The River Is Waiting

De: Wally Lamb

Narrado por: Jeremy Sisto

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

#1 New York Times bestselling author Wally Lamb, celebrated for two prior Oprah Book Club selections, returns with an exceptional third pick, a propulsive novel following a young father grappling with unbearable tragedy as he searches for hope, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness.

Corby Ledbetter is struggling. New fatherhood, the loss of his job, and a growing secret addiction have thrown his marriage to his beloved Emily into a tailspin. And that’s before he causes the tragedy that tears the family apart. Sentenced to prison, Corby struggles to survive life on the inside, where he bears witness to frightful acts of brutality but also experiences small acts of kindness and elemental kinship with a prison librarian who sees his light and some of his fellow offenders, including a tender-hearted cellmate and a troubled teen desperate for a role model. Buoyed by them and by his mother’s enduring faith in him, Corby begins to transcend the boundaries of his confinement, sustained by his hope that mercy and reconciliation might still be possible. Can his crimes ever be forgiven by those he loves?

©2025 Wally Lamb (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Beautifully written

It was hard to hear what was coming next at times. Top ten books for me.

River is Waiting

This book is very depressing as it shows a realistic view on the struggles of addiction and life in a men’s prison. The explicit description of the abuse in the prison is something I wish I never read so be prepared.

The most devastating book ever

If you are looking for a book that will make you sob and stay on your mind for months then this is the one for you. The writing is incredible and you will find yourself being super emotionally invested.

All the feels

Wally Lamb only gets better with time. This one evaluates grief from multiple perspectives. Have tissues ready. Beautifully written!

Extremely raw and honest

Beautifully depicted characters , vivid descriptions, accurate portrayal of prison life and how people can change

A big error in chapter 3

In chapter 3 at about 17 minutes I found what I think is a big error. He says Emily began spotting in Missouri, and they saw a doctor in Oklahoma City, and she miscarried near Nashville. Did the author or editors happen to check a map? This is just sloppy. They took a very strange route to get to Rhode Island.

Excellent read!

Story is amazing and raw. Loved the characters and how human and vulnerable they are.

Beautifully heartbreaking!

Couldn’t put it down! Wonderful story. Terrific narration. Wally lamb never disappoints. Hard at times but so worth it!

Gripping Emotional Drama

Totally engrossing book! There were extremely difficult passages throughout, including right in the beginning. The story rings true, and that’s what’s so gripping. Really thoughtful and realistic depiction of a family’s struggle with an addictive disorder. Very sad, but I loved it.

The story

I felt so much compassion and empathy for Corby.
I haven't "felt" a book in awhile.
I love Mr Lamb's books.
This is his best.