The River

Every once in awhile you come across a book that really makes a difference in your life. One that makes an impact; one that makes a difference in how you move forward in your life. Such is the case in the inspirational fictional novel from Michael Neale, The River. I first saw an ad for this book and it was highly recommended by some of my favorite authors, one being Andy Andrews, who I have most of his books in my personal library. This one will definitely be joining them.

In the book, The River, it chronicles an encounter Michael Neale had with a mountain hiker he had met in a Denver airport when his plane was delayed. During a conversation, this man, Gabriel Clarke, shared with Michael his life story and in the end, this is the contents of that man's life and how he arrived to their chance encounter at the airport. It is nothing less than awe-inspiring and truly moving. You will not be the same after reading this.

The adventure begins with the love of a river guide, John Clarke, Gabriel's father as they are planning a hiking trip when he was only 5-years-old, but well beyond those years on the inside. Gabriel looked up to his father like most, and truly saw only the hero in his father's eyes. When a tragic circumstance that Gabriel witnesses, his life is forever changed in a way that no one should ever have to face. Now left alone and facing his worst fears as he grows up, Gabriel often retreats inside himself to help cope on his bad days. It takes much encouragement from his mom, to get him to even attend a swimming trip to the local pond, in which one more Gabriel will be left feeling responsible. As the man grows, he knows he must come face to face with the tragedy and fear that has changed him, if he ever expects to be half the man his father knew he could be. It will only take the calling of the River and a return to a place where we must all face our greatest fears.

I received, The River by Michael Neale compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and was captivated by the story. It truly does keep the reader engaged from beginning to end and like most great inspirational books, it leaves you looking at your own life in introspect. Dark times in life are inescapable. They feel like a turn life wasn't supposed to take. It may be grief, shame and illness - financial, relational, or otherwise. We all have those times...it's part of the fabric of being broken people, living in a broken world. The good news is...it is not forever. The beauty and power of this story is not that The River pulled Gabriel out of the dark times forever and ever. It's that The River called to him and joined him in those hurtful dark places, much like God does in our own lives. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this amazing book and see if it doesn't inspire you in your own battles with fear. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on The River, Michael Neale, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The River by Michael Neale

You can also find Michael Neale on Facebook.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 18, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401688489
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688486
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 8.3 inches