“You were made for The River . . .” Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure. But something holds him back — the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old. It was something no child should ever see. Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him. When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest — and bravest — thing he has ever done.
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"Neat story. I have to admit, though that I guessed the ending about halfway through the book. It was a very touching story of forgiveness, overcoming difficulties in life, and becoming the person you were meant to be. I liked the symbolism of the River and its healing powers, it is living water, it is more than just a river."
— Karyn (4 out of 5 stars)
“The River is a story that will transform how you see yourself and the world.”
— Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Traveler’s Gift“Neale evokes a relationship between his protagonist and nature as real as any Gabriel has with the people around him as he learns that by trusting the River to guide him, he will end up where he is meant to be.”
— Booklist“Entertaining, thought provoking, challenging, and compelling…You can’t read The River and not be impacted…I certainly was.”
— Jordan Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Makers Diet“Beauty, sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, a son's love for his father…the themes in this novel moved me to tears. The River will inspire your soul!”
— Rebecca St. James" If you only read one book this year, make it this one. I have never cried that hard reading a book. I mean we are talking having to wipe the tears so the words would come back into focus. I started it after my kids got on the us to go to school and finished it before they got home. LOVED IT!! "
— Heather, 2/1/2014" Gabriel's journey through this story is riveting, and I've yet to recommend this title to anyone who wasn't captivated by it. I think everyone can relate to the protagonist's experience of having to let go of the pain from his past in order to embrace the future for which he's destined. "
— Megan, 1/18/2014" wish we could do halves...I'd give this one 3.5 stars. I had a hard time getting started with it. The chapters dealing with Gabriel's life growing up seemed choppy and sometimes didn't mean a lot, but once I got to the second half of the book I was much more interested. Near the end I couldn't put it down and I loved the ending! There are some powerful lessons about loss and what it can do to our psyche, about having the courage to overcome your fears and about forgiveness. It's a quick read and well worth it. "
— Karen, 1/13/2014" Loved the eloquent descriptions of running the river. "
— Jeannette, 12/3/2013" I truly enjoyed it! I seemed to begin slowly but then I recognized the voice of the book and I do not wish to give that away! It was very inspirational a great read. "
— Debbie, 11/26/2013" Good christian novel with lots of life lessons.... "
— Kim, 7/2/2013" An easy, quick read, and quite uplifting. Just what I needed. 3 1/2 stars. "
— Mandy, 1/13/2013" Enjoyed this book. It was this author's debut novel and I think he has excellent potential. The subject matter of whitewater rafting reinvigorated a bucket list item for me as that is an adventure I wish to experience. Overall a good read and I would recommend it. "
— Richard, 1/13/2013" really good, very thought provoking, asks the questions are you really living the fullest life you were meant to? "
— Melinda, 1/8/2013Michael Neale, Dove-nominated artist, songwriter, and master storyteller, is a sought after conference speaker, teacher, and concert artist. His songs have been recorded by singers Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Philips, Craig & Dean, Todd Agnew, and many more. He influences churches around the country as a seasoned communicator and performer. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and children.