"Up River shows what it is like to go against the stream in a good cause. George Ivey gives us a fascinating story, filled with folks friendly and threatening, cheery and cranky. The subjects this fast-paced novel addresses are as important as they are plentiful. Everyone who has ever been a stranger in a new place will sympathize with Peter Bailey; everyone who has tried to beat long odds will cheer for him. And anyone who reads Up River will learn how perilous is the balance of nature-and human nature. Entrancing."
Fred Chappell, author of Brighten the Corner Where You Are
"Ivey captures both the aspirations and real-world challenges facing conservationists. This book gives direction to the world's future change agents."
Phillip Ray Gibson, Environmental Leadership Center, Warren Wilson College; former French Broad Riverkeeper(r)
Amid the southern Appalachian mountains, Peter Bailey takes on the kind of meaningful challenge he's been searching for-saving the Akwanee River. He strives to build common ground with a peculiar assortment of people, but more often meets with apathy, suspicion, or outright opposition. Peter also discovers unexpected sources of inspiration and support that prove as rare and fragile as the endangered aquatic species he is trying to protect.
Sometimes amused, often frustrated, and always challenged, Peter must learn the needs of the river and the ways of the locals and try to bring them into harmony before it's too late.
For anyone who aspires to make things better, Up River goes beyond the competing themes of degradation, loss, recovery, and renewal. This distinctive novel delivers a memorable perspective and instructive lessons on what it means, and what it takes, to make a difference.
Born, raised, and again living in Western North Carolina, George Ivey has spent more than eighteen years protecting rivers, farmland, and other natural resources in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and elsewhere. His writings have appeared in numerous publications, including Nature Conservancy, Iceland Review, and Smoky Mountain News. Up River is his first novel. Find out more at www.georgeivey.com.
