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The Falls
Fifteen-year-old Jay Hunter has but one goal in life: to get out of the Falls. Life in the blue-collar tourist town doesn?t hold much promise for a teenage boy. But all that begins to change when his mother reveals a remarkable family history: Jay?s great-grandfather was one of the most famous river men who ever lived, saving people who?d jumped into the Falls, even going over the Falls himself numerous times. Suddenly, life in Niagara Falls holds new meaning for Jay?and a new challenge.
- GenresYoung AdultFictionCanada
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Eric Walters
168 books927 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 2, 2012
Well this book was utterly disapointing considering that I love Eric Walters and all of his books.
Like it went on and on like get to the point that you are going over the fall ... I didnt even finish the book I stopped at page 100 or something along the line to that.
The plot was good thats why I gave to 2 stars but it felt like there was on going sentences.. which I dont like. Not AS bad but certanly not the best book Ive read in my days...even though im not even 20 yet :3
Like it went on and on like get to the point that you are going over the fall ... I didnt even finish the book I stopped at page 100 or something along the line to that.
The plot was good thats why I gave to 2 stars but it felt like there was on going sentences.. which I dont like. Not AS bad but certanly not the best book Ive read in my days...even though im not even 20 yet :3
December 12, 2009
Wow. I could not close this book, it was not propped open, my eyes were glued to it.
October 21, 2019
Decent book for kids, with added interest for Niagara residents, especially those who know something of the daredevils who have gone over the Falls, and the rivermen. The book is actually about kids who live with alcoholism (their parents' or their own), and that seems quite accurate.
April 29, 2025
Eric walters is such a fantastic author. his story telling is unmatched and just reading the passion in his stories is enough to keep you locked into the story.
The only downfall to me for thus novel is the fact it set up for a sequel and didnt provide. Jay's story was awesome and im craving more
The only downfall to me for thus novel is the fact it set up for a sequel and didnt provide. Jay's story was awesome and im craving more
March 21, 2019
Was alright had some good advice and lessons but the end of the story was as little disappointing. Over all it was good though
June 16, 2014
It was okay. I like Eric Walters and Everything he writes. The plot was good. I liked the conversations and the way the chapters were divided. The only thing that bothered me is that the story was moving very slowly. I read the first 100 pages and they were all about the insecure teenager who's getting influenced by his only friend. The main character was interesting. It was a good book but not the best thing that I've ever read.
August 21, 2011
This book was okay. I found it to be a little boring. But it was an ok book to read.
October 21, 2012
I hated this book.
June 2, 2013
A very nice book!!
June 12, 2013
This book was really good, but it started out pretty slow.
September 25, 2014
Rated this book, 5 stars because I thought it would help people who need help. I thought it was very good, because of the word choice that author chose to put in the book.
January 28, 2015
Not even thought provoking enough for a YA.
January 7, 2016
The plot was good, but it was very slow, and the ending was rather disappointing.
November 19, 2011
it was okay... not one of his best works.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews