Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

Tobe and The River Is by Micah Sanger is an insightful and thoughtful story with a profound spiritual message. After finding a strange book that tells of extraordinary things, Tobe sets off on an adventure to find The Great Fish, The River Is, and the truth about life and himself. Leaving his fishing job and Kallee, whom he loves, he travels through strange lands, survives dark holes of negative thoughts and fears, and arrives at the Carnival. Here different aspects of life are represented in different areas: relationships, war, dancing girls. Tobe learns that his and all our experiences are created out of our thoughts and beliefs, and are not based on the reality of what is. Finally he finds the way into Inlakesh, meets the enlightened Auriel, and begins his discovery of the River Is. Willing to surrender his false beliefs, Tobe grows in knowledge. But can he hold on to the truths, peace, and happiness, and see life in a better and more fulfilling way once he returns to everyday life?

Tobe and The River Is is a deep, metaphorical tale which I absolutely loved from beginning to end. Tobe’s life, desire to find and understand, and his gradual realization that life – the way he sees it and the way all humans see it – is not based on reality, but on absorbed beliefs and fears is an insightful and thoughtful message. I liked the idea of the carnival where all kinds of human experiences are chosen and experienced quite blindly without understanding why or how. It is a story of one person’s awakening to spiritual truths through the experience of letting go of preconceived ideas, being present in the moment, and experiencing a feeling of wonder and oneness with all creation. The book reflects the lessons, life-changing experiences, and the joy that can be discovered by seekers of life’s meaning. Many quotable phrases reflect this. For example, “go to the life of this present second and you will find the River waiting there” and “what truly lives does not die” – i.e. it is the essence of life, not physical form, that is real.

A delightful and inspiring tale, full of gentle wisdom matched with psychological understandings. The author has also included lovely detailed illustrations of Tobe’s journey and experiences. If you’re looking for an inspirational character-led story, Tobe and The River Is will make you think and touch your heart and soul. Recommended.