Wally Lamb, THE RIVER IS WAITING: A Novel

Special re-release! To close out the year, we’re counting down the Top 10 most-listened-to episodes of 2025. Coming in at #6: Zibby’s interview with Wally Lamb. Enjoy!OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK! #1 New York Times bestselling author Wally Lamb returns to the podcast to discuss THE RIVER IS WAITING, an epic, heart-wrenching tale of a young father who, after an unbearable tragedy, reckons with the possibility of atonement for the unforgivable. Wally shares the haunting inspiration behind the story—a blend of the Mexican legend of La Llorona and the heartbreaking reality of backover accidents—and how his own experiences with addiction, parenting, and teaching writing to incarcerated women shaped the emotional core of the book. Together, they explore themes of grief, resilience, self-forgiveness, and redemption. Wally also shares a sneak peek of his next novel and then offers writing advice: the magic is in revision.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4jBY6l1Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.