If you enjoyed Wild or Educated you should read this. A story of resilience and finding yourself after a terrible childhood. Crockers memoir is full of hope and adventure.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book. It’s a quick easy read that follows the life of the author. From struggling with a difficult childhood to her finding joy in river rafting .

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook on exchange for my honest review.
Bridget Crocker left California for Wyoming after her parents’ contentious divorce. Her mother settled them near the Snake River, remarried and had a new baby. All was mostly well in Bridget’s life until her mother divorced her stepfather and took on a new personality. In order to escape, Bridget return to California to live with her father where she was physically abused and eventually returned to Wyoming to finish high school. Along the way, the Snake River became a place of solace and healing for Bridget. Her skills and life would take her to the Zambezi River in Africa, as well as the Kern River closer to home.
Her childhood contained a lot of abuse and trauma that I’m sure many would readers can relate to on some level. The majority of the “meat” of the book is her personal experiences on the rivers which I found really interesting and exciting although nothing I would want to experience myself.
The ending of the book was a bit rushed, there is about a 10 year gap where the author did a lot of healing and growing, but we don’t get to see that. I really appreciated the grace she gives her parents. Acknowledging that even though they were far from “good” parents, they still contribute to her success by the lessons they taught her, either by necessity or choice. I would love to see a follow-up book covering that gap of time to see what work went into healing, although that is very personal and can see why she wouldn’t want to share that.
If you’re a fan of memoirs in general, or if you love reading about adventure and nature I would definitely recommend this book.

Beautifully written emotional moving Bridget Crocker shares her intimate life story.Her connection to different river is very special.I was immediately drawn into her life and was sorry when I red the last page.#netgalley #spiegal&grau

Bridget Crocker has written a memoir that draws you in and holds your attention. She writes about how rivers have shaped her life and how the rivers have helped her get through some troubling times. I enjoyed the book, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC.

THE RIVER'S DAUGHTER is a fantastic memoir that should appeal to a wide variety of readers. I especially admire the structure and how the author examines her life in the context of different rivers she has encountered. Her descriptions of harrowing whitewater adventures kept me enthralled. Ultimately this is an inspiring story of perseverance, bravery, and strength, even when encountering terrifying obstacles. The writing here is very strong, and I will be recommending this memoir to many readers.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

I think I may need to check my blood pressure and slow my breathing down now that I’ve finished this excellent and high intensity memoir! I couldn’t put it down and read it completely in 2 days. I would have likened it to riding a roller coaster, but given the focus of the book, I think rafting down the largest rivers in world would be a more apt analogy. It was absolutely harrowing to read about Bridget’s childhood and everything she overcame to reach where she is today — what a testament to perseverance and inner strength. I initially picked this book because of my interest in the white-water rafting and the river guide aspects but found myself just as interested in Bridget’s personal stories and her relationships with her parents, friends and boyfriends. Reading this book felt like sitting on a couch with your best friend, with a glass wine, and stories laid bare in such a raw and personal way. Bridget doesn’t hold back and even admits when she made a wrong choice or didn’t listen to her gut. It’s a truly inspiring memoir that I hope many will discover. I will definitely be considering this book as my pick for my book club this year.

I also must mention that Bridget’s descriptions of different places and rivers was so spot on. I found myself watching videos of real rafting trips on various rivers she described and her prose really captures the differences between the volumes of water, the rapids and the surrounding natural landscape. I learned so much about the Zambezi River but find myself just wanting to learn and watch more. There’s something so intriguing about all of Bridget’s experiences — it truly felt immersive.

A huge thank you to Bridget Crocker for sharing so much of yourself. Thank you to Siegel & Grau for publishing this story. And thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I devoured this amazing book and have so much respect for the author. Through years of abuse and pain comes a strength that is unparalleled. Bridget’s unique connection with each river she encounters, and conquers, only grows her strength, guts and ability to persevere and overcome any obstacle she faces.

The River’s Daughter is an unforgettable memoir that is both poignant and action-packed… I honestly couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I am curious as to what happened to Steve- he was such a huge and important character throughout the book. I do understand, though, that he is a part of history!

I hope the author continues her writing journey- I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us!

Thanks to NetGalley for my Advanced Readers Copy. Truly a memorable book!

The River's Daughter is a unique and compelling book that keeps you hooked until the end! Bridget Crocker is a great writer and I really enjoyed this book.

"Rivers have shaped not just my callused hands but the course of my life."

What a fantastic memoir. Bridget Crocker is a survivor in every sense of the word. The River's Daughter is a deeply moving story that navigates the turbulent waters of her life. Yet, despite the darkness, there’s an undeniable undercurrent of strength, hope, and healing.

Throughout her journey, the one constant has been the rivers that shaped her youth. More than just a backdrop, they became her refuge, her teachers, and ultimately, her path to finding meaning and purpose. Bridget may be a river guide, but it’s clear that the rivers guided her just as much—offering solace and shaping the resilient, courageous woman she is today.

This memoir is raw, inspiring, and uplifting despite the heavy themes. If you’re looking for a story that will move you and remind you of the power of resilience, this is it.

Enjoyed reading this book. Though dark at times that is the nature of life. Bridgets ability to overcome adversity and grow as a person is incredible. Many people would be knocked over by life. I finished this book excited to continue following her story. I’d recommend this for anybody going through struggles in life who can’t see a way out.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

I loved this book and must admit I didn’t realize it was a memoir at first. I loved the writing and everyone in the book. Loved coming along on the adventures and seeing life through another’s eyes. Thank you for opening. A window for us to peer in.

Beautifully written book of Bridget’s journey through this crazy world. This book hits all the notes love, growth, survival and joy. So informative about the rafting world. Enjoyed reading about Africa’s rivers as well. Almost haunting her soul. Highly recommend!

What a beautifully constructed memoir!

Navigating the extreme rapids in rivers around the world turns out to be easier for the author than navigating the perils of family and childhood trauma.

This memoir offers an unflinching look at the author’s troubled childhood, and brings the same intensity to the writer's relationships with the ribers in her life. It delivers us to calm waters at the end. Along the way, it offers a fascinating look into the world of guiding river trips.

I appreciated Bridget Crocker sharing their story with the reader. It was a strong story and I was invested in what was going on in this memoir. I enjoyed hearing stories from rafting as a guide and glad it was so well done.