The River by Michael Neale

“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.

My review:

This book is somewhat of an allegory, for a lack of a better description. The book is a fictional account of a young man who had had a bad experience with the river, and is trying to overcome his fear of it. The book is well written and has some great characters. I really enjoyed the story, and the message in it. The author has a great way with words, and describes scenes and things that happen so well, you feel like you are there.

The idea of the book is that we all need to face our fears, experience life at its best, and to not let fear rob us of joy and real living. The author did a great job of using a fictional story to get his points across. I'd recommend the book to anyone. It is a great reminder for anyone that God is in control, and we need to trust Him and really live.

About the author:

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.

Check out his website.

Check out the website for the book.

The River is available from Thomas Nelson Publishers

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for the review copy.