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Surrounding this book has been quite a bit of hype. My anticipation was of reading this book was much higher than my enjoyment.
It's not a bad book. It's not boring. It's not poorly written.
But it's not a book that captured me with it's brilliance, nor it's poignancy. Gabriel's father dies rescuing another man when Gabriel is a little boy. It's no wonder Gabriel is drawn to The River. His history is there, as is the turning point of his entire life.
Many chapters ended with a foreshadowing teaser and this lent to the predictability of the storyline. I've never been a fan of predictability in the books I read.
I also did not enjoy the telling of Gabriel's relationship with Tabitha. Not only because I figured out immediately where it would end up, including "the secret", but because she was very forward and strong in her initiative of the entire relationship. Their flirtations were high schoolish and immature as well and it didn't fit the soul searching depth the book attempted to portray.
The only thing I truly appreciated about the book, was when taken as a symbolic narrative, there are some nuggets to grab and hold on to as it unfolds. But this is the only thing that redeems it for me.
Despite what the social media is giving this book, I'm only giving it a 3.5 out of 5 rating.
Book Description
“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.
