Book description
Wally Lamb's The River Is Waiting takes the kind of heart-wrenching, hopeful storytelling that has made him a favorite among readers and critics alike, and it delivers it with his trademark blend of lyrical prose and unflinching honesty. The book was selected for Oprah's Book Club-a nod that speaks volumes about its emotional resonance-and it lives up to the hype.
At its core is Corby Ledbetter, a young father whose life spirals out of control when he loses his job, battles an addiction, and ultimately commits a crime that shatters his family. The narrative does not linger on guilt; instead, Lamb uses Corby's prison experience as a crucible for transformation. Inside the walls of the penitentiary, readers witness both the brutality that can break a person and the small, unexpected acts of kindness that sustain hope. From a compassionate librarian who sees light in Corby to a tender-hearted cellmate and a troubled teen craving guidance, the characters he encounters become mirrors reflecting his own capacity for change.
What makes this novel truly compelling is Lamb's skillful balance between the bleakness of confinement and the possibility of redemption. He writes about pain with such clarity that it feels immediate, yet he never lets despair dominate the story. Instead, each chapter nudges Corby-and the reader-toward a deeper understanding that forgiveness, both self-forgiveness and from loved ones, is not merely an abstract ideal but a living, breathing process.
The book's title itself, The River Is Waiting, evokes a sense of inevitable flow-a metaphor for life's unrelenting currents that carry us forward, even when we feel stuck. Lamb turns this imagery into a thematic backbone: the river as a force that demands release, renewal, and ultimately, acceptance.
For those who appreciate narratives that confront difficult truths while holding onto hope, this novel is a must-read. It reminds us that no matter how far one falls, there are still currents of compassion waiting to carry us toward redemption.
Santa's Little Helper
Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Jade Fox
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
K-Tin Man
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Zod
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Lightening Trip
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Demolition Queen
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Gullyway
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Spoiler
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Miss Fix It
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Stickers
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Miss Lucky
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚
Sprinkle Lovenuts
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Lady Q
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
High Beam
Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Grotas
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
ByteBard
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation.
Seattle Jay
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Fast FLAK
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Cuff Queen
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Midnight Rambler
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience