Eternal on the Water

By: Joseph Monninger

Narrated by: Neil Shah

From the day Cobb and Mary meet kayaking on Maine’s Allagash River and fall deeply in love, the two approach life with the same sense of adventure they use to conquer the river’s treacherous rapids. But rivers do not let go so easily - and neither does their love. When Mary’s life takes the cruelest turn, she vows to face those rough waters on her own terms and asks Cobb to promise, when the time comes, to help her return to their beloved river for one final journey.

Set against the rugged wilderness of Maine, the exotic islands of Indonesia, the sweeping panoramas of Yellowstone National Park, and the tranquil villages of rural New England, Eternal on the Water is at once heartbreaking and uplifting - a timeless, beautifully rendered story of true love’s power.

Joseph Monninger has published several award-winning young adult novels and three books of nonfiction, including the memoir Home Waters. He has been awarded two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and lives and teaches in New Hampshire, where he also runs a dogsled team.

©2010 Joseph Monninger (P)2012 Blackstone

Romantic and informational

A novel that explains the courage and need to understand disease and real life today.

A beautiful incredible story but not an easy one.

This book was the book club selection for the small book group that I have joined. I rarely read the description of the book because I know that sometimes I will think the book is not “for me”. So needless to say I was not prepared. This book is so well written and beautifully narrated. The imagery is breathtaking and the story is so tender. Of course the story deals with a heavy topic of death but it is through that heavy topic that there is such respect and beauty. This was a wonderful book. I am glad I listened.

a forever-on-my-shelf book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not only would I recommend this book to friends, but I ordered the hard copy for my library.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I don't cry easily and even though I braced myself for the inevitable ending, I found myself sobbing.

Any additional comments?

Eternal on the Water is a life-changing book. It prompts us to appreciate life and to be present in this moment. It calls to us to appreciate the people who share our lives. It makes you believe in the kindness of people. I loved every minute.

A superb book

Do you love a good love story set in New England, do you love kayaking, and the natural environment and curious about the end of life for some with a non-curable disease? But above all, do you have an appreciation for superbly written, and read books? I could not stop listening to this novel.

Eternal on the water

My cousin bought me the hardback version of this book,but I prefer audible.She loved it and I loved it! It is a sad but happy story about two people in the world who eet their Yetis. Neil Shah was a wonderful narrator!

Compelling story

What did you love best about Eternal on the Water?

The unique personalities

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eternal on the Water?

The final farewell

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I both laughed and cried

Any additional comments?

A very touching and unusual romance