River is Waiting is his first book in years. It is clear he put so much research and thought into this. After finishing, I had a book hangover and needed some time to gather myself. I am not entirely sure how to rate this one, and although the writing and the fact that I couldn’t put it down and the way it affected my emotions and even made me cry would usually make a book a 5, I decided to go to with 4 stars. One is that I got so frustrated with the MC, though his actions are very much there for a reason. Mostly though, the less-than-perfect rating is because that at times this was hard to read, and I had to skip over entire paragraphs at times. Trigger warnings at the bottom.

But that did not distract from the incredible writing and the phenomenally tragic story. This book will make you feel. I am so glad I got to read The River is Waiting. Nothing would keep me away from Wally Lamb. This book will stick with me for a long time, and I can’t stop thinking about it. The last few chapters were just, wow.

And I am getting excited about rereading my old favorites from him.

TW: child death, animal harm

Thank you NetGalley and Simon Element Marysue Rucci Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

The River is Waiting
Wally Lamb
It’s been a very long time since I’ve read a book by Wally Lamb. As promised, The River is Waiting is a powerful story that begs the question, “what can be forgiven?” This book is an emotional rollercoaster. Between Corby’s crime, incarceration, and personal struggles I feel I experienced every emotion possible. This is a heavy read whose ending will hit you like a brick wall.

I've been a fan of author Wally Lamb since his first novel was published, and this new release does not disappoint. It's the story of Corby Ledbetter, who is struggling after losing his job and becoming a stay-at-home day to his young children. When he tries to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, a terrible incident changes his life forever.

Lamb follows Corey as he deals with both the horrors and friendships that arise from time spent in prison. He changes and grows as a character in this relatively slow-moving, powerful novel. Recommended for Lamb's many existing fans and new readers. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Wally Lamb has a way of writing characters that make you feel like they are real people. The way he made me feel so much compassion for a character that did something so horrible is truly a talent. While this wasn't my favorite of his books, I still very much enjoyed it. I recommend this book and his others.

To preface everything, I love Wally Lamb.

But seriously? I really want to just say, F this book. That is my honest opinion, not watered down to be polite and nice. I cannot believe it. I was DEVASTATED to the extent that I took a two month break from reading at the mere 5% mark and then to have to absolutely suffer through everything and then that ending? No. I refuse to give this my stamp of approval. Wtf. Corby does not deserve my pity or attention or whatever ANYMORE. Goodbye.

I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Breathtaking.

Please don't read long reviews of this one - go in as cold as you can.

She's Come Undone was released when I was a few years out of college and it made me an adult reader - it wasn't required for school. It was a choice. I loved it and have been an avid reader ever since. Much in the same way that novel stayed with me, this one will too. It's about addiction and choices and forgiveness is all forms. It's about purpose. It's also about our system of helping those who need help and how we provide "justice" as a society.

Go read it - reserve it - buy it - borrow it. Out May 6, 2025. Thank you so much to the publisher for the advanced copy.

Corby Ledbetter has been struggling since he lost his job and has been a stay at home dad to his young twins. Handling his anxiety by using an increasing amount of alcohol and anti anxiety drugs his life as well as those around him is changed in an instant with a horrible mistake.

Much of this book is set in prison, with an immersive look at day to day prison life, both the abuse that can occur and the friendships that can be made in that institution. The author has been running a prison writing program for years, so is familiar with some of the issues about which he writes.

I was immersed in Corbys character, and although I didn't find much to empathize with initially, he began to grow on me, as his character began to grow and come to terms with his own issues while he was incarcerated. His wife Emily was a complicated character as well, written with sensitivity and given deep layers as she struggles with trying to forgive. This is not a fast paced thriller, but more of a quiet slower paced thoughtful and powerful novel which will give you plenty to think about.

Thank you to net galley and simon element for an e galley in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of Wally Lamb's earlier and very powerful books, I was a bit disappointed in this work. While hard to look away from the train wreck of the main character, it was difficult to continue with the slog of prison life. The character development was awesome, but the main character's inability to get out of his own way was frustrating. A few cruel and brutal prison guards made life miserable for many and it took a long time for them to get their comeuppance. There are a few shining stars in both the inmate and employee populations, but I came away from the book feeling unsatisfied. Only after death were true causes and feelings apparent to those left behind. Perhaps that is true for much of life as well.

Oh my goodness! I am going to be profoundly affected by this book for a long time. Not many books affect me in this way. I have not read any other Wally Lamb books before so I didn't know what to expect. This is Corby's story of struggles with depression, addiction and guilt. Corby has caused a tragedy that has torn his family apart. With him mom as the only person who still believes in he, Corby is sent to prison to endure even more struggle and hardship. While in prison he meets few people he can trust and who are kind to him. Can Corby ever win the forgiveness of those people who mean the most to him? Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this profound book. I will not soon forget it.

Brilliantly written and told- but incredibly difficult story to read. Tragedy begets tragedy with some beauty interwoven in the story. Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this in advance of release.

Wally Lamb has his faithful followers, and I suspect this book will be as successful as many of his others; yet, as I was reading the novel, I was hoping the bulk of the novel wasn't going to take place in prison, but that is how the novel unfolds and ends. Lamb has led prison writing groups for years, so I can understand his interest in having the novel take place in prison, showing the humane and individual sides of inmates, and some prison employees, how drug addiction lands many behind bars, and how hard it is to cope not only behind bars but outside of prison. Our main character is the father of young twins, has lost his job and becomes the caretaker of his children while his wife teaches at a public school. Frustrated about not finding a new job, he gets prescribed an anti-anxiety medication, and self-medicates with booze during the day, which leads to him causing the death of his young son, something readers anticipate immediately in the novel, so this isn't quite a spoiler.

I was wishing he had found the letter from his father earlier, because so much of the novel evolved around his disengaged relationship with his father and his frustration that his father never visited or wrote him in prison. I was less interested in the life of prison because there have been plenty of movies and books about this, and more interested seeing our grieving father with his daughter and wife, his mother ,his father, less so with his mother-in-law who has never liked him. And then, when he's finally about to be released, we get a rather heavy-handed ending, and I rather regretted we didn't know more about Manny, his cellmate, because he may have had a more interesting tale to tell.

I requested this title because I will read anything Wally Lamb writes and we all know it's been a long time coming! All of that is to say, I didn't exactly realize the plot of the story and getting through the beginning was ROUGH as a new mom. However, sometimes the most devastating stories are the most real and the most beautiful.
Lamb obviously knows some intimate details of the prison setting and though these details were difficult to read, it was really eye opening. There were many well developed supporting characters. This was a very raw look into addiction, grief, realities of the prison system, family, and loss of many kinds. Tread forward with a warning that this will be a bumpy but, in my opinion, worth it ride.

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb is an amazing story which chronicles the life of Cory Ledbetter. Lately, Corby has been having major problems! He has lost his job, is a reluctant stay-at-home dad to his toddler twins, has a marriage in serious trouble and his drinking and substance abuse is starting to get out of control. What happened? He and his wife, Emily, used to be so good together. Before Corby can change his life's trajectory it all goes horribly wrong, life as he knows it comes to a tragic end. Corby is sentenced to prison for a heartbreaking crime he committed while under the influence. As if the crime Corby is guilty of was not enough punishment, he is sentenced to a lengthy term in a maximum-security facility. Riddled with guild, Corby deals with the heart wrenching fall out that befalls his and his family's life while he learns to navigate the terrifying perils of prison life.

This is one of the most painfully beautiful stories about loss and forgiveness. Wally Lambs' descriptions of Corby's feelings throughout the novel make me, the reader, feel like I am standing in Corby's shoes. Break out the boxes of Kleenex, you will need them for this eloquent, remarkably written, saga about personal growth and the pathway to self-forgiveness.

Although I loved this five-star page-turner, it was so painful to endure. Reading it felt more like living it. Sometimes I had to remind myself that this is, thankfully, not an autobiography. Wally Lamb does not compose literature for the faint of heart with its vast number of triggers (too many to list in one short book review). If you are ready to read a work of art that can make you empathize for, feel the raw emotions and pain of a societal outcast, then read The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.

Thank you, Net Galley, Marysue Rucci Books, and Wally Lamb, for the opportunity to read this beautiful piece of work. This story was given to me in exchange for my own honest opinion and I look forward to reading more of the author's work in the future. Watch for The River is Waiting publishing May 06, 2025.

This novel was gut wrenching, heart breaking, and all the emotions that one feels surrounding grief. This novel explores a it of the feelings that grief and pain can cause. This novel made me love the characters, feel their pain and emotions. I highly recommend this to readers of emotionally challenging novels.

Thank you Simon, Netgalley and the author for an ARC!

Corby is married to the love of his life and has healthy toddler boy/girl twins. Sure, he’s had some bad luck in the job market, but that can be overcome, right? Until he decides to take comfort in alcohol and pills, and an ensuing tragedy ends up changing the trajectory of his life.

If you enjoy the podcast Ear Hustle, I think you might really like this novel. The author Wally Lamb does a lot of work in prisons, and that interest gives the reader a keen look at what the day-to-day life in a prison looks like (it’s not as dramatic as Orange Is the New Black). Corby is a frustrating character, so much so that I can see readers giving up on the book because of him. Now I like a flawed main character, so I was fine with it.

➕ I couldn’t put this novel down. I stayed up hours past my bedtime to read.
➕ I liked Corby’s voice - I’m a sucker for first person perspective.
➕ This novel tackled some unique topics, like grief from a very particular perspective (no spoilers).
➕ I thought Emily was a very good character, and she reacted a lot better than I would have.

My list of negatives looks rather long, but I’d say it’s more like caveats. If you’re okay with these, then I think you’re set up to enjoy this novel more.

➖ Depressing. It feels like you level down at steady intervals throughout the novel. I kept thinking we’re at the bottom, and then it dropped yet again.
➖ I can see readers becoming very frustrated with the main character Corby.
➖ The vast majority of the novel takes place in prison. Day-to-day prison. I didn’t mind it, but I can see some readers not liking the slow train through a prison sentence.
➖ Some of the education pieces, like racism in the prison system, aren’t folded in as seamlessly as they could be.
➖ The ending starting with Chapter 40. Maybe I’ll come around on it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster / Marysue Rucci Books for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It publishes May 6, 2025.

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!

OMG! This is one of those profoundly haunting books with a devastatingly powerful narrative that lingers long after you turn the final page. It’s not just a hard read—it’s an emotionally gut-wrenching experience that forces you to confront humanity’s darkest corners. The raw portrayal of crime, the flaws of the justice system, the brutality of prison life, and the complexity of redemption make this book an unforgettable journey. But at its heart, this is a story about empathy—about facing your own demons, atoning for your past, and discovering whether true change is possible. Keep tissues close because this book will shatter you. Wally Lamb once again delivers a masterful, deeply moving story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally explosive. But be warned—some chapters are so intense they might leave you breathless.

In The River is Waiting, Lamb introduces us to Corby Ledbetter, a man whose life spirals out of control after a single catastrophic mistake. Once a devoted husband and father, he finds himself behind bars, grappling with the crushing weight of guilt and the unforgiving nature of the prison system. Inside, he encounters both unimaginable cruelty and surprising moments of kindness, from a compassionate librarian to an unlikely friendship with a fellow inmate. As Corby navigates the brutal realities of incarceration, the novel asks: Can someone truly atone for the unforgivable? And is forgiveness ever within reach?

This book doesn’t offer easy answers. It doesn’t sugarcoat the darkness. Instead, it immerses you in Corby’s journey—his anguish, his regrets, his desperate hope for redemption. The writing is immersive, pulling you into the suffocating walls of the prison, the relentless torment of grief, and the fragile thread of human connection that keeps Corby from losing himself completely. Lamb excels at creating deeply flawed, painfully real characters who force readers to reflect on morality, justice, and the possibility of second chances.

The ending left me emotionally drained in the best way possible. It’s not a neatly tied-up resolution, but rather a reflection of life’s unpredictability—raw, messy, and deeply moving.

This is not an easy read, nor should it be. It’s a book that demands your attention, your empathy, and your reflection. The characters’ struggles will stay with you, their choices will haunt you, and their journeys will challenge your understanding of forgiveness and redemption. "The River is Waiting" is a testament to Lamb’s ability to tackle complex, often painful subjects with grace and compassion. Highly recommended for those prepared for an emotionally intense read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Heartbreakingly raw and honest novel that is one of the best I’ve read in ages. Corby is a young father of twins who is dealing with the repercussions of the biggest mistake of his life. In the aftermath of the tragedy that has destroyed his family, Corby finally deals with his addictions and depression while incarcerated. Beautifully written, like all Wally Lamb books, just keep tissues close. Definitely Lambs best work yet, not to be missed.