The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)

Written by Wally Lamb

Narrated by Jeremy Sisto

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jun 10, 2025
• ISBN: 9781797188348

Wally Lamb

Wally Lamb is the author of five New York Times bestselling novels: She’s Come Undone, I Know This Much Is True, The Hour I First Believed, Wishin’ and Hopin’, and We Are Water. His first two works of fiction, She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, were both #1 New York Times bestsellers and selections of Oprah’s Book Club. Lamb edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself, I’ll Fly Away, and You Don’t Know Me, three volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he has been a volunteer facilitator for two decades. He lives in Connecticut.

Reviews for The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)

[mandarachelle80 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was really good. It had me feeling all the feelings and emotions. Devastated at the loss of Niko. I was driving when that part happened and I had tears rolling down my face. Was shocked at the ending.

[bjlewishr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written, powerful lessons to learn from every character. Love it, 10/10 recommend.

[cheyenne.rollins25 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW !
What a touching, insightful read.
All of the feels. Lots of tears for lots of literary friends made.
Full of gems and points to think on.
I’m really just … floored now that it’s over .

[Maggie Binkley-Ingold · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Soooo good, I’m going to need some time to process it!!!!

[jlynn1026 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written, captivating, great story. Has all the feels. 5 stars.

[Chris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was so emotional and deep. The characters were so well developed. Couldn’t put it down.

[Lynne Ward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well narrated, touching. I did find it a bit long, but it did still keep my interest.

[choya · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Narration was great! The broad strokes of the story was really good and was well written. Although the nonstop political and social justice comintary became annoying. I feel like the book came very close to being a great one but it was tripping over itself with the main character being a bit too self righteous.

[Jennifer Broussard Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wally Lamb NEVER misses. This was a gut wrenching story that deals with addiction, loss, grief, social and institutional issues, friendship, family, abuse, and redemption. As usual, I am blown away by another WL book.

[katietanner79 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I had high hopes for this book, based on the amazing reviews. However, if you are in the middle or right politically, prepare to read/hear constant direct digs and insults and implications about your political party and lack of a moral compass. I didn't realize listening to this would be comparable to watching CNN. It was so disheartening! The ironic thing is that the author chose the main character, Corbie, to consistnely bash "the right," yet Corbie was the one who ran over his kid and ended up in prison. How fitting.

[Regina Belmer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So many well developed characters! So realistic you can believe you are in each scene! Not white-washed or sugar coated in any way. There is a reason that Wally Lamb is such a beloved author!

[Edna O'Brien · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Vivid and clear!!! Reality of tragedies we experience in life told with heartfelt empathy. Life of full of take a closer look moments!

[Jodie Boucher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Real, raw, awakening, mental health, marriage, addiction, grief, friendships, love, loss, and forgiveness.