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The Novel

"A Masterful Work of Creativity"

The River is a story of Gabriel Clarke, a third generation legendary whitewater guide, whose experience with The River rescued him from a life of brokenness and pain. Inspired by true events, this story takes you on a journey from tragedy and despair to triumph and redemption.

  • The River is a captivating story told by a masterful storyteller.  Page by page, the characters drew me in and would not let me go. The River awakened the adventurer inside of me. Entertaining, thought provoking, challenging, and compelling . . . You can’t read The River and not be impacted . . . I certainly was.

    Jordan Rubin - New York Times Bestselling Author

  • The River is a beautifully crafted novel by a gifted communicator.  Michael William Neale has successfully parlayed his ability to inspire from the performing platform to the written page.  The story of The River will inspire its readers to live a life they were destined for!

    John C. Maxwell - Founder EQUIP and The John Maxwell Company

  • The River is a work of art.  Michael William Neale is a gifted writer. I was enthralled with every page.  It gripped me and I could not put it down!

    Lowell “Bud” Paxson - Founder ION Television Network

  • Beauty, sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, a son’s love for his father…the themes in this novel moved me to tears. My friend Michael Neale has skillfully crafted a captivating read! This book will inspire your soul.

    Rebecca St. James - Grammy Award-Winning Artist

  • I’ve heard Michael Neale tell stories for years.  I’ve been encouraged, uplifted, made to laugh, and brought to tears by them.  The River does this and so much more.  This story got a hold of me and won’t let me go.  I believe this novel will inspire many to conquer their fears, and really live!

    Dr. J. Todd Mullins - Lead Pastor Christ Fellowship Church

  • The story of The River is inspiring and uplifting!  Reaching deep into your heart from the opening pages, The River and its cast of characters takes you on a life-changing journey.  Everyone needs to read it.  I believe this story will impact the world!

    Dr. Tom Mullins - Founding Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church

  • I was deeply moved by The River.  I found myself captured by the beauty of the story and fully immersed in the characters and their lives.  I believe there’s a little Gabriel Clarke in all of us.  This book is a must read for any stage of life.

    Bruce Koblish - President/CEO, The Worship Network

  • Truly riveting. I felt like I was living the story and experiencing the events as they unfolded and couldn’t put the book down. Michael Neale has woven wonder and wisdom into a story that will continue to inspire hearts for years to come.  Read this book, it will open your eyes.

    Paul Baloche M.Div - Pastor, Dove Award-Winning Songwriter, Recording Artist

  • The River is a powerful story . . . one you’ll never forget.  I was greatly impacted by the story of Gabriel Clarke’s journey from tragedy to triumph.  The characters, the dialogue, the plot . . . every bit of this story was crafted with excellence and I highly recommend it!

    R. Todd Bell - Executive Pastor of Worship, Prestonwood Baptist Church

  • Stories move the soul like nothing else.  Great stories inspire us to really live and let us know that we are not alone on the journey.  The River is that and so much more!  I can’t remember reading a more compelling work of fiction.  This story is going to stay with me

    Matthew West - Grammy Award-Nominated Artist

The Live Event

"A Stunning Visual Experience"

The River Experience LIVE is a concert event that threads the story of the novel through an artful combination of music, narration and HD film. Much like modern films, The River Experience LIVE has epic HD film footage that literally immerses the audience in a visual journey through the story of The River. This live visual experience is undergirded by an artfully crafted film-score that was created by both Michael Neale and Michael Whittaker (Award-winning Film and Television Composer).

This audio/visual experience is then propelled forward with the simplicity and power of great story-telling. Michael Neale, the author/performer, literally captivates the audience through his unique gift of sharing the story of The River through a live narrative, one in which the characters of this inspiring story seem to be both seen and heard.

Truly, River Experience LIVE is an unforgettable evening in which the audience is taken on a journey that will inspire, captivate and entertain.