What do you think?
Rate this book
Where The River Begins
A confused and misguided youngster stays with a Christian family while his mother is institutionalized. The family helps him discover the source of the nearby river and the source of the Christian life.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1980
About the author
Patricia St. John
97 books248 followersPatricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 10, 2023
This is a good one … for older kids.
While this has St. John’s signature inclusion of a salvation conversion, this story shows life on the wrong side of the tracks. An angry young boy who is unwanted by his step-father (who, it’s discovered, is having an affair), a mother who always wakes up with a headache, and a gang of older vandalizing bullies who drink and tempt the main character for a time.
Everything of course is righted in the end and it’s a beautiful story of redemption, but probably for a more maturer crowd than her books usually call for.
Ages: 13+
Content Considerations: see above.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
While this has St. John’s signature inclusion of a salvation conversion, this story shows life on the wrong side of the tracks. An angry young boy who is unwanted by his step-father (who, it’s discovered, is having an affair), a mother who always wakes up with a headache, and a gang of older vandalizing bullies who drink and tempt the main character for a time.
Everything of course is righted in the end and it’s a beautiful story of redemption, but probably for a more maturer crowd than her books usually call for.
Ages: 13+
Content Considerations: see above.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
August 15, 2025
« 我们心灵的水源头如果被弄脏了，被污秽和腐烂的叶子围住了，从里面流出来的水也就混浊了。 »
“I think our hearts inside us are a bit like that spring you found… fouled at the source, full of dirt and dead leaves, with the water all muddy.”
🍂
Mrs Patricia did not disappoint.
Other than the fact that it’s always a fun and interesting experience to read in my mother tongue, her stories are easy to follow, and though the main character is a little boy, we can all in someway relate to him— looking for a place where love is warming up people’s hearts, enlightening their souls and nourishing their spirits; a place where even anger, fear, loneliness come to peace and find in it, a eternal home 🏡
Alison, the kind lady and mother who welcomes the child, lost in anger and lost in life, with opened arms and a garden full of flowers, is such a role model (a proverbs 31 woman as we say🤭) that i inspire to be🌷
“But at least we’ve seen it in bloom.”
🍃
Even though it’s a children story (that i’d definitely be reading to mine), the book still reminds me of the most important truth i hold dear in my heart and soul🤍
That beautiful and pure spring remains forever in one’s heart, for God is love.”
🌸
“God is like the source of a beautiful river; all love and joy flow from Him.”
“I think our hearts inside us are a bit like that spring you found… fouled at the source, full of dirt and dead leaves, with the water all muddy.”
🍂
Mrs Patricia did not disappoint.
Other than the fact that it’s always a fun and interesting experience to read in my mother tongue, her stories are easy to follow, and though the main character is a little boy, we can all in someway relate to him— looking for a place where love is warming up people’s hearts, enlightening their souls and nourishing their spirits; a place where even anger, fear, loneliness come to peace and find in it, a eternal home 🏡
Alison, the kind lady and mother who welcomes the child, lost in anger and lost in life, with opened arms and a garden full of flowers, is such a role model (a proverbs 31 woman as we say🤭) that i inspire to be🌷
“But at least we’ve seen it in bloom.”
🍃
Even though it’s a children story (that i’d definitely be reading to mine), the book still reminds me of the most important truth i hold dear in my heart and soul🤍
That beautiful and pure spring remains forever in one’s heart, for God is love.”
🌸
“God is like the source of a beautiful river; all love and joy flow from Him.”
September 22, 2009
Another outstanding book for youth by this author. A story of unconditional love by one family toward a young boy who is troubled.
Ten-year old Francis has hard lessons to learn in "Where The River Begins." He doesn't know where he fits in since he thinks he is unwanted at home by his mother, his step father and step sisters. One sister in particular, he is always fighting with and it's he that gets blamed every time as though his sisters could do no wrong. He befriends a small Indian boy who is delighted to finally have a friend as Ram is very shy in this place away from his homeland. Francis likes Ram well enough but it's the tough older kids that he wants to hook up with and become "cool" just like them. The day a fire breaks out in a home is when Francis starts learning those difficult lessons.
He has so much anger in him and lashes out, hurting people who love him. A remarkable event takes place toward the end of the book which causes changes in Francis. Changes that even he is surprised by.
Ten-year old Francis has hard lessons to learn in "Where The River Begins." He doesn't know where he fits in since he thinks he is unwanted at home by his mother, his step father and step sisters. One sister in particular, he is always fighting with and it's he that gets blamed every time as though his sisters could do no wrong. He befriends a small Indian boy who is delighted to finally have a friend as Ram is very shy in this place away from his homeland. Francis likes Ram well enough but it's the tough older kids that he wants to hook up with and become "cool" just like them. The day a fire breaks out in a home is when Francis starts learning those difficult lessons.
He has so much anger in him and lashes out, hurting people who love him. A remarkable event takes place toward the end of the book which causes changes in Francis. Changes that even he is surprised by.
February 5, 2026
Yet another beautiful children's story by Patricia St John.
Currently Reading
November 27, 2022This is the final book of six in the set of Patricia St. John books from Moody Publishers ebook series. The sales blurb states these stories have been updated for the contemporary reader, an edit which some St. John fans dislike. Here is the link to the series:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I’ll review each title as I go and the entire set when completed. If you would like to follow along from the beginning, the first story is:
Star of Light, Patricia St. John, 1953
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 8, 2015
I just really love this English writer. All of her books are so original and inspiring.
August 15, 2023
Where The River Begins by Patricia St. John is a short, exciting stand-alone story about the transforming power of love in a boy's life who has barely experienced love. Francis, a 10 year-old-boy, whose parents are breaking up, is not getting much attention at home and so he searches for a place to belong.
Written from the third person objective point of view, the story is set in Warwickshire, England in the second half of the 20th century. Living with his mother and stepfather, and two half-sisters, Francis tries to get away from the stress in his house as often as he can. Francis is fascinated by the river and goes looking for adventure. At the river, he finds danger and excitement and new friends. What else will he find in his adventure on the river and how will his longing for belonging end?
I liked pretty much everything in the book except for some of Francis's reactions when he got frustrated. Another reason I like this Christian Life fiction genre is because it shows people encountering God's love. I thought it was a good book because the main theme of finding and experiencing love was encouraging and made me feel hopeful. I would recommend this book for young people aged around 8-12 who like stories about people whose lives change for the better.
Written from the third person objective point of view, the story is set in Warwickshire, England in the second half of the 20th century. Living with his mother and stepfather, and two half-sisters, Francis tries to get away from the stress in his house as often as he can. Francis is fascinated by the river and goes looking for adventure. At the river, he finds danger and excitement and new friends. What else will he find in his adventure on the river and how will his longing for belonging end?
I liked pretty much everything in the book except for some of Francis's reactions when he got frustrated. Another reason I like this Christian Life fiction genre is because it shows people encountering God's love. I thought it was a good book because the main theme of finding and experiencing love was encouraging and made me feel hopeful. I would recommend this book for young people aged around 8-12 who like stories about people whose lives change for the better.
October 29, 2024
PROS
-Once again, Patricia St. John succeeds to faithfully present the gospel in a fresh and compelling way for both children and adults.
-I liked the clean spring analogy and its connection with the sheep.
-I was inspired by the foster parents’ love for Francis.
CONS
-Some parts were quite suspenseful for a children’s story. My sensitive nephew might not be able to handle it.
-Others made reference to adult topics (ex. vandalism, drinking, smoking and adultery).
-Some characters were kind of useless.
-Many characters weren’t realistic and could have been better developed.
I always appreciate St. John’s ability to present the gospel in an accessible manner, but I can’t say this story landed among my favourites among her collection.
-Once again, Patricia St. John succeeds to faithfully present the gospel in a fresh and compelling way for both children and adults.
-I liked the clean spring analogy and its connection with the sheep.
-I was inspired by the foster parents’ love for Francis.
CONS
-Some parts were quite suspenseful for a children’s story. My sensitive nephew might not be able to handle it.
-Others made reference to adult topics (ex. vandalism, drinking, smoking and adultery).
-Some characters were kind of useless.
-Many characters weren’t realistic and could have been better developed.
I always appreciate St. John’s ability to present the gospel in an accessible manner, but I can’t say this story landed among my favourites among her collection.
January 12, 2024
Very well written. Really evokes the sadness of the whole situation and all the characters in the reader's heart.
The ending loses a lot of the nuance that the book had until then, but as a children's book that is a GOOD thing. Any more complexity would have made it hard for children to feel the point of the book.
The ending loses a lot of the nuance that the book had until then, but as a children's book that is a GOOD thing. Any more complexity would have made it hard for children to feel the point of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
"Where the River Begins" tells the story of a young boy who finds himself in a difficult situation: unloved at home and involved with a gang. In the end, the love of another family and the power of God transforms the young boy into a new person.
August 12, 2024
Not as preachy as American Christian children's fiction, which is a good thing. Basically, this short novel is the story of a boy from a troubled home who almost falls into a bad crowd, but is saved by the good example of the Christian family that fosters him.
July 5, 2020
Reread this with my 9 year-old, great story!
October 2, 2020
I’m sure the story progresses but it just wasn’t in me to read it, right now. I can try again later.
June 14, 2022
This was a great story and it inspired Marky to think about the gospel
January 8, 2023
This is my second Patricia St. John book this weekend. It was very uplifting.
October 19, 2023
Very good.
November 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book although it is quite dated. Having said that, feelings of anger, loneliness and fear don’t date. The author has managed to tell a good story and bring in the Christian message.
May 24, 2024
Going through a little Patricia St John phase at the moment, I haven't read this one as many times as the others but I love the storyline!
May 25, 2025
I knew going into this book is was a recommended juvenile adult book. it was still just ok.
February 23, 2026
Okay this is just nicer than other books. Not so godly and not so goody-goody.
August 20, 2025
Nos pone a pensar en como se ve la sociedad actual y los problemas que puede enfrentar un niño tan pequeño, desde la perspectiva del mismo. Y como en Dios se puede encontrar refugio, es una historia muy hermosa para aquellos que están pasando por dificultades familiares o personales. En mi opinión es un libro excelente, lo amee.
April 14, 2014
A lovely story expressed in simple words, although I found it a bit laborious to go through descriptions of scenery, landscapes and nature since I hardly read them and after all I don't stay in the countryside. But that doesn't matter. What I like is how Ms Patricia illustrates spiritual things with natural things:
[Auntie Alison to Francis]
"God is like the source of a beautiful river - all love and happiness come from Him."
"I think our hearts inside us are a bit like that spring you found...fouled at the source, full of dirt and dead leaves and the water was all muddy."
And you see why the author titles her book 'Where The River Begins'. :)
[Auntie Alison to Francis]
"God is like the source of a beautiful river - all love and happiness come from Him."
"I think our hearts inside us are a bit like that spring you found...fouled at the source, full of dirt and dead leaves and the water was all muddy."
And you see why the author titles her book 'Where The River Begins'. :)
February 16, 2016
Disappointing since her Tanglewoods Secret and Star of Light were favorites of mine as a child. This is too evangelistic and intent on making the symbolism clear. She uses multiple POVs, including adult. It feels like she read some articles about the causes and cures of juvenile delinquency rather that interacting with real teens.
July 8, 2011
Pretty good book. It had me kind of emotional. I wish, though, that it didn't stop so abruptly. The ending seemed just a little incomplete. I might/might not read it again. We'll see...
October 12, 2011
I like Patricia St John's books! This one is a story of a boy whose life changes after he learns about Jesus from a family--not his own--who loves him, despite his problems.
October 29, 2020
A beautiful and inspiring story.
"But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
"But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
February 26, 2024
One of my favourite all time books, but all the books I have by Patricia are my favourites!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews