Allison's Book Report: “The River Is Waiting” by Wally Lamb

Last week was such a busy week in my house. I took kids to the water park, the orthodontist (twice), and a million other places teenagers need to go. Then my husband and I spent the weekend soaking up the sun and the good vibes at a reggae festival in Reno. It didn’t leave a ton of time for sitting down and reading a book, but thank goodness for audiobooks! This week’s book was too good to miss because of a busy schedule!

Wally Lamb, the author behind some seriously impactful reads (and a couple of Oprah’s picks!), is back with “The River Is Waiting,” and it’s going to hit you right in the feels.

The story begins with our main character, Corby Ledbetter, already in a tough spot. He’s just become a dad, lost his job, and is secretly battling an addiction that’s putting a huge strain on his marriage to Emily, who he clearly adores. You can already sense things are teetering on the edge when a horrific accident directly caused by Corby shatters his family. It’s the kind of event that changes everything—especially when it lands him in prison.

Once Corby’s on the inside, the book really explores the harsh realities of incarceration. He’s exposed to some pretty horrific stuff, but in true Wally Lamb fashion, there are also glimmers of humanity and unexpected connections. He finds little sparks of kindness and kinship: there’s a prison librarian who seems to see beyond his mistakes, a sweet-hearted cellmate, and even a troubled teenager who looks up to him. These unexpected allies, along with his mom’s unwavering belief in him, start to give Corby a reason to hope.

As Corby navigates prison life, he’s obviously grappling with the immense weight of his actions. At its core, “The River Is Waiting” is about his journey toward redemption. Can he move past the tragedy he caused? Can he find a way to forgive himself—and more importantly, can the people he loves ever forgive him? “The River Is Waiting” is an intense but ultimately hopeful exploration of personal responsibility, the enduring power of faith (both in others and in oneself), and the complex, often difficult path toward mercy and reconciliation. It’s a powerful narrative about finding light even in the darkest places.

Wally Lamb is one of the best literary fiction writers of our time. All his books are heartbreaking and tender at the same time, and “The River Is Waiting” is no exception. I really enjoyed the audiobook, which is read by Jeremy Sisto, an actor whose voice I immediately recognized from his stints on TV shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Suburgatory,” and he really brings Corby to life.

I hope you find a minute to enjoy a book this week even if life is busy—and don’t forget to pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more recommendations and bookish fun.