The River Is Waiting

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of The River Is Waiting? Did the book meet your expectations based on its premise?

2. How did your feelings toward Corby shift as the story unfolded? What aspects of the writing most influenced your sympathies or judgments?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Were there any moments in the book that resonated with your personal experiences—either with grief, forgiveness, and/or guilt? How were your experiences different or similar from those depicted in the story?

2. How do you interpret Corby’s journey toward redemption? In your own life, have you ever struggled to forgive yourself or someone else?

3. Emily’s reactions to Corby are complex and layered. Have you ever been in a situation where someone else’s pain made it difficult to express your own? How do you relate to Emily’s emotional reserve?

4. The novel highlights the importance of human connection in healing. Who in your life plays a role like Manny or Dr. Patel does for Corby?

5. Dr. Patel’s approach to therapy emphasizes validation and truth-telling. What is your impression of her as a character, and how might her approach reflect or contrast with your view of mental health care?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the novel critique the US prison system and its treatment of inmates, particularly in light of COVID-19? Did the novel challenge or shape your views of these issues in any way?

2. In what ways does the story expose the long-term effects of childhood trauma? How might this deepen our understanding of recidivism and rehabilitation?

3. The novel touches on Indigenous history and erasure through Solomon’s background. How did the inclusion of the Wequonnoc tribe affect your interpretation of the story?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Why do you think Lamb chose to shift narrators in the final part of the novel? How did hearing from Dr. Patel and Emily affect the story’s conclusion?

2. How does the motif of truth-telling evolve throughout the novel? Who struggles most with honesty, and why do you think that is?

3. In what ways does Lamb use minor characters—like Dale, Mrs. Millman, or Frank—to underscore the major themes of the novel?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you could design your own mural inspired by the events or themes of this novel, what would it include? Explain your choices and what they represent to you.

2. Imagine The River Is Waiting is a film or limited series. Who would you cast in the key roles of Corby, Emily, Manny, and Solomon? Why?