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This River: A Memoir
Award-winning author James Brown gained a cult following after chronicling his turbulent childhood and spiraling drug addiction in The Los Angeles Diaries. This River picks up where Brown left off in his first memoir, describing his tenuous relationship with sobriety, telling of agonizing relapses, and tracking his attempts to become a better father.
This is the heartbreaking and at times uplifting tale of Brown’s battles, peeking into his former life as an addict and detailing his subsequent ascent to sobriety and fight for redemption.
This is the heartbreaking and at times uplifting tale of Brown’s battles, peeking into his former life as an addict and detailing his subsequent ascent to sobriety and fight for redemption.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
178 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
James Brown
669 books120 followersJames Brown is the author of several novels, and the memoirs, The Los Angeles Diaries, This River, and Apology to the Young Addict (to-be-published March 2020). He is the recipient of a National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship in Fiction Writing and the Nelson Algren Award in Short Fiction. His work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, GQ, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Ploughshares, and The New England Review.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2011
Just a gorgeous, gorgeous book. Not a single false moment, the writing is sublime- honest, simple, poetic, real. If you want to see what a beautifully done memoir looks like, this it. I will read this several times, it's a lesson on craft and how to write well, as much as it is a reflection on life. I know it sounds sappy, but I read this while I was feeling quite down & it filled me with inspiration & love.
June 29, 2011
Sequels are tough. The reader has expectations, a preconceived idea as to what the author has to achieve, and a need for the book to be as good, if not better than the original. However, this also creates another set of problems: the author is either expected to write a continuation of the same sort as their first book, or the author is negatively critiqued for having written the same book twice – it is almost a no win situation, and at best a daunting prospect for the author. Plus, here we're talking nonfiction/memoir, and time has passed, the author isn't where he was when the first book was written. Like all of us, he has aged, his life has continued, a lot has changed, and while making new memories, the past hasn't been forgotten, and is never far from mind.
Taking all of the above into consideration James Brown's This River thankfully not only steers clear of repeating himself, but takes the reader into another evolving chapter of Brown's life. Where in The Los Angeles Diaries Brown maintained a distance, mostly writing from a point of observation, never really taking responsibility for his actions, instead blaming it all on being an addict. Here, he not only takes full responsibility, but he also let's the reader know why, argues the irrationality of his resentments and negative thoughts, and makes considerations for those around him.
On a sentence level, Brown's writing, while always excellent, has also improved. His already lean prose, is somehow leaner – making the language precise, the pace, an easy seamless flow. The word that comes to mind is maturity. Not only with Brown's use of language, but also in his self-perception, introspection, and accountability. And while I myself, for obvious reasons, indentify with the Brown of The Los Angeles Diaries (former heroin addict, dysfunctional relationships, chaotic lifestyle), his present life/world that he lets the reader into is so well portrayed that I'm more apt to indentify with the similarities, than the differences. One example: the chapter, "Dirty Moves" describes Brown, the father, being there for his sons' wrestling matches, and supporting and coaching the boys. I'm not a competitive sports kind of guy. I don't have children. Yet, the writing still held my interest – which is what all good writing should, and hopes, to achieve.
However, Brown didn't just simply stay in this newer "good father/better husband" territory and omit the drug addict memories. His final chapters: "Instructions on the Use of Heroin," and "Relapse" went there with a vengeance and will not disappoint even the most jaded of recovering junkies, such as myself. Yet, what made these chapters' more familiar subject matter work so well, was the preceding body of work the book is comprised of. If there is going to be noticeable change, then the reader has to be shown it in its entirety, and then reminded of where the author comes from. Brown has done this, and done it well. So well in fact that I am not sure which book I prefer. Both being equally excellent for different reasons.
Do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of James Brown's This River, and if you haven't already, pick up The Los Angeles Diaries, and read them back to back to see what I am talking about.
Taking all of the above into consideration James Brown's This River thankfully not only steers clear of repeating himself, but takes the reader into another evolving chapter of Brown's life. Where in The Los Angeles Diaries Brown maintained a distance, mostly writing from a point of observation, never really taking responsibility for his actions, instead blaming it all on being an addict. Here, he not only takes full responsibility, but he also let's the reader know why, argues the irrationality of his resentments and negative thoughts, and makes considerations for those around him.
On a sentence level, Brown's writing, while always excellent, has also improved. His already lean prose, is somehow leaner – making the language precise, the pace, an easy seamless flow. The word that comes to mind is maturity. Not only with Brown's use of language, but also in his self-perception, introspection, and accountability. And while I myself, for obvious reasons, indentify with the Brown of The Los Angeles Diaries (former heroin addict, dysfunctional relationships, chaotic lifestyle), his present life/world that he lets the reader into is so well portrayed that I'm more apt to indentify with the similarities, than the differences. One example: the chapter, "Dirty Moves" describes Brown, the father, being there for his sons' wrestling matches, and supporting and coaching the boys. I'm not a competitive sports kind of guy. I don't have children. Yet, the writing still held my interest – which is what all good writing should, and hopes, to achieve.
However, Brown didn't just simply stay in this newer "good father/better husband" territory and omit the drug addict memories. His final chapters: "Instructions on the Use of Heroin," and "Relapse" went there with a vengeance and will not disappoint even the most jaded of recovering junkies, such as myself. Yet, what made these chapters' more familiar subject matter work so well, was the preceding body of work the book is comprised of. If there is going to be noticeable change, then the reader has to be shown it in its entirety, and then reminded of where the author comes from. Brown has done this, and done it well. So well in fact that I am not sure which book I prefer. Both being equally excellent for different reasons.
Do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of James Brown's This River, and if you haven't already, pick up The Los Angeles Diaries, and read them back to back to see what I am talking about.
March 18, 2011
I must disclose first that I won this on First Read
I plan on writing my review from two different perspectives. First, as an avid reader of books..I loved this book as much as I loved the first one The Los Angeles Diaries: A Memoir. This writer has a style which is able to suck the reader into what is occurring with a style that I feel just wraps its arms around the reader. I loved this book, and like its' predecessor, read it in one day. IF YOU READ THIS BOOK THOUGH, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO READ The Los Angeles Diaries: A Memoir, AS WELL, AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO FULLY UNDERSTANDING THIS RIVER. I know for me, because I enjoyed it so much, I will continue on with the author's other novels.
Secondly, as a former addictions counselor, I was always looking for books to use in bibliotherapy with my clients. Both books would be wonderful to use at various times in recovery. Like most addicts, Mr. Brown's life story, uses many points which can be used to start dialog with a client, particularly in the areas of familial dynamics and patterns, recognition of abuse (on many levels, not only drug and alcohol), relapse, etc. As a result, I have recommended both books to numerous counselors that I still know.
I do think this book needs to be part of a trilogy. It would be interesting to see this author's insights later in his recovery, as this book leaves off when he is still "young" in his recovery.
On a very goofy sidenote..It would be interesting to understand the concept for cover...I believe it is an aqueduct in Los Angeles, which would have some relevance to the story (No Spoilers!). In treatment, I often used the analogy of white water rafting in terms of recovery and it is what I learned in my schooling and training, so the title of the book made sense to me. I was shocked when I received the book and saw the cover. Just for my own curiosity, I would like to learn the reason for the cover choice.
I plan on writing my review from two different perspectives. First, as an avid reader of books..I loved this book as much as I loved the first one The Los Angeles Diaries: A Memoir. This writer has a style which is able to suck the reader into what is occurring with a style that I feel just wraps its arms around the reader. I loved this book, and like its' predecessor, read it in one day. IF YOU READ THIS BOOK THOUGH, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO READ The Los Angeles Diaries: A Memoir, AS WELL, AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO FULLY UNDERSTANDING THIS RIVER. I know for me, because I enjoyed it so much, I will continue on with the author's other novels.
Secondly, as a former addictions counselor, I was always looking for books to use in bibliotherapy with my clients. Both books would be wonderful to use at various times in recovery. Like most addicts, Mr. Brown's life story, uses many points which can be used to start dialog with a client, particularly in the areas of familial dynamics and patterns, recognition of abuse (on many levels, not only drug and alcohol), relapse, etc. As a result, I have recommended both books to numerous counselors that I still know.
I do think this book needs to be part of a trilogy. It would be interesting to see this author's insights later in his recovery, as this book leaves off when he is still "young" in his recovery.
On a very goofy sidenote..It would be interesting to understand the concept for cover...I believe it is an aqueduct in Los Angeles, which would have some relevance to the story (No Spoilers!). In treatment, I often used the analogy of white water rafting in terms of recovery and it is what I learned in my schooling and training, so the title of the book made sense to me. I was shocked when I received the book and saw the cover. Just for my own curiosity, I would like to learn the reason for the cover choice.
May 28, 2012
Note:While I have not read Mr. Brown's first memoir, "The Los Angeles Diaries" (I have it coming in the mail), I think that this book stands on it's own.
This River: A Memoir, James Brown's newest book (which I received through a Goodreads giveaway), is a very moving, often-times gut wrenching read. Having spent his life fighting various addictions as well as mental illness, he writes with wisdom in a very direct, spare, honest, and compassionate way about his experiences and the people that have had to endure those experiences along with him. It appears his wisdom has been hard earned.
Mr. Brown writes, “Worrying, damaging, terrorizing those closest to us, intentionally or not, is what alcoholics, addicts, and the mentally ill do best.” Having grown up in an alcoholic family I can attest to the truth of his statement. I remember all too well living in a home full of worry and terror, a home where stability was not often found. And I know all about learning defense mechanisims that may have worked at the time, but in the long run, when they were no longer needed, survived to leave their indelible imprint on me.
However, I have also witnessed both the remorse and the struggle of a loved one who has tried to come to terms with their disease and find some sort of redemption. Hindsight is 20/20, so they say, and by reflecting on his life and allowing his readers to join him on his journey I think Mr. Brown is finding some redemption . . . and continued healing as well, I hope.
This River: A Memoir, James Brown's newest book (which I received through a Goodreads giveaway), is a very moving, often-times gut wrenching read. Having spent his life fighting various addictions as well as mental illness, he writes with wisdom in a very direct, spare, honest, and compassionate way about his experiences and the people that have had to endure those experiences along with him. It appears his wisdom has been hard earned.
Mr. Brown writes, “Worrying, damaging, terrorizing those closest to us, intentionally or not, is what alcoholics, addicts, and the mentally ill do best.” Having grown up in an alcoholic family I can attest to the truth of his statement. I remember all too well living in a home full of worry and terror, a home where stability was not often found. And I know all about learning defense mechanisims that may have worked at the time, but in the long run, when they were no longer needed, survived to leave their indelible imprint on me.
However, I have also witnessed both the remorse and the struggle of a loved one who has tried to come to terms with their disease and find some sort of redemption. Hindsight is 20/20, so they say, and by reflecting on his life and allowing his readers to join him on his journey I think Mr. Brown is finding some redemption . . . and continued healing as well, I hope.
November 25, 2011
James Brown has a sixth sense for digging out the darkness and holding it up to the light. He's not a show off. He pulls no punches, has no tricks up his sleeve, he neither tantalizes nor teases. He simply shows the reader the river using an efficient economy of words. His moving story, "This River," bubbles with mental illness and madness, alcoholism, drug addiction and loss with a generous amount of restraint and empathy. In the section "Our Japan," Brown encountered a student who was furious and unhinged and he demonstrated empathy by calling into question the American intolerance of suffering by asking, "Whose to say how much pain and disappointment you can reasonably suffer before you snap?" The question echoed through the book because there was so much loss within it, that question circled back to the author. The chapter,"This River" moved me the most. It reinforced my dedication to memoir because Brown's honest glimmer shined through as he carried his sister's ashes to the river, where he released them."The spirit never dies. It just follows the river," he wrote. It's the most poignant sentence in the book and it stuck with me, wrapped around me and stayed.
May 20, 2011
This one's kinda tough for me to write, because I've been a fan of this guy since the late 1970s, when I came across a copy of Going Fast in a used bookstore near 2nd & Mission in Freezco (the place btw was run by a guy who had a cataract even though he was fairly young, and many years later I ran into him going down 18th Street and was about to say hi because I knew I'd seen him somewhere, but I didn't know where, so I just walked on past; I wasn't able to place him until I'd gone a couple blocks more). Actually, that's the only novel of his I've read, but I remember seeing his picture on the back cover and he was just this grinning kid and I figured if he could do it maybe I could too, so I'm sure that's part of the reason I tend to identify with him (also that we both lived in northern California and got a bit druggy at times). But I also read L A Diaries and liked it a lot (I can remember examining the author's picture and finally deciding that yeah, it probably was the same guy, since the "other books by" thingie didn't list Going Fast; I guess he's disowned it since or something).
All of which leads me to this one. First off, I'm a bit annoyed that they called it a memoir, since really it's a bunch of essays, but I suppose that's for Product Placement or another one of those distributors' things that I don't quite understand. At any rate, I liked the first three essays quite a bit, and I figured I was in for another satisfying read a la Diaries, but then things started to slip off the track.
The essays began to bear little wrap-up tags at the end, which sounded more like Cliff Notes commentaries than actual parts of the pieces themselves. And indeed these soon insinuated themselves within the essays too, teacherish passages using terms like "self-esteem" and so forth; I wished that they had been omitted (it reminded me of that John Lennon song where he belabors the thought processes which led him to neglect his beloved, and ends up coming across more as analyst than lyricist). It was as though some blue-penciling social worker had snuck in and made all these memospeak additions to the copy. An example, from the passage where he has holed up in the hotel with his son: "Though in hindsight I recognize my behavior as bizarre, at the time it seemed perfectly normal to me. The hunted are desperate, and I was, to my mind, the hunted." I thought if he had omitted those two sentences and ended the paragraph with "I'm proud of my ingenuity. I'm proud of my foresight," it would imply the same point (and also be a whole lot funnier).
Then too there was a certain priggishness in the proceedings, an attitude which is lamentably in keeping with this era of the polite-nik, and which became more and more noticeable. Again, I would prefer to draw such conclusions myself, if I am inclined to do so, and not have some moralistic back-seat driver point out the way for me. At times it got downright silly (not to mention ironic), as in the heroin section ("That her mother is also a junkie should help to explain, though by no means justify, her reckless neglect"...this coming from a guy with a spike in his back?), or later on when he's in rehab ("I'm no different or better than anyone in the group, excluding the child molester..."). Alle menschen werden brueder? Well, not quite I guess...
Oh yes, and the business with Yukio. I suppose I got a different message from the ending than JB evidently did. I'm also not sure what it means for a story to be "indefensible"; perhaps there's that priggishness again (get the guy to turn it into a 4-page treatment and Hollywood'll no doubt have another hit on their hands). Had to love that "Send him back to Japan" English chair bozo; evidently things haven't changed much since I left the academy (which I suppose is why all of it left such a foul taste in my mouth). Indeed I got different messages in more than one instance. I suspect for example that there was more bravado than bigotry to the son's remark about the "fucking Mexican," but the passage basically to the effect that "Some of my best friends are Mexican" rang a bit false to me. And later on there's the kid who says "Fuck you" then calls the cops when he gets beat up. What a wuss! Seems to me that you shouldn't be saying such things if you would rather not get clobbered. And as for "It's hard to imagine brutality among six-year-olds"...lol I have no problem at all picturing that.
I did though like JB telling off the other wrestler's father. And I like very much the following snippet:
"Yeah," he says, "you caught a sardine."
"Shut up," Nate says.
"You shut up."
"At least I caught something."
A moment of lightness and levity in an otherwise unrelievedly grim chronicle. Perhaps it would be nice to see a bit more of those moments when he hugs his sons and tucks them in or the happier times with Heidi, if only so we can understand why they are such powerful inducements for him to go on and grit it out despite all the obstacles. At the end when he begins to talk about a Higher Power, I thought, "Uh-oh, looks like we're about to lose another one to Sky Chief." But fortunately he didn't go down that route.
At any rate, despite all my grousing I did find the book worth reading, and I do think the author is an interesting and cool guy (what else could you think about somebody who gives himself 5 stars and then says "Another completely objective rating from the crazy guy who wrote the book"? lol). I wonder when (or if) he's gonna come up with another novel...
All of which leads me to this one. First off, I'm a bit annoyed that they called it a memoir, since really it's a bunch of essays, but I suppose that's for Product Placement or another one of those distributors' things that I don't quite understand. At any rate, I liked the first three essays quite a bit, and I figured I was in for another satisfying read a la Diaries, but then things started to slip off the track.
The essays began to bear little wrap-up tags at the end, which sounded more like Cliff Notes commentaries than actual parts of the pieces themselves. And indeed these soon insinuated themselves within the essays too, teacherish passages using terms like "self-esteem" and so forth; I wished that they had been omitted (it reminded me of that John Lennon song where he belabors the thought processes which led him to neglect his beloved, and ends up coming across more as analyst than lyricist). It was as though some blue-penciling social worker had snuck in and made all these memospeak additions to the copy. An example, from the passage where he has holed up in the hotel with his son: "Though in hindsight I recognize my behavior as bizarre, at the time it seemed perfectly normal to me. The hunted are desperate, and I was, to my mind, the hunted." I thought if he had omitted those two sentences and ended the paragraph with "I'm proud of my ingenuity. I'm proud of my foresight," it would imply the same point (and also be a whole lot funnier).
Then too there was a certain priggishness in the proceedings, an attitude which is lamentably in keeping with this era of the polite-nik, and which became more and more noticeable. Again, I would prefer to draw such conclusions myself, if I am inclined to do so, and not have some moralistic back-seat driver point out the way for me. At times it got downright silly (not to mention ironic), as in the heroin section ("That her mother is also a junkie should help to explain, though by no means justify, her reckless neglect"...this coming from a guy with a spike in his back?), or later on when he's in rehab ("I'm no different or better than anyone in the group, excluding the child molester..."). Alle menschen werden brueder? Well, not quite I guess...
Oh yes, and the business with Yukio. I suppose I got a different message from the ending than JB evidently did. I'm also not sure what it means for a story to be "indefensible"; perhaps there's that priggishness again (get the guy to turn it into a 4-page treatment and Hollywood'll no doubt have another hit on their hands). Had to love that "Send him back to Japan" English chair bozo; evidently things haven't changed much since I left the academy (which I suppose is why all of it left such a foul taste in my mouth). Indeed I got different messages in more than one instance. I suspect for example that there was more bravado than bigotry to the son's remark about the "fucking Mexican," but the passage basically to the effect that "Some of my best friends are Mexican" rang a bit false to me. And later on there's the kid who says "Fuck you" then calls the cops when he gets beat up. What a wuss! Seems to me that you shouldn't be saying such things if you would rather not get clobbered. And as for "It's hard to imagine brutality among six-year-olds"...lol I have no problem at all picturing that.
I did though like JB telling off the other wrestler's father. And I like very much the following snippet:
"Yeah," he says, "you caught a sardine."
"Shut up," Nate says.
"You shut up."
"At least I caught something."
A moment of lightness and levity in an otherwise unrelievedly grim chronicle. Perhaps it would be nice to see a bit more of those moments when he hugs his sons and tucks them in or the happier times with Heidi, if only so we can understand why they are such powerful inducements for him to go on and grit it out despite all the obstacles. At the end when he begins to talk about a Higher Power, I thought, "Uh-oh, looks like we're about to lose another one to Sky Chief." But fortunately he didn't go down that route.
At any rate, despite all my grousing I did find the book worth reading, and I do think the author is an interesting and cool guy (what else could you think about somebody who gives himself 5 stars and then says "Another completely objective rating from the crazy guy who wrote the book"? lol). I wonder when (or if) he's gonna come up with another novel...
March 18, 2011
James Brown's memoir, This River, contains some of the most powerful and engaging prose I've ever encountered. While technically it's a follow-up to Brown's first memoir, The Los Angeles Diaries, it is, in my opinion, a different type of memoir. In This River, Brown's essays serve as a series of snapshots, as opposed to a complete narrative, each of them capable of existing on their own, while, collectively, contributing to the larger tapestry that is Brown's life. In many ways, this memoir is more personal, as you see Brown trying to be a good father, husband, and son, while, in his estimation, failing more times than he succeeds. Brown's voice in This River is simple and informal, reading like a close friend who has a lot on his mind and would like nothing more than to confide in you for a little while.
March 17, 2011
I was very excited when I won this book on Goodreads. I read the author's first memoir, The Los Angeles Diaries, and was anxious to see how the author's life was progressing! The author's struggles are so real and true that the reader can really understand his life and is rooting for him all the way. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author! (And would love another memoir to see what happens next in his life and how things turn out for his sons!)
October 7, 2011
The most riveting--and wrenching--essay collection I've read in years, possibly the best since Beard's Boys of My Youth. My only complaint is that the publisher chose to call it a "memoir." Why can't great essayists own the title? Especially when JB has an excellent memoir out, LA Diaries.......
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January 14, 2012
James Brown is one of my favorite writers. He has a gift for seamless prose and unflinching honesty. I also recommend L.A. Diaries as well.
April 24, 2016
Great Book! I read it for my college English 1a class such an inspiring and impactful book ***
September 19, 2018
This is a english class book so the review won't be that long but I did enjoy the book. I usually don't, I think never actually, read memoirs and this was pretty interesting. It's pretty straight forward, which is how I like my books, and the author was interesting. His life is really hard and I like how he jumps around from different points in his life instead of going chronologically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2019
Sequel
This is a sequel to his previous book (Los Angelos.....) about his addictions and relapses. A very moving autobiography which should be required reading for those in AA or NA or those individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
This is a sequel to his previous book (Los Angelos.....) about his addictions and relapses. A very moving autobiography which should be required reading for those in AA or NA or those individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
October 7, 2013
I did like this book--a lot. I just didn't like it as well as his first memoir, The Los Angeles Diaries. Also, this was more a collection of essays that have appeared in other venues and as a result he covers some of the same ground in different "chapters." So the book didn't hang together as well as LAD did.
However, don't let this discourage you from reading this book. Maybe if I hadn't read LAD first, I would have liked this one more. Then again, I think I needed to have the back story of Brown's life in order to appreciate the things he referred to in this book.
However, don't let this discourage you from reading this book. Maybe if I hadn't read LAD first, I would have liked this one more. Then again, I think I needed to have the back story of Brown's life in order to appreciate the things he referred to in this book.
August 9, 2012
I've never read James Brown before but am hunting down everything he's written. In this book he grapples with losing both his older brother and sister to suicide and dealing with his own history of drug abuse. This book, which is very short but takes place over years, is about the author making peace with himself as well as the living and the dead.
August 30, 2012
Just not my style. The story was disjointed and thuroughly depressing. It was void of emotion on many fronts.
November 19, 2012
Heartbreaking story of addiction and the power of love.
July 9, 2013
Excellent. I recommend reading his first bio prior to this second one.
January 26, 2017
Good follow up to Los Angeles diaries . Quick read .
November 27, 2013
somehow
the drugs.
are there
and he is available
the drugs.
are there
and he is available
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews