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Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache
Everyone experiences loss. The question what are you going to gain from it? Like a River, a triumphant story of new life birthed out of tragedy, will teach readers how to face their failures, confront their pain, and connect with God—the true source of life. On June 4th, 2019, country music singer Granger Smith was enjoying a final evening with his kids before heading to Nashville for the CMT Music Awards and his next tour. While helping his daughter London with her gymnastics, his youngest son fell into their pool. Granger did everything he could to get to him, but he was too late. River drowned, and Granger's world shattered. The days, weeks, and months that followed River's death sent Granger on a dark and painful journey. Every time he closed his eyes, he replayed the horrific event in his mind, and every time he opened his computer, he was bombarded by the critique and criticism of people who blamed him for the accident. Despite his best effort to get back on stage with a smile and song, it was all a façade. On the inside he was dying. Fortunately, that's not how his story ended. And now he is compelled to help people all around the world find strength, peace, and hope on the other side of tragedy. Rivers don't run on their own strength; they flow from their source. When we try to keep going on our own, we won't make it, but when we connect to the greater source, we will find the strength and the faith to keep living after loss. This triumphant story of new life birthed out of death will inspire every reader to live Like a River .
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2024
802 people are currently reading
7936 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 976 reviews
August 1, 2023
Real. Raw. Heart wrenching.
A book you will not want to to put down!
You will need tissues nearby to read this.
If you have ever heard Granger speak, whether it be a Smiths' video, podcast, concert, or service; you can hear his voice telling his (this) story.
While the book is about Granger and his family, losing River, their son and brother; this book is about so much more!
It's about finding God in the darkest of times. Learning how to live with grief and not subduing to it. Learning how to move forward when your world is falling apart around you. To think before you act or speak. Always be kind, because you may not know the whole story, just what everybody has made up to please themselves.
You may not have gone through exactly what somebody else went through, but your story and your feelings still matter.
Healing isn't easy; you must fight through it, weather the storm, and not run away from it. You are not able to row your own boat down the river.
"Grief is like a river; neither the crest nor the trough last forever."
"Pain is not permanent, and it's not purposeless."
"Tomorrow is not guaranteed; live as presently and as purposefully as possible."
"Soak in the moments because they won't last forever."
A book you will not want to to put down!
You will need tissues nearby to read this.
If you have ever heard Granger speak, whether it be a Smiths' video, podcast, concert, or service; you can hear his voice telling his (this) story.
While the book is about Granger and his family, losing River, their son and brother; this book is about so much more!
It's about finding God in the darkest of times. Learning how to live with grief and not subduing to it. Learning how to move forward when your world is falling apart around you. To think before you act or speak. Always be kind, because you may not know the whole story, just what everybody has made up to please themselves.
You may not have gone through exactly what somebody else went through, but your story and your feelings still matter.
Healing isn't easy; you must fight through it, weather the storm, and not run away from it. You are not able to row your own boat down the river.
"Grief is like a river; neither the crest nor the trough last forever."
"Pain is not permanent, and it's not purposeless."
"Tomorrow is not guaranteed; live as presently and as purposefully as possible."
"Soak in the moments because they won't last forever."
July 31, 2023
I was chosen to read this prior to its release to help promote it and give it a solid honest review, so here it goes...
I cannot fit into words how amazing this book is. 'Like A River' has me feeling all of the emotions humanly possible, and crying by page 3, which was not the first or only time I cried during this book. It is an emotional roller coaster that gives you direct insight to Grangers brain and his raw real emotions too. Trust me, you can feel them while reading.
Life is like a river, and I will forever remember that analogy and how it is so true, and related it to any future loss or life problem/decision that may come up. "Have you ever stood on the bank of a river and watched it run.? If you have, you probably noticed that it never stops moving forward - it never stops flowing downstream."
I needed this book in 2019 when I experienced my greatest loss. Although, I thought therapy and all my work that I have done with my grief were good things and had helped me, but this book has taken the cake with all of that. Relating to and hearing someone's close personal thoughts, helps me more than any other therapy I've tried.
"Pain is not permanent. Pain is not pointless."
" I would like you to think of yourself as a tree, not a rock. Maybe a big oak with deep roots that still bends and sways, and occasionally loses branches to weather the storm, but stays upright."
Although, I am not 'religious,' I expected this to be about his decision to quit music and start ministry, and it is. BUT Granger does not throw it in your face, he relates all aspects of his life and grief and decisions to the bible, and a river. His words come out perfectly, and actually got me to pick up my bible to read deeper into some of the verses mentioned.
I highlighted and took notes on so much of this book, in different colors, for different meanings. I will definitely read this multiple times, refer to it often, and tell anyone with any sort of grief troubles to read this. Actually, scratch that, it doesn't have to just be about grief, read this for direction when you're wanting to make a change in life. New job, lost job, moving, relationships, etc. Honestly, there is something to take from this for everyone, it will get you to think outside of the box.
"If we never lost any of the gifts of life, how could we really understand how precious they are? How could we possibly know about the brilliance of light if there was no darkness to contrast it?"
I cannot fit into words how amazing this book is. 'Like A River' has me feeling all of the emotions humanly possible, and crying by page 3, which was not the first or only time I cried during this book. It is an emotional roller coaster that gives you direct insight to Grangers brain and his raw real emotions too. Trust me, you can feel them while reading.
Life is like a river, and I will forever remember that analogy and how it is so true, and related it to any future loss or life problem/decision that may come up. "Have you ever stood on the bank of a river and watched it run.? If you have, you probably noticed that it never stops moving forward - it never stops flowing downstream."
I needed this book in 2019 when I experienced my greatest loss. Although, I thought therapy and all my work that I have done with my grief were good things and had helped me, but this book has taken the cake with all of that. Relating to and hearing someone's close personal thoughts, helps me more than any other therapy I've tried.
"Pain is not permanent. Pain is not pointless."
" I would like you to think of yourself as a tree, not a rock. Maybe a big oak with deep roots that still bends and sways, and occasionally loses branches to weather the storm, but stays upright."
Although, I am not 'religious,' I expected this to be about his decision to quit music and start ministry, and it is. BUT Granger does not throw it in your face, he relates all aspects of his life and grief and decisions to the bible, and a river. His words come out perfectly, and actually got me to pick up my bible to read deeper into some of the verses mentioned.
I highlighted and took notes on so much of this book, in different colors, for different meanings. I will definitely read this multiple times, refer to it often, and tell anyone with any sort of grief troubles to read this. Actually, scratch that, it doesn't have to just be about grief, read this for direction when you're wanting to make a change in life. New job, lost job, moving, relationships, etc. Honestly, there is something to take from this for everyone, it will get you to think outside of the box.
"If we never lost any of the gifts of life, how could we really understand how precious they are? How could we possibly know about the brilliance of light if there was no darkness to contrast it?"
August 2, 2023
thank you to granger and his team for gifting me a copy of this book.
i've been a fan of grangers for 8 years, but even if i hadn't i think that this book would still hit just as hard, if not harder. granger truly has a way with words. the way he writes, his storytelling is truly unmatched, and i can't wait to see what other releases he has.
this is a devastating book on grief, loss, perseverance, and finding hope at the end of a very dark tunnel. i recommend this book to just about anyone. we have all struggled through some sort of devastating loss, or we will soon. i truly could not put it down and read it in three hours. this book will help so many people find Christ. to see someone who has been through so much continuously say that there is purpose in pain is truly a remarkable thing.
granger starts the book off on the day is son, river passed away. he slowly takes you through that day and the days afterwards. it's a true resemblance of the grief process, and how as much as you try to have control in your life, you don't. when tragedy strikes those disciplines won't help you, there's only one who will.
i've been a fan of grangers for 8 years, but even if i hadn't i think that this book would still hit just as hard, if not harder. granger truly has a way with words. the way he writes, his storytelling is truly unmatched, and i can't wait to see what other releases he has.
this is a devastating book on grief, loss, perseverance, and finding hope at the end of a very dark tunnel. i recommend this book to just about anyone. we have all struggled through some sort of devastating loss, or we will soon. i truly could not put it down and read it in three hours. this book will help so many people find Christ. to see someone who has been through so much continuously say that there is purpose in pain is truly a remarkable thing.
granger starts the book off on the day is son, river passed away. he slowly takes you through that day and the days afterwards. it's a true resemblance of the grief process, and how as much as you try to have control in your life, you don't. when tragedy strikes those disciplines won't help you, there's only one who will.
September 5, 2023
500% listen to the audio for the whole experience. He even stopped reading the book a few times to give some little notes about certain stories.
Wow. That a story. Granger is just a joy & the Lord has moved so much in his life. I kid you not, he has shared the gospel 5+ times in this book. It was just at the forefront of his mind the whole time.
I’m so just encouraged by Granger and believe that the Lord is going to use him as he continues his journey at Seminary and in ministry.
Also, stay for the last hour after the last chapter. He talks about water safety and then does a q& a with his wife!
Wow. That a story. Granger is just a joy & the Lord has moved so much in his life. I kid you not, he has shared the gospel 5+ times in this book. It was just at the forefront of his mind the whole time.
I’m so just encouraged by Granger and believe that the Lord is going to use him as he continues his journey at Seminary and in ministry.
Also, stay for the last hour after the last chapter. He talks about water safety and then does a q& a with his wife!
February 20, 2024
*I listened to this as an audiobook, and frankly, that was the right choice. Granger reading his own words was a gift.*
Have you ever read a book and wondered if the author had some kind of insider knowledge about the world? Like he somehow peeked behind the curtain of reality and saw how everything works. That’s how it feels as you listen to Granger tell his story.
I’ve been listening to Granger’s music for at least a decade, so following him for so long, in some ways, I was shocked at how much this felt like a friend of mine wrote a memoir.
I might’ve loved this so much because of my love for Church History and my deep longing to hear stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of his children. But, it was probably because I felt like Granger was unapologetically himself. He is raw, and authentic, and doesn’t try to paint himself a shade better than he is. Every word he pens is to make Jesus bigger and Granger smaller.
This is one of those books upon finishing that leaves you wanting more. Not more Granger. No, much better. More Jesus.
I remember being overseas when I first heard about Granger’s son, River, drowning back in 2019. Shocked and sorrowful, I prayed for him and his family. But, what God did was so much more beautiful than I ever asked or imagined. This book is a testament to that truth: that God is faithful and works out everything for the good of those who love him.
Everyone has a great theology of suffering until they have to lean on it. Like a River, is a treasure to the Church as it unpacks grief and trauma, and points to the true source of where healing and wholeness come from.
A resource for those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and PTSD that has rightfully secured its spot in my pastoral tool belt.
Thank you, Granger.
Have you ever read a book and wondered if the author had some kind of insider knowledge about the world? Like he somehow peeked behind the curtain of reality and saw how everything works. That’s how it feels as you listen to Granger tell his story.
I’ve been listening to Granger’s music for at least a decade, so following him for so long, in some ways, I was shocked at how much this felt like a friend of mine wrote a memoir.
I might’ve loved this so much because of my love for Church History and my deep longing to hear stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of his children. But, it was probably because I felt like Granger was unapologetically himself. He is raw, and authentic, and doesn’t try to paint himself a shade better than he is. Every word he pens is to make Jesus bigger and Granger smaller.
This is one of those books upon finishing that leaves you wanting more. Not more Granger. No, much better. More Jesus.
I remember being overseas when I first heard about Granger’s son, River, drowning back in 2019. Shocked and sorrowful, I prayed for him and his family. But, what God did was so much more beautiful than I ever asked or imagined. This book is a testament to that truth: that God is faithful and works out everything for the good of those who love him.
Everyone has a great theology of suffering until they have to lean on it. Like a River, is a treasure to the Church as it unpacks grief and trauma, and points to the true source of where healing and wholeness come from.
A resource for those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and PTSD that has rightfully secured its spot in my pastoral tool belt.
Thank you, Granger.
March 9, 2024
4.5 stars. A very honest and heart wrenching story of losing a child and dealing with that loss. Granger shares his feelings of guilt, how he tried to get over the loss by creating strict routines for himself, and how he eventually surrendered his life to Jesus, where he finally found healing.
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July 12, 2023Like a River is a must read. It's encouraging and beneficial for everyone no matter what you've been through or are currently going through. This book is about Granger's story and becoming a mature Christian vs. a cultural Christian and how he got there, how all of us can get there. Powerful, real life story that gives hope and encouragement during tragedy. Our story is already written and we flow Like a River.
August 11, 2024
“If we never lost any of the gifts of life, how could we really understand how precious they are? How could we possibly know about the brilliance of light if there were no darkness to contrast it?”
Phenomenal story of faith. Inspiring.
Phenomenal story of faith. Inspiring.
July 16, 2023
I had the honor and privilege to read an advance copy of Like a River as part of the book launch team!
I started following Granger and The Smith’s in the fall of 2020. I was on my own grief journey and looking for answers when I found their YouTube channel. I started at the beginning of their story and binge watched, on my sleepless nights, them navigate life after unimaginable loss.
Granger put his heart and soul into writing this book. I knew I didn’t know the whole story from watching them on YouTube, but I was amazed how much I really didn’t know. It really lends validity to the statement, “you never know what’s going on in someone’s life.”
Granger’s talent for evoking emotion through his song-writing is on a whole new level throughout this book. It’s possible I experienced the entire range of human emotion while reading. It felt as though I was there with him for all of his highs and lows. It was almost like we were two friends sitting around a campfire sharing our biggest vulnerabilities with each other.
If you have lost someone, or lost a job, or lost a relationship, and you’re looking for answers, or you’re confused about where to go next, Like a River may just be that next step for you.
This touched me on a level I never expected, and I’ve now read it twice. Each time I’ve read it, something new spoken to me. God has spoken to me through Granger. It’s the best book I’ve read on my own grief journey, and I’m so thankful and appreciative Granger and Amber put their story out there to share a lifeline for those of us who may feel lost in the sea of grief.
I started following Granger and The Smith’s in the fall of 2020. I was on my own grief journey and looking for answers when I found their YouTube channel. I started at the beginning of their story and binge watched, on my sleepless nights, them navigate life after unimaginable loss.
Granger put his heart and soul into writing this book. I knew I didn’t know the whole story from watching them on YouTube, but I was amazed how much I really didn’t know. It really lends validity to the statement, “you never know what’s going on in someone’s life.”
Granger’s talent for evoking emotion through his song-writing is on a whole new level throughout this book. It’s possible I experienced the entire range of human emotion while reading. It felt as though I was there with him for all of his highs and lows. It was almost like we were two friends sitting around a campfire sharing our biggest vulnerabilities with each other.
If you have lost someone, or lost a job, or lost a relationship, and you’re looking for answers, or you’re confused about where to go next, Like a River may just be that next step for you.
This touched me on a level I never expected, and I’ve now read it twice. Each time I’ve read it, something new spoken to me. God has spoken to me through Granger. It’s the best book I’ve read on my own grief journey, and I’m so thankful and appreciative Granger and Amber put their story out there to share a lifeline for those of us who may feel lost in the sea of grief.
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August 14, 2024"Self help teaches that the problem is outside of us and the solution comes from inside of us. The bible teaches that the problem comes from within, and the solution comes from outside of us."
January 6, 2025
“I’m just one beggar telling other beggars where I found bread.”
A beautiful story - and yes my eyes were sweating thinking about my own baby boy.
A beautiful story - and yes my eyes were sweating thinking about my own baby boy.
September 4, 2023
Like a River is . . .
A testimony of how an unimaginable loss in the hands of God can bring forth good. It is a true tale of death and life; brokenness and restoration; despair and hope. It is a story that testifies to the faithfulness of God and that man is never alone—even when walking through the deepest point of the darkest valley he can cry out, “My God, my Jesus! Save me, Jesus!” and He will.
A “journey toward purpose on the other side of debilitating pain,” it is a story about “learning to live after loss” and how “loss reminds us that nothing here is permanent. When we spend all our time clinging to something, trying to control and preserve it, we miss out on the beauty of what God is doing in our lives.” A heartbreaking, yet beautiful story of a son returning to his Father and answering the call on his life; of God’s goodness and His love for His children; and of the hope, peace, and freedom found in Jesus.
Whether you are in the valley, on the mountaintop, or somewhere in between, I hope and I pray that you will read this book and allow Granger’s words to meet you exactly where you are and point you to the Source of the river—to living water, to Christ Jesus.
Thank you @wpublishing, @grangersmith, and @tlcbooktours for my gifted copy. I was not required to share a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A testimony of how an unimaginable loss in the hands of God can bring forth good. It is a true tale of death and life; brokenness and restoration; despair and hope. It is a story that testifies to the faithfulness of God and that man is never alone—even when walking through the deepest point of the darkest valley he can cry out, “My God, my Jesus! Save me, Jesus!” and He will.
A “journey toward purpose on the other side of debilitating pain,” it is a story about “learning to live after loss” and how “loss reminds us that nothing here is permanent. When we spend all our time clinging to something, trying to control and preserve it, we miss out on the beauty of what God is doing in our lives.” A heartbreaking, yet beautiful story of a son returning to his Father and answering the call on his life; of God’s goodness and His love for His children; and of the hope, peace, and freedom found in Jesus.
Whether you are in the valley, on the mountaintop, or somewhere in between, I hope and I pray that you will read this book and allow Granger’s words to meet you exactly where you are and point you to the Source of the river—to living water, to Christ Jesus.
Thank you @wpublishing, @grangersmith, and @tlcbooktours for my gifted copy. I was not required to share a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 5, 2024
quite possibly the most beautifully raw book i’ve ever read. to be clear, if you want to read this book, you have to listen to the audio. i’m sure the print version is great but there is something uniquely powerful about hearing someone work through and express their grief in their own voice.
i loved the prayers he included throughout that reflected what he was praying at the time. listening to this felt like walking with someone in their two year journey with grief but in five hours. granger wrote so honestly in a way that if i met him i would feel like i genuinely knew him. i wish this book existed earlier, but i’ll suggest it to anyone now.
i loved the prayers he included throughout that reflected what he was praying at the time. listening to this felt like walking with someone in their two year journey with grief but in five hours. granger wrote so honestly in a way that if i met him i would feel like i genuinely knew him. i wish this book existed earlier, but i’ll suggest it to anyone now.
July 18, 2023
Such an amazing read that is heartbreaking as well as hope-filled! I could not stop reading it once I picked it up! A quick but powerful read! This book truly shows how hope and trust in God can overcome any tragedy one is going through!
March 20, 2024
This book is why I love Goodreads SO MUCH!! I would have never read/listened to this book if it weren't for Rainer's review and it was such a gift to my soul. Granger writes beautifully and authentically about finding hope amidst great loss and tragedy. This is not a book about Granger Smith; it is truly a testimony of the redemptive work of Jesus in his life. Reading this book helped restore my own joy in my salvation and often moved me toward more intimate time with the Lord.
I will say as a heads up that he covers a lot of hard and dark topics in this book. I for sure wept multiple times while listening (not surprising if you know me though haha), but worth knowing before diving into this book.
Also I would highly recommend the audiobook version of this story! Hearing Granger tell his own story is so powerful and he goes off-script multiple times which was so fun!
I will say as a heads up that he covers a lot of hard and dark topics in this book. I for sure wept multiple times while listening (not surprising if you know me though haha), but worth knowing before diving into this book.
Also I would highly recommend the audiobook version of this story! Hearing Granger tell his own story is so powerful and he goes off-script multiple times which was so fun!
August 2, 2023
This was a very easy read (a good thing). The genuineness and transparency of this book makes it a very practical tool for those who have loss and suffering in their lives. I would recommend this book to everyone!! I don’t know how many more times I’ll read this book but it will definitely be more than just once. This will be on the replay shelf. Thank you Granger Smith for being so real and honest about your journey through your loss. May God bless you, Amber and the kids as you venture into your call to full time ministry!
August 1, 2023
Could not put it down! It’s a must read! So well written. Granger is truly gifted as an author as well. I experienced so many emotions as I read through it. It was amazing to read how God has been moving in Granger’s life through all of his pain and using it for good. I do hope he continues to write in the future.
July 16, 2023
I didn't think I could love this family anymore, but here I am, crying and praising God for their testimony. This will get you in the feels, but it shows you exactly how God will use the worst situations and bring glory to it. I believe everyone needs to read this book.
September 25, 2023
This was a powerful testimony of a life transformed by a compassionate and sovereign Christ. Granger’s journey through grief of losing a child is very sad yet encouraging. God is faithful!
February 22, 2024
Before I read this book, I really didn’t know who Granger Smith was. I soon learned he was a country music star whose 3-year-old son had been in a tragic drowning accident. Who had gone through one of the hardest trials imaginable. Be prepared with tissues for this one. It will break your heart as you read along with his journey. It contains some very raw and dark moments in his life. It is also an inspiring story of faith and healing, how he turned his life and full focus over to God.
‘Have you ever stood on the bank of a river and watched it run?… rivers help us survive.’
One of the things I loved that he shared was his experience with therapy and a technique called ‘brain spotting’. It sounds quite similar to EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), a form of therapy that I have personally experienced and benefited from. I love how his faith grew out of this tragedy. It’s quite profound. I’d recommend this book to anyone who especially enjoys the Christian perspective of loss and faith in our lives.
‘Your story matters.’
4.5/5 stars
‘Have you ever stood on the bank of a river and watched it run?… rivers help us survive.’
One of the things I loved that he shared was his experience with therapy and a technique called ‘brain spotting’. It sounds quite similar to EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), a form of therapy that I have personally experienced and benefited from. I love how his faith grew out of this tragedy. It’s quite profound. I’d recommend this book to anyone who especially enjoys the Christian perspective of loss and faith in our lives.
‘Your story matters.’
4.5/5 stars
July 13, 2023
This is MUST read!!! We will all face loss, and in Like a River, Granger graciously and openly shares how he learned to let God take the wheel and steer him through his.
Through his grief, he finds his faith.
Out of the darkness, he reaches the Light.
Surrendering it all to the Savior, the true source of life.
Granger Smith’s debut book Like a River, a story of survival from the depths of tragedy, shows readers that there is no failure, no amount of pain or guilt, and no grief too strong for God to pull us through. When his youngest son, River, drowns in the backyard pool just a few feet away from him, Granger’s world is shattered. In the days, weeks, and months that follow, he struggles to survive a day, an hour, a minute without the undying guilt overtaking his every thought. Every time he closed his eyes the horrific moments replayed in his mind on repeat. Everywhere he went people tried to offer unwanted sympathy, and online many offered hateful criticism completely blaming him for the accident. It was the cruel critics he believed, which only caused him to sink deeper into his grief. Needing to find some resemblance of his former self and provide an income to his band members, he went back on the road performing his country music, but his heart was no longer in it. He fakes his way through each set, smiling at the fans while dying inside. By God’s grace, this is not where his story ends. Through this book, Granger chooses to pull off his mask and expose the “ugly” truth of his torment in the hope of helping others get through their own turmoil and to discover hope, peace, and joy that comes from truly trusting our Savior. Granger reinforces throughout the book that one cannot make it through the storms of life alone and the only self-help one can give oneself is to totally surrender it all to Him who gives us strength to endure anything.
Through his grief, he finds his faith.
Out of the darkness, he reaches the Light.
Surrendering it all to the Savior, the true source of life.
Granger Smith’s debut book Like a River, a story of survival from the depths of tragedy, shows readers that there is no failure, no amount of pain or guilt, and no grief too strong for God to pull us through. When his youngest son, River, drowns in the backyard pool just a few feet away from him, Granger’s world is shattered. In the days, weeks, and months that follow, he struggles to survive a day, an hour, a minute without the undying guilt overtaking his every thought. Every time he closed his eyes the horrific moments replayed in his mind on repeat. Everywhere he went people tried to offer unwanted sympathy, and online many offered hateful criticism completely blaming him for the accident. It was the cruel critics he believed, which only caused him to sink deeper into his grief. Needing to find some resemblance of his former self and provide an income to his band members, he went back on the road performing his country music, but his heart was no longer in it. He fakes his way through each set, smiling at the fans while dying inside. By God’s grace, this is not where his story ends. Through this book, Granger chooses to pull off his mask and expose the “ugly” truth of his torment in the hope of helping others get through their own turmoil and to discover hope, peace, and joy that comes from truly trusting our Savior. Granger reinforces throughout the book that one cannot make it through the storms of life alone and the only self-help one can give oneself is to totally surrender it all to Him who gives us strength to endure anything.
July 19, 2024
Woah. What an incredible testament to the work of the gospel. 😭 Such a sweet reminder of how the Lord works in both grief AND joy!
Everyone had already said it, but don’t you DARE read this on paper. Audiobook only - trust me.
Everyone had already said it, but don’t you DARE read this on paper. Audiobook only - trust me.
January 11, 2024
“When we try to keep living on our own, we won’t have the strength to persevere through hardship. But when we, like a river, connect to the greater Source, when we surrender our lives to God and let the gospel take root in our hearts, we will be able to keep flowing downstream.”
“If his gifts are so good, and it hurts so much to miss them, what would it be like to meet the Giver of these gifts? I can’t even imagine.”
This was a much needed read for me….JH ❤️
“If his gifts are so good, and it hurts so much to miss them, what would it be like to meet the Giver of these gifts? I can’t even imagine.”
This was a much needed read for me….JH ❤️
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May 6, 2024Took everything in me to not just sob through this whole book but what a wonderful story about how God can carry us through even our darkest of storms
July 17, 2024
Coming back to write a review! This book was one of my favorite reads this year. Maybe because I love a true story, or maybe I needed to hear this message.
When we believe that God is in control of it ALL, and we give our lives completely to Him — we will experience His deep love and His purpose for life.
When we believe that God is in control of it ALL, and we give our lives completely to Him — we will experience His deep love and His purpose for life.
August 1, 2023
This insightful book, written by Granger Smith, a country music singer known to many is a tear-jerker. Wow. Lots to think about and digest as I finish reading a preview copy of “Like a River.” I’ve marked several places to go back, reread, contemplate, and digest. Perfect book for anyone who has ever experienced a loss of any kind, making their way down the river of life. Blessings to Granger, Amber, London, Lincoln, and Maverick as they begin their continued journey walking in Him.
Two quotes (out of many) that stuck out to me:
“Life is a stage for all of us. At some level, we’re all performing on it all the time, but the truth is, everyone is hurting from something— even the people you think have it all together.”
“Whether it was something or someone, we’ve all experienced loss. It’s a part of life. But know this: loss is our teacher. Loss reminds us that nothing here is permanent. When we spend all our time clinging to something, trying to control and preserve it, we miss out on the beauty of what God wants to do in our lives. Like navigating a river, we need to let go, surrender, and trust that God’s plan for our lives is better than our plan.”
Two quotes (out of many) that stuck out to me:
“Life is a stage for all of us. At some level, we’re all performing on it all the time, but the truth is, everyone is hurting from something— even the people you think have it all together.”
“Whether it was something or someone, we’ve all experienced loss. It’s a part of life. But know this: loss is our teacher. Loss reminds us that nothing here is permanent. When we spend all our time clinging to something, trying to control and preserve it, we miss out on the beauty of what God wants to do in our lives. Like navigating a river, we need to let go, surrender, and trust that God’s plan for our lives is better than our plan.”
July 18, 2023
A beautiful picture of how the Gospel can transform someone’s heart and life. If you are struggling with loss, grief, pain, etc this is a great book for you. I highly recommend everyone read this book!
July 16, 2023
Written with so much emotion .. you can feel it while reading. It very much opens you up and makes you think about your own grief and how you may or may not have handled.
Very well written … i read it in one day! He keeps you engaged with his story with his writing.
A must read!
Very well written … i read it in one day! He keeps you engaged with his story with his writing.
A must read!
July 15, 2023
Such an emotional and heartbreaking journey to peace. I couldn't put the book down. I felt all the emotions as I was reading through and cried a few times. As we all go through loss at some point in our lives it's important to know there is a way through the grief. Granger is so open and honest about his journey through the grief process. I have already started reading Like A River again!
January 25, 2024
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.
Country music star Granger Smith narrates the tragic death of his son River and the aftermath as he and his family sought healing. Feeling that his life was now a facade, Granger turns to God and learns some important lessons about suffering which he shares in this book.
I finished this book with mixed feelings. This book is highly problematic in many ways, but what Granger Smith went through with the death of his son was truly awful, and I don’t wish to downplay it. However, there were elements of this story that rang a sour note.
1. Casual display of wealth. Granger buries his son in an expensive custom coffin, goes through rounds of specialized therapy, spends thousands on fertility treatments and drugs like weed, and buys multiple properties in the course of the narrative. Even though I’m not poor by American standards, I was really put off by this. Money gets thrown at a lot of things, and while that doesn’t completely buy his happiness at the end, it still factors heavily into the feel-good ending where he gets his dream house and his last kid. For many of us, those things are completely unreachable. I think his message would have been stronger if he could have pitched it without the money.
2. Christian triumphalism - the book ends on a high note with Granger getting his life back on track, the home of his dreams, and another son. That’s great for him, don’t get me wrong, but the takeaway falls into formulaic method: if you do x you will get y. Christianity doesn’t work that way. Just because we walk through the trial and learn the lesson does not mean we’ll get happy ending in this life (spoiler alert - that’s supposed to be heaven!), and there are many Christians through church history who could attest to this. While Granger does a great job of communicating his process out of depression, he is unable to engage the issue of suffering at the level many of us experience, and he fails to answer (or even ask) the hard questions.
3. Values dissonance - some of the anecdotes he shares are really off-putting, like pushing River into the operating room for organ retrieval as fast as they could wheel the bed down the hallway (this seemed strange at best, disrespectful at worst). The hardest one for me to read was the story of how Ganger and Amber conceived their last son. They opted for IFV. In order to get two viable embryos at the blastocyst stage, they had to fertilize twelve eggs. Technically, Granger and his wife had twelve children (albeit in lab), ten of which did not survive to the blastocyst (implantation) stage. Assuming, as most conservative Christians do, that life begins at conception, that means twelve children died so Amber could have two chances at pregnancy without reversing her sterilization operation. I don’t know how he justifies this. I don’t know how a pro-life Christian can read this and be comfortable with it (I wasn’t). I don’t know why, with all that money going around, they didn’t decide to end an abandoned child’s suffering and adopt.
Personally, I think Granger should have waited a few years to write this book and gained more life experience and maturity.
If you’re looking for a truly helpful book on suffering, I can recommend two alternatives: Elisabeth Elliot’s Suffering is Not for Nothing and Thomas Watson’s All Things for Good.
Country music star Granger Smith narrates the tragic death of his son River and the aftermath as he and his family sought healing. Feeling that his life was now a facade, Granger turns to God and learns some important lessons about suffering which he shares in this book.
I finished this book with mixed feelings. This book is highly problematic in many ways, but what Granger Smith went through with the death of his son was truly awful, and I don’t wish to downplay it. However, there were elements of this story that rang a sour note.
1. Casual display of wealth. Granger buries his son in an expensive custom coffin, goes through rounds of specialized therapy, spends thousands on fertility treatments and drugs like weed, and buys multiple properties in the course of the narrative. Even though I’m not poor by American standards, I was really put off by this. Money gets thrown at a lot of things, and while that doesn’t completely buy his happiness at the end, it still factors heavily into the feel-good ending where he gets his dream house and his last kid. For many of us, those things are completely unreachable. I think his message would have been stronger if he could have pitched it without the money.
2. Christian triumphalism - the book ends on a high note with Granger getting his life back on track, the home of his dreams, and another son. That’s great for him, don’t get me wrong, but the takeaway falls into formulaic method: if you do x you will get y. Christianity doesn’t work that way. Just because we walk through the trial and learn the lesson does not mean we’ll get happy ending in this life (spoiler alert - that’s supposed to be heaven!), and there are many Christians through church history who could attest to this. While Granger does a great job of communicating his process out of depression, he is unable to engage the issue of suffering at the level many of us experience, and he fails to answer (or even ask) the hard questions.
3. Values dissonance - some of the anecdotes he shares are really off-putting, like pushing River into the operating room for organ retrieval as fast as they could wheel the bed down the hallway (this seemed strange at best, disrespectful at worst). The hardest one for me to read was the story of how Ganger and Amber conceived their last son. They opted for IFV. In order to get two viable embryos at the blastocyst stage, they had to fertilize twelve eggs. Technically, Granger and his wife had twelve children (albeit in lab), ten of which did not survive to the blastocyst (implantation) stage. Assuming, as most conservative Christians do, that life begins at conception, that means twelve children died so Amber could have two chances at pregnancy without reversing her sterilization operation. I don’t know how he justifies this. I don’t know how a pro-life Christian can read this and be comfortable with it (I wasn’t). I don’t know why, with all that money going around, they didn’t decide to end an abandoned child’s suffering and adopt.
Personally, I think Granger should have waited a few years to write this book and gained more life experience and maturity.
If you’re looking for a truly helpful book on suffering, I can recommend two alternatives: Elisabeth Elliot’s Suffering is Not for Nothing and Thomas Watson’s All Things for Good.
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