The River by Michael Neale {Review}

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The River by Michael Neale is the story of a young man who finds healing, forgiveness, and purpose. Gabriel Clarke grew up on The River until, at the age of five, he witnessed a tragic event that changed his life.

After this event, Gabriel left The River and his life in Colorado for life on a farm in Kansas. He was hurt, scared, and lonely, but he survived. And then, he was invited to go back to The River. While there, Gabriel Clarke realized the truth of the saying he heard over and over: “You were made for The River.”

The River is an amazing story. But if you read past the literal story and see it as an allegory, it is inspirational. Like Gabriel Clarke, I spent a lot of my life living in the fear brought on by past hurts. The walls I erected helped me minimize future hurt, but they also kept me from really living. The River reminded me that there is no real life without risk. Over the past several years, I have begun to tear the walls down and really live, much as Gabriel does in the novel. The freedom that comes with letting go of the past and reveling in the possibilities ahead is exhilarating.

Gabriel found his destiny on The River. Read it for yourself. You might catch a glimpse of who you can become.

“He joined the ranks of those who dare to leave the safety of what they’ve always known for a better place . . . a place they were destined for from the beginning. No longer obligated to the chains of fear, grief, and resentment, Gabriel took hold of not who he was, but who he was to become.”

The River, page 287

Disclosure: I received a free copy of The River from Thomas Nelson through the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I did not (and will not) receive further compensation for this review. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.