The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)

Bookseller recommendation

“A challenging read. Definitely some triggers for the reader. It would make for a good book club discussion.”

— Laura • Novel Hearts

Bookseller recommendation

“Heartbreaking but so good. This story had me captured from the beginning and never let me go. ”

— Jean • Books on Main

Bookseller recommendation

“This is an intimate honest portrait of addiction, guilt, forgiveness. Corbin is sentenced to prison after the accidental death of his son. While there he grapples with his life choices while navigating daily prison life. He finds solace, growth, and absolution through his art but that may not be enough. ”

— Jonny • Bromley's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“To lose a child is to grieve endlessly and in this book we can’t help but bear witness to the loss of so much more. I always love a book with deep character development and this one has that. I felt all of Corbi’s feelings throughout the entire book. I also liked how ordinary his character was. The short and quick glimpses into his internal monologue were the perfect way to develop his character. Also, I love how his character was developed by the surrounding cast of characters without losing sight of this being Corby’s story. The social justice issues were also present without overtaking the story leaving room for deep bookclub conversations. This is a must read for me!”

— Melissa • Pages & Parcels

Bookseller recommendation

“A tragic situation for a young family and a father sent to prison. I wasn't sure I wanted to read this, but so incredibly glad I did. This is a thought provoking tale in so many ways and I found it extremely difficult to stop listening to do other things. This touches on many subjects and will stay with me for a long time. Kudos Wally Lamb!”

— Nona • CoffeeTree Books

Bookseller recommendation

“So happy that Wally has written another book, he is a master at taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. I know the story of Corby will stay with me. Highly recommend”

— Jeannie • Fireside Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The wait for a new Wally Lamb book has been long, but so worth it. His newest novel, The River Is Waiting, is the story of Corby Ledbetter, who must live with the tragic consequences of his drug and alcohol abuse. It is also a story of the corrupt, dangerous, and inept prison system, and the power of supportive community within the confines of said places. As Ledbetter counts down the days until his release, faces his demons, and tries to imagine life after incarceration, we go along as witnesses. ”

— Mamie • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In this compelling novel, Wally Lamb has stared down any parent’s worst nightmare in a searing story of addiction and forgiveness of self and others. Along the way we have an indictment of the penal system and come to care deeply about people often judged as worthless and discarded. Jeremy Sisto’s narration brings our flawed protagonist to life – he’s a man we want to disparage and dismiss, but we come to empathize with Corby and his struggles.”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A heartfelt and heartbreaking examination of loss, addiction, and the cruelty of the carceral system in the U.S. Unflinchingly told and deeply felt. ”

— noah • Loyalty Bookstores

Bookseller recommendation

“This story is born from an utter tragedy. It’s about forgiveness. For yourself. For others. Exceptionally written.”

— Simona • Companion Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a beautiful, moving (and often emotional) read. The narrator is actor Jeremy Sisto and is excellent as Cordy, the main character (it's all about the narrator, trust me!). This heartwrenching story is a very real portrayal of prison life in the United States. The story has stayed with me for weeks. ”

— Finley • Finley’s Fiction