Crossing the River

Seven Stories that Saved My Life, A Memoir

By: Carol Smith

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Everyone deals with grief in their own way. Helen MacDonald found solace in training a wild goshawk. Cheryl Strayed found comfort in hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. For Carol Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist struggling with the sudden death of her seven-year-old son, Christopher, the way to cross the river of sorrow was through work.

In Crossing the River, Smith recounts how she faced down her crippling loss through reporting a series of profiles of people coping with their own intense challenges, whether a freak accident, a debilitating injury, or a terrifying diagnosis. Smith deftly mixes the stories of these individuals and their families with her own account of how they helped her heal. General John Shalikashvili, once the most powerful member of the American military, taught Carol how to face fear with discipline and endurance. Seth, a young boy with a rare and incurable illness, shed light on the totality of her son’s experiences and, in turn, helps listeners see that the value of a life is not measured in days.

This is a beautiful and profoundly moving book, an unforgettable journey through grief and a valuable, illuminating listen for anyone coping with loss.

©2021 Carol Smith (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Exquisite

As the mother of two young boys, one of whom began his life in the NICU, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to handle reading this book, but wow, am I glad I did. It is one of the most gorgeously written memoirs I’ve experienced, and the stories beautifully illustrate the resilience of the human spirit, the ability of grief and joy to co-exist, and the enduring power of love. Christopher, Carol and her reporting story subjects are firmly planted in my heart.

Cassandra Campbell is also one of my favorite narrators.