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The River Is Waiting

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The River Is Waiting

Written by: Wally Lamb
Narrated by: Jeremy Sisto
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About this listen

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
Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Emotionally Gripping Tearjerking
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This book absolutely wrecked me, in the best and worst ways. It’s a heartbreaking story about every parent’s nightmare. Some people might not be able to stomach the subject matter, and that’s totally fair, it’s heavy.

For me, it was totally worth it. It’s one of the most beautifully written and gut-wrenchingly tragic stories I’ve read in a long time and the characters will stay with me long after the final page. I absolutely loved it! The narrator was perfection. Five stars, and fair warning: you’ll need tissues. 💔

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful and Gut-wrenching

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Wally Lamb’s The River is Waiting follows Corby Ledbetter, a grieving father who is incarcerated after the accidental death of his two-year-old son. During his 2.5 year prison sentence, he wrestles with overwhelming guilt, addiction issues, and the search for redemption.

This is a tough read. It pushes us to the edge of our comfort zones and forces us to grapple with messy questions about blame, forgiveness, marriage, parenthood, loyalty, and what redemption really means.

Some of the one-star reviews I’ve read say they just couldn’t forgive Corby. He did something terrible and should be punished forever. But real life, especially when it comes to mental illness, addiction, and the loss of a child under tragic circumstances, is seldom black and white. There are layers and complications. Things that can’t be neatly explained.

Years ago, my family lived through a similar tragedy that changed us. Because of that, Corby’s experience—and the way he processes the unthinkable—felt so true to me. The same goes for Emily, his wife, and the way she tries to move on after the worst has happened. Grief is raw and unpredictable, and it looks different for everyone. There isn’t an instruction manual.

This story did hit a lot of nerves, but I found the ending to be healing for many of the characters we get to know throughout the story.

I can’t say I loved the book, exactly, but it felt important. And the writing was honest.
Some readers are p*ssed with Lamb weaving his political views into the story, but I say—go for it, Wally. Say what needs saying!

This book won’t be for everyone. But I’m glad I listened to it. The narrator, Jeremy Sisto, was brilliant.

A Tough Listen but a Brilliant One

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Excellent story and narrator. Would highly recommend. Caution to anyone who could be triggered by the subjects covered.

Brilliantly written and narrated. Realities of humanity both good and bad so it can be a tough listen at times. Well developed characters highlighting tragedy, transformation and hope. Still catching my breath.

Excellent story and narrator. Would highly recommend. Caution to anyone who could be triggered by the subjects covered.

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What a raw, emotional journey of Corbie, an original story that pull you through happiness, shock, disappointment, anger and finally understanding. Great read, highly recommend!

Fantastic

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Excellent book - loved the narrator. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good listen or read!

Not what I expected - very well weitten

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It was a tragic tale and just depressing to listen to. This will not lift you up. I also found the chapter on the release from prison chapter inaccurate.

Just a sad book.

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This is a decent story. I can see other people really enjoying it but for me, it was kind of meh. Theres nothing bad about it and I think it tells a unique perspective that’s often overlooked but it didn’t blow me away. It’s not something I’d go out of my way to recommend but I’m glad I gave it a listen.

A decent story

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Every turn brings a new perspective. There is no black and white rule or punishment that fits the situations the main character finds himself in.

Quietly Epic

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Heartbreaking story about addiction, recovery and just how hard life can be. I was so engaged, wanting to know the journey and the outcome. Narration was great. Listen to this book!

Unbelievably good read

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Makes you think. Tough to put down. Provokes feelings of empathy and frustration on behalf of the characters throughout. Might be hard for parents to get through.

Impactful

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