A review by abbymoore06
Go as a River by Shelley Read

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What a superb narrative.  Super impressed with Shelley Read.  First, her writing is so measured and thoughtful.  You feel a steady tug in the plot the entire way.  It's so expertly paced, and she doesn't particularly expound on "major" plot events; rather, you are gently pushed along.  Not to sound cheesy, but as I was reading, it evoked being pulled down a river.... there were places in the narrative that I wanted to capture or stay longer, but Read just gently carries you further and doesn't allow you to linger in any one place too long.... and soon you come to another bend in the story.  For example, I would like to know more about Seth and that whole backstory.... her mother....but, it's just not available to us.  Not in a bad way, but in an intentional way.... like, the understanding of not needing to know everything about everything.  I thought this measured flow was just beautiful.  Kudos to Read. I can tell this novel was a true labor of love.  I look forward to more by her.