“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—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.
Read Chapter 1,2 & 3 here
The River Discussion Kit
| Publication Date | September 18, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Publishes by | |
| ISBN-10 | 1401688489 |
| ISBN-13 | 9781401688486 |
Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.
With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.
As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.
Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.
My Thoughts
I love this quote from the book "Life is not to be merely survived--it is meant to be lived."
One of my favorite excerpts from the book is on page 272 where Gabriel is sitting outside with Ezra looking out at THE RIVER. Don't read it until you have read up to that page! It will move you beyond measure.
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When Gabriel Clarke was five years old he watched THE RIVER take his father. Ever since that day Gabriel has flashback, reliving that day which causes him to to to a special place deep inside of himself. Gabriel has bad days when the memories haunt him. Even his friends are aware that Gabriel is different at times and it has something to do with THE RIVER and his father. His best friend Jimmy seems to always have his back.
Gabriel and him mom rent a place from Mister Earl and his wife on a farm in Kansas which is nothing like Colorado where he had lived with his father.
As Gabriel turns twenty he is even more restless than ever. He is working at the five and dime but he wants so much more for himself. Then one day at work he receives a call from his old friend Jimmy. Jimmy wants Gabriel to go on a trip camping and rafting with some buddies in Colorado. Gabriel was hesitant at first then decided it would be good to get away.
When they got to the campsite Gabriel meets THE RIVER that has haunted him for years.
Will Gabriel go back into that secret place deep within himself or will he face his fears and THE RIVER?
This is a beautiful heart wrenching story of loss, redemption and coming face to face with ones fears. The author shows how friends and family can be instrumental in God's plan to heal an injured lost soul. This story may even be instrumental in helping other injured lost souls. Maybe that is even you. There are many ways to become lost.
I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
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