The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)
By Wally Lamb

- Release Date: 2025-06-10
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
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?
Reviews
Disappointed
1By GreenerB4505This book is so depressing from start to finish. Filled with cringeworthy expressions that seemed like the author was trying to imitate “prison slang” - felt forced and inauthentic. I loved Wally Lamb’s other books, this one just wasn’t it for me.Shocked me, made me cry and gasp. Loved this book.
5By Amber Summerscan't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much. Good job WallyTerrific book
5By pinbooksExcellent.The river is waiting
4By send memy moneyWhy do we have to be subjected to the authors political views every time we pick up the book. Wally Lamb was my favorite author, but he’s gone way down the list now.Brilliant book.
4By rosemary merloThe grief experienced by the characters held me totally captivated.Wally lamb
5By jshdjejdhNever disappoints.The River is Waiting
5By OlyRonWow! Just wow!Only the second time I’ve given five stars
5By FakeApp300Wow! Just… WOW!!!! I laughed, cried, was angry, hopeful, intrigued and on the edge of my seat. This will for sure become a classic.