The River is Waiting is the kind of book that tears you apart yet cannot be put down. I flew through this chunky drama, my first but not last by Wally Lamb, as I couldn't wait to know what would become of Corby. Corby is a devastatingly flawed yet still somehow endearing and lovable main character. I must say that the first chapter of this book ends with one of the hardest scenes I've ever read, and please check content warnings before you begin this literary journey. 

Corby Ledbetter has had a rough year. He's a new father to twins and without a job, he's become their primary caregiver. When a series of mistakes lead to the worst of family tragedies, Corby heads to prison. The majority of the novel takes place as Corby serves his time, and he is determined to improve himself and prove to his wife that he is worth not giving up on. 

I really cannot say enough about how much this book and Lamb's characters gripped my heart. Corby is an incredibly dynamic character and he will frustrate you as he makes decisions good and bad throughout the story. And the rest of the characters are richly developed and realistic as well, you'll root for them and hate them, relate to them and hurt for them. 

But I'd be remiss not to mention the ending. I won't spoil it, but this ending was very hard for me. I love what Lamb captures in this book and that it is based on his professional and volunteer experiences. This one will be on my mind for a long time to come.