'The River Is Waiting' a story of redemption after tragedy

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength — carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorry; it empties today of its strength.”

— Corrie Ten Boom

Bestselling author Wally Lamb released a fantastic book this year titled “The River Is Waiting.”

It’s a heart-wrenching story about a young father named Corby Ledbetter who has a hidden addiction to alcohol and benzos. He was laid off from his job, so he took over the child care duties while his wife works as a teacher. While home, he finds zoning out on pills and shots of Captain Morgan help to get him through his days at home while managing his twins, Maisie and Niko.

One day, Corby was impaired and causes an accident that results in Niko’s death.

The bulk of the story involves Corby’s experiences and soul-searching while in jail for three years for the death of his son. While in jail he is plagued with the loss of his son, and the separation from his wife and his other twin daughter. He feels abandoned by his family while experiencing abuse from the guards. He forges friendships with the librarian and other prisoners, he also develops a close relationship with his cellmate Manny.

With his relationships in prison, he experiences small acts of kindness and kinship with other offenders.

The book also criticizes the rampant injustice within the prison system and disparities the men hold onto and do not discuss. Writing about these complicated characters seems to be common for Lamb, for he touches on subjects like male anger, school shootings, violent alcoholism and self-harm in his books. He uses these complicated issues to write about injustices and finds ways to help readers feel hopeful.

“The River Is Waiting” is a story of redemption after tragedy, but also includes some insights that allow the reader to feel at home and understand that mercy and reconciliation are possibilities. Although this isn’t a book that is considered a cozy, feel-good story line, it does touch on the fact that many of us deal with family members who have addiction issues. It’s a guide for forgiveness, mercy and understanding that sometimes understanding that those who deal with addiction are just as frustrated and lost in their lives.

“If you focus on what’s harmonious and beautiful in your present surroundings, harmony and beauty will follow you.” — “The River is Waiting,” Wally Lamb

Deborah Condit is the owner of Books on the Bosque, 6261 Riverside Plaza Lane, Suite A-2 or at booksonthebosque.com.