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River on Fire
"River on Fire" is the story of Randall Smith, a foundling orphan growing up in the midwestern United States in the late 1960s. Without the intimate guidance of loving parents, Randall struggles to understand a dangerous and confusing world during one of the most tumultuous times in modern history. Immensely readable and filled with humor and irony, "River on Fire" will both warm and break your heart. "From first page to last, there’s not a single false note to be heard. "River on Fire" is beautifully rendered, and Randall Smith is a hero you'll find it very easy indeed to root for. -- Stephen C. Spencer, "Upon Further Review"
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2013
3751 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Scott Pratt
59 books1,566 followersScott Pratt is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Bestselling Author whose books have sold more than five million copies. He was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee until his tragic, untimely passing in November of 2018.
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
October 6, 2020
Hopeful is the best an orphan can be.
Randall was an orphan almost from birth and never got over it. There are no cures. He worked hard to be good and tried to be normal, but the system was against him. Few people cared and fewer people helped him. Misunderstood, mistreated, and ignored about the normal things, he was able to deal with threats, hard work, and few blessings. An occasional surprise or gift helped, but often the bad circumstances were worse than the blessings. The few real gifts of a baseball bat and glove were not the incentive to Excell when he was not allowed to participate in league sports or use his natural abilities. The situations in the world disturbed his hope but could not beat it out of him. The Army improved when he joined and made it better.
Randall was an orphan almost from birth and never got over it. There are no cures. He worked hard to be good and tried to be normal, but the system was against him. Few people cared and fewer people helped him. Misunderstood, mistreated, and ignored about the normal things, he was able to deal with threats, hard work, and few blessings. An occasional surprise or gift helped, but often the bad circumstances were worse than the blessings. The few real gifts of a baseball bat and glove were not the incentive to Excell when he was not allowed to participate in league sports or use his natural abilities. The situations in the world disturbed his hope but could not beat it out of him. The Army improved when he joined and made it better.
March 6, 2018
Wonderful Book
I have read all of Scott Pratt's books each one is page turner. They are fast reads which I enjoy.
Scott Pratt is a great author. Characters
are detailed but not to long in describing them. My daughter is a teacher and I have recommended that she has her class read River in Fire. There is no foul language or sex so it is appropriate for teens. Reminds me of Forrest Gump, but a different ending. Look forward to reading Scott Pratt's next book.
I have read all of Scott Pratt's books each one is page turner. They are fast reads which I enjoy.
Scott Pratt is a great author. Characters
are detailed but not to long in describing them. My daughter is a teacher and I have recommended that she has her class read River in Fire. There is no foul language or sex so it is appropriate for teens. Reminds me of Forrest Gump, but a different ending. Look forward to reading Scott Pratt's next book.
December 26, 2021
This book is a wonderful way to end the year.
April 18, 2016
Keep publishing
I have really enjoyed all of Mr. Pratt's books. As a former police officer and member of the administration of criminal justice community, I found the Dillard series very thought-provoking. In spite of the evil identified in all of the books, Mr. Pratt has given the reader the hope that justice will prevail. All characters were well developed. The stories were fascinating. I eagerly await the next book.
I have really enjoyed all of Mr. Pratt's books. As a former police officer and member of the administration of criminal justice community, I found the Dillard series very thought-provoking. In spite of the evil identified in all of the books, Mr. Pratt has given the reader the hope that justice will prevail. All characters were well developed. The stories were fascinating. I eagerly await the next book.
February 14, 2015
Don't miss this one
If you are a Scott Pratt fan, like I am, you will find this one very different from his usual legal thrillers. But it is well worth reading for its beautifully written story and terrific, mind blowing ending . Book club members should pick this one because it includes a really well-thought-out study guide .
If you are a Scott Pratt fan, like I am, you will find this one very different from his usual legal thrillers. But it is well worth reading for its beautifully written story and terrific, mind blowing ending . Book club members should pick this one because it includes a really well-thought-out study guide .
January 1, 2016
Sequel please!!!!
Riveting. I couldn't be more different from the protagonist but I related to him with every word. I didn't go very deep cognitively into this book but read it for enjoyment and that is sufficient. Wonderful. Great job mr Pratt!
Riveting. I couldn't be more different from the protagonist but I related to him with every word. I didn't go very deep cognitively into this book but read it for enjoyment and that is sufficient. Wonderful. Great job mr Pratt!
September 26, 2018
I loved this book. It was delightful and I did not want to turn off my Kindle. I have never been a book in one day person, but this one added me to that club.
January 2, 2014
Randall is an orphan who lives in a small 8-client orphanage for boys run by a husband and wife and her cousin. As care-givers go the people who run the place are kind but the man believes in corporal punishment. They also believe in God but the boys receive no love and never any token of affection. At 18 or high school graduation they get cast out into the world on their own with no support and no preparation. One of Randall’s buddy’s joins the marines and since this is the 60ies promptly ends up in Vietnam where he is killed shortly after arriving. Randall isn’t long in learning the stigma attached to being an orphan nor has he had any preparation in the social skills needed to deal with the opposite sex.
The book is written matter of factly from Randall’s point of view in the first person. It incorporates the events of the sixties: the Vietnam War, the various assassinations, Woodstock, forced school integration. Through it all Randall highlights the discrimination unique being an orphan. Strange to think that joining the army would be seen as a step up in life. The book has some editing errors but overall it’s a good read.
The book is written matter of factly from Randall’s point of view in the first person. It incorporates the events of the sixties: the Vietnam War, the various assassinations, Woodstock, forced school integration. Through it all Randall highlights the discrimination unique being an orphan. Strange to think that joining the army would be seen as a step up in life. The book has some editing errors but overall it’s a good read.
August 15, 2014
Randall
I really enjoyed this book and felt like I could pick Randall out of a room full of people. I loved Randall. he made the best out of what he was given...even without love and hugs and being made to feel as he should have as he was growing up. his life was sad but comfortable. he learned to work hard with very little enjoyment to life. the most sad thing was he never learned to discover life, ask questions and receive answers with meaning. he was given up and never loved. yet he continued through life with hope. I just wish I could hug Randall and show him 1 day of happiness and how life should be every day....and show him all children are miracles of God.
I really enjoyed this book and felt like I could pick Randall out of a room full of people. I loved Randall. he made the best out of what he was given...even without love and hugs and being made to feel as he should have as he was growing up. his life was sad but comfortable. he learned to work hard with very little enjoyment to life. the most sad thing was he never learned to discover life, ask questions and receive answers with meaning. he was given up and never loved. yet he continued through life with hope. I just wish I could hug Randall and show him 1 day of happiness and how life should be every day....and show him all children are miracles of God.
July 11, 2016
Liked most of it, but...
This was definitely a different kind of book from Scott Pratt. I enjoyed most of it, but I had a problem with Old Man Macklin sexually abusing one of the boys at the end of each visit. There's just no way that three adults in the same house wouldn't know what was happening, nor would they allow it to continue, even if he was funding the orphanage. I just can't buy into that one part of the story line. The rest of it was good, like a walk back in time through my own childhood as far as the historical references go.
This was definitely a different kind of book from Scott Pratt. I enjoyed most of it, but I had a problem with Old Man Macklin sexually abusing one of the boys at the end of each visit. There's just no way that three adults in the same house wouldn't know what was happening, nor would they allow it to continue, even if he was funding the orphanage. I just can't buy into that one part of the story line. The rest of it was good, like a walk back in time through my own childhood as far as the historical references go.
May 3, 2016
Perhaps his best
Having read all of the "Joe Dillard" books, I was pleasantly surprised by this totally different novel. Instead of a "lawyer drama" reminiscent of Grisham, this is a poignant, thoughtful coming of age story. A great read.
Having read all of the "Joe Dillard" books, I was pleasantly surprised by this totally different novel. Instead of a "lawyer drama" reminiscent of Grisham, this is a poignant, thoughtful coming of age story. A great read.
May 11, 2025
This book is excellent! A baby with no idea of just who his parents are. Everything is against him, but he refuses to surrender to the bitterness or hatred which so many do. The people at the orphans home show him love by accepting him, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual teachings. At times, the punishments are harsh and, in some cases unreasonable, but not daily or excessive. Certain rules are expected to be obeyed! While church is mandatory, the young man expresses doubts, but still is evolved. He demands respect of school bullies, yet does not bully in return. He has curiosity about sex, as do all young people. His journey to Woodstock had its own lessons of life: he saw kindness and disregard for others. He made a choice as did the two young men he traveled. His treatment at the hands of the orphanage owner as a young boy show the abuses of the ugliness of child sex abuse. The later abuse of Randall by the owner's son, the owner, and the court system is a gross display of the power of those in power. Both the boy and those who had cared for him were disrespected. There are many lessons woven into this story. I would love to read a sequel!
April 5, 2024
I devoured River On Fire over the course of two days, not only because it’s a short read but also because it proved to be one of the finest coming-of-age stories ever written. Yes, this is one of those rare, undiscovered gems that too few people know about.
Following the turbulent boyhood of an orphan growing up in rural Michigan in the late 1960s, the book perfectly captures a period in American history where unrest was at its peak, fear and war were tearing an entire nation apart, and hatred reigned supreme. Sound familiar? I must admit, I drew vivid parallels between the society described in the story and the society we have now. As Randall, the story’s narrator, observes: “People never change. They just get better weapons.”
Again, it is fairly short, but thanks to Pratt’s masterful storytelling, it’s a tale jam-packed with heart and soul. As I delved into Randall’s tragic childhood, I was deeply moved by his courage in facing the harsh realities of life. And I’m certain you will be, too. I highly recommend you check it out.
Following the turbulent boyhood of an orphan growing up in rural Michigan in the late 1960s, the book perfectly captures a period in American history where unrest was at its peak, fear and war were tearing an entire nation apart, and hatred reigned supreme. Sound familiar? I must admit, I drew vivid parallels between the society described in the story and the society we have now. As Randall, the story’s narrator, observes: “People never change. They just get better weapons.”
Again, it is fairly short, but thanks to Pratt’s masterful storytelling, it’s a tale jam-packed with heart and soul. As I delved into Randall’s tragic childhood, I was deeply moved by his courage in facing the harsh realities of life. And I’m certain you will be, too. I highly recommend you check it out.
March 22, 2018
The author has a precaution at the beginning of the book since the genre is very much different from what he is used to and good at writing. I’d say he’s being humble and need not bother.
The story, as told in the first person, though a little dark at times, was an enjoyable read. The lightness of the telling did that, I believe. This is about the life of an orphan boy who grew up in a home, loving and strict enough to prepare them for a decent future. Though it was presented like the story was written by the protagonist later on as an adult, the candid writing was very natural, even funny and very much something anybody can relate to, orphan or not.
The only thing I’m missing is the ‘what happens after’. It was good that the story ended in a hopeful note but if ever there would be a sequel, I’ll surely read that.
The story, as told in the first person, though a little dark at times, was an enjoyable read. The lightness of the telling did that, I believe. This is about the life of an orphan boy who grew up in a home, loving and strict enough to prepare them for a decent future. Though it was presented like the story was written by the protagonist later on as an adult, the candid writing was very natural, even funny and very much something anybody can relate to, orphan or not.
The only thing I’m missing is the ‘what happens after’. It was good that the story ended in a hopeful note but if ever there would be a sequel, I’ll surely read that.
January 5, 2020
Takes you into the mind of the ‘hero’ Randal Smith
Beautifully rendered in the first person, this is the story of Randal Smith, an orphan, living in an orphanage run by caring people. It narrates his story from a child to an adolescent How he struggles to understand God, the world in the 60s during the Vietnam war and its aftermath. He speaks of his first encounters with a girl and how he struggles to understand his feelings.
Randal ends up in a juvenile correctional facility because he beat up a man and paralyzed him while trying to save his guardian at the orphanage.
Very simply written, it is very touching and gripping in a very different way from Scott Pratt’s other books. A must read.
Beautifully rendered in the first person, this is the story of Randal Smith, an orphan, living in an orphanage run by caring people. It narrates his story from a child to an adolescent How he struggles to understand God, the world in the 60s during the Vietnam war and its aftermath. He speaks of his first encounters with a girl and how he struggles to understand his feelings.
Randal ends up in a juvenile correctional facility because he beat up a man and paralyzed him while trying to save his guardian at the orphanage.
Very simply written, it is very touching and gripping in a very different way from Scott Pratt’s other books. A must read.
January 16, 2018
Beautiful story
I have read all of Scott Pratt's novels. All of them are excellent. River of Fire stands alone as the most powerful novel he has written to date. It is complex, thought provoking and evokes strong emotions. I grew up in the 1960's and 1970's so I remember the events discussed in the story. This made it more personal for me . It was an unsettled time full of social change. Randall, our protagonist, exemplifies the feelings of the time. He questions God, society a d his trust in himself. This is a moving story of a boy who is so much more than he knows. I would recommend it to everyone.
I have read all of Scott Pratt's novels. All of them are excellent. River of Fire stands alone as the most powerful novel he has written to date. It is complex, thought provoking and evokes strong emotions. I grew up in the 1960's and 1970's so I remember the events discussed in the story. This made it more personal for me . It was an unsettled time full of social change. Randall, our protagonist, exemplifies the feelings of the time. He questions God, society a d his trust in himself. This is a moving story of a boy who is so much more than he knows. I would recommend it to everyone.
May 31, 2022
This is a novel about a young boy abandoned by his parents. He grows up in an orphanage in Michigan where the caregivers truly care and attempt to instill moral values during the 17 years the boy is with them. The protagonist is Randall. It takes place in 60-70 period. He goes to Woodstock when he is 16, he went without asking permission. He was punished. It is a coming of age story and is very pleasant to read. It makes the reader realize that there are good people in this world and some of them are raising orphaned boys in Michigan. So, take a break from the usual court room settings and sit back and relax with this short novel. I enjoyed it.
May 23, 2018
I very much enjoy the writing of Scott Pratt. I've read all of his series then found this stand alone book. I thought he did an excellent job of getting into the mind of a child and expressing the thoughts and feelings the way a child of these ages would (the book follows along through a large part of this boy's childhood)
The book is compelling, humerous at times and tearful at others, the author knows how to bring us inside his character's life.
Thanks for another great read! (I know, I need to get busy and review the others, too :))
The book is compelling, humerous at times and tearful at others, the author knows how to bring us inside his character's life.
Thanks for another great read! (I know, I need to get busy and review the others, too :))
May 1, 2020
Great book!
I recently discovered this author. I really love his writing style. This storyline was unique. It was a fast read and enjoyable. I just finished his Joe Dillard series and this was nothing like those books. I quickly read thru nine books in that series and wasn't ready to move on to a different author. I'm glad I chose this one.
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing was good with a few misspelled words. Not enough to affect the story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I recently discovered this author. I really love his writing style. This storyline was unique. It was a fast read and enjoyable. I just finished his Joe Dillard series and this was nothing like those books. I quickly read thru nine books in that series and wasn't ready to move on to a different author. I'm glad I chose this one.
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing was good with a few misspelled words. Not enough to affect the story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 6, 2023
Familiar and sadly accurate portrayal of getting on.
I was lucky to have the presence of one caring and concerned adult as I tried to worked my way through the challenges of adolescence. I was 14 when Woodstock
Occurred and 9 when J. Kennedy was assassinated. The voice in this characters story and many aspects of the story itself was shockingly similar to my own. Having the presence of caring adults can't be overstated. This is a good read and accurate description of how childhood memories reflect emotional highlights whether ones of anger, fear, love, or friendship.
I was lucky to have the presence of one caring and concerned adult as I tried to worked my way through the challenges of adolescence. I was 14 when Woodstock
Occurred and 9 when J. Kennedy was assassinated. The voice in this characters story and many aspects of the story itself was shockingly similar to my own. Having the presence of caring adults can't be overstated. This is a good read and accurate description of how childhood memories reflect emotional highlights whether ones of anger, fear, love, or friendship.
October 11, 2017
Awesome!
It was a good idea for Mr Pratt to 'warn' readers that this book wasn't his normal genre, so they would know in advance. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with Randall. I think he is wonderful. I couldn't wait to read each new chapter to see what would befall the poor kid next. I would love to see another book or three to see how Randall fares in his later years. Great job Mr Pratt!! Loved it.
It was a good idea for Mr Pratt to 'warn' readers that this book wasn't his normal genre, so they would know in advance. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with Randall. I think he is wonderful. I couldn't wait to read each new chapter to see what would befall the poor kid next. I would love to see another book or three to see how Randall fares in his later years. Great job Mr Pratt!! Loved it.
October 22, 2018
Interesting
I felt like I WAS reading the story of a boy, so well done was it in that regard. I was disappointed that after God answered his prayer to give a child his life back, this character actually turned the situation into something to blame God for. Though this may b the way of the world, it felt very wrong. It is probably telling me more about the author, which is sad to me. I would read more of his work, though.
I felt like I WAS reading the story of a boy, so well done was it in that regard. I was disappointed that after God answered his prayer to give a child his life back, this character actually turned the situation into something to blame God for. Though this may b the way of the world, it felt very wrong. It is probably telling me more about the author, which is sad to me. I would read more of his work, though.
November 28, 2018
Interesting read
This book is unlike any of the other books written by Scott Pratt. It is the first ha d account of foundling and of his life growing up in an orphanage in rural Michigan. We!l written account of a young man's journey and the pains and efforts he makes to try to figure out who he is and the world he finds himself in in the '60s. An interesting and , in the end, interesting change of pace from the legal and courtroom dramas of Patty's other novels.
This book is unlike any of the other books written by Scott Pratt. It is the first ha d account of foundling and of his life growing up in an orphanage in rural Michigan. We!l written account of a young man's journey and the pains and efforts he makes to try to figure out who he is and the world he finds himself in in the '60s. An interesting and , in the end, interesting change of pace from the legal and courtroom dramas of Patty's other novels.
July 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, because it takes place in the 50s,60s, and 70s and the author nailed what was going on in those years. The author really understands Human Nature, the main character was a orphan who felt insecure and unsure of himself. The reaction people have to orphans, Poor and working class people. The feeling of the 60s , the atmosphere at Woodstock and the Vietnam era. The author really understands that the Legal System favors the Rich over the poor .
September 14, 2019
What a delightful read. First thing I've read by Scott Platt, but may not be the last. A "coming of age" story about a young man's years at an orphanage. It is believable, heart felt and a story that has you cheering for the underdog. I actually thought this was a memoir as it was so believable. Randall is honest, soul-searching but when someone new comes to the orphanage, a split second decision changes Randall's life.
September 20, 2019
What a different cup of tea!
I have read all of Scott Pratt's "Joe Dillard" books, 1 through 9, and enjoyed every single one of them. (Actually ordering one after the other!)
I started this book, and quickly realized it was going to be an entirely different subject matter. I am amazed that Mr. Pratt can switch styles of writing, and still have such an excellent book. On to the next!
I have read all of Scott Pratt's "Joe Dillard" books, 1 through 9, and enjoyed every single one of them. (Actually ordering one after the other!)
I started this book, and quickly realized it was going to be an entirely different subject matter. I am amazed that Mr. Pratt can switch styles of writing, and still have such an excellent book. On to the next!
October 27, 2019
Life is a series of events, some of them may be big earth shattering events, but most aren't. Randall takes us through a big part of his life and while each event doesn't seem to be huge and momentous they are all threads that weave Randall into the person he becomes. This is a story of a young boy who finds out that growing up isn't always easy, being right may come with a price, and sometimes life just isn't fair, but through it all Randall remains hopeful. A great read!
October 28, 2019
Life of an Orphan
Very interesting story about a young boy's life growing up an orphan. Written in first person, he tells the events both good and bad, serious and funny, throughout his life. Parts made me cry, parts made me laugh out loud ! Well written. Scott Pratt was a fine writer and will be greatly missed. Praying he and his beloved wife have reunited in the hereafter.
Very interesting story about a young boy's life growing up an orphan. Written in first person, he tells the events both good and bad, serious and funny, throughout his life. Parts made me cry, parts made me laugh out loud ! Well written. Scott Pratt was a fine writer and will be greatly missed. Praying he and his beloved wife have reunited in the hereafter.
December 4, 2019
Memories
Thank you Mr. Pratt for thoughts you brought to mind as a lad growing up in the South during the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Experiencing segregation, the military, Viet Nam, and assassinations. What an era to grow and mature. It seems as the years go by, reminiscing becomes more prevalent as a state of mind. You have a new fan, as this is my first experience with your work.
Thank you Mr. Pratt for thoughts you brought to mind as a lad growing up in the South during the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Experiencing segregation, the military, Viet Nam, and assassinations. What an era to grow and mature. It seems as the years go by, reminiscing becomes more prevalent as a state of mind. You have a new fan, as this is my first experience with your work.
December 7, 2019
A Really Good Read
I have read all of Scott Pratt's books . This is totally different from the rest of his books as it's rather a' coming-of-age story' that I could not put down and that I would like continued. Baby boomers will have no problem identifying with the happenings mentioned by Randall and will identify with his feelings regarding history's dark times. Very enjoyable …
I have read all of Scott Pratt's books . This is totally different from the rest of his books as it's rather a' coming-of-age story' that I could not put down and that I would like continued. Baby boomers will have no problem identifying with the happenings mentioned by Randall and will identify with his feelings regarding history's dark times. Very enjoyable …
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews