The Middle Fork

by Rick Glaze

Jonathan and an old college friend join a group of kayakers in a trip down Idaho’s Salmon River in what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway from everyday life. However, the exhilarating runs over the rapids quickly take a backseat to heated political debates in camp and on the river. Disparate personalities and political parties spark strong opinions and heightened emotions, creating tension within the small group. But when a thunderstorm turns into a violent flash flood, the group finds they must put aside their differences if they want to make it off the river alive.

Packed full of action, The Middle Fork hits on current hotbutton political issues, like global warming, war, and illegal immigration, providing a sharp political discussion fueled by adrenaline and suspense.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Rick Glaze published the kayaking adventure, The Purple River in 2021, Spanish Pieces of Eight, a sailing adventure/mystery, and Jackass a Short Story Collection in 2022. Ralph & Murray in 2024 and dropped Eight Pieces f Eight in 2025. He was a Columnist at San Francisco’s Nob Hill Gazette, attended the Stanford University Creative Writing Program, and is a graduate of Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and MTSU.

He is an award-winning songwriter with two CDs, a Pandora radio station, credits on Country Music Television (CMT), BBC Radio, as well as radio airplay. Rick has rafted the Grand Canyon, the Salmon and Rogue Rivers as well as sailed throughout the Caribbean Sea.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit that after finishing this book it really was not the sort of book that appeals to me. I found the interaction between the characters forced and not very realistic. If they are based on real people they are definitely not ones I would ever want to go on a vacation with. I also found the relationship between Jonathan and Sonia to be strange and it appeared out of the blue. I really think the story would have been better without it (and this coming from a die hard romantic). The initial political debate seemed to come out of the blue with no real lead in which I think set the odd tone of the book for me. That said I loved the excitement of the actual trips through the rapids and almost felt like I was along for the ride. I think those that like to pick apart political debates will enjoy the sparring between the characters in this book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book, but presenting itself as a political novel is a bit of a stretch in my mind given the minimalist part the political discussions play in the book as a whole. Definitely a page turner, though.