The River by Michael Neale

From the publisher: 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.

I have to say that this book lacked depth in many ways.  I was not drawn to any of the characters, least of all the main character Gabriel.  A book can be not very deep, but at least entertaining and engaging.  This book was neither deep, nor entertaining, nor engaging.  This book was choppy and caused me to not really didn't care if Gabriel conquered his fears or got a better life because he was written in a very flat way.  When reading it I felt like I was reading middle/high school writing craft.  

Spiritually there was more mysticism/animism/etc. than Christianity.  There is a hawk that appears to comfort Gabriel, and the River talks to him, an important teacher of his is named after the river, and a special dog helps him at the river.  There could have been many chances to show that God is the One who heals our deepest grief, but instead it was this magical river.

The story line had potential but it was not carried out well.  I cannot recommend this book.

I received this book from Booksneeze for my honest review.