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The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK

#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?

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Published Jun 10, 2025

480 pages

Average rating: 8.89

9 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

boyleschris
Jun 29, 2025
Lesa's recommendation
Anibanani
Jul 02, 2025
9/10 stars
Captivating story about loss and substance abuse. Started out strong and engaging. The ending was not what I expected but surpassed my expectations. This is now one of my favorite reads so far this year
AR74
Jun 21, 2025
8/10 stars
Wally Lamb never disappoints. A full spectrum of emotions. Beautiful meditation on grief, and redemption.

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