Chasing Rivers: A Whitewater Life

by Tamar Glouberman

The thrilling story of a female whitewater guide working on some of the most challenging and remote rafting rivers in North America, from Northern British Columbia to the Grand Canyon and beyond.

When Tamar Glouberman was in her twenties and thirties, rivers were flowing through every aspect of her life. Whitewater and the paddling community bring excitement, friendships, lovers and a connection to the natural world as she traverses the map in search of her next adventure. As a short woman who nearly failed high-school gym, Glouberman does not fit the stereotype of a kayaker or raft guide and must prove herself time and again. Yet she feels more at home on water than land.

Driven to guide increasingly dangerous rivers, Tamar overcomes her self doubts and challenges both on and off the water, using a combination of grit and wit. But when a rafting trip ends in a fatal accident, she is consumed by guilt and exiles herself from the rivers she loves, convinced she can never return. Tamar must eventually decide if being unable to save her passenger’s life means she also must sacrifice her own.

A raw and honest work from a talented new voice in adventure writing, Tamar’s memoir is a page-turner, transporting readers through wild rapids and breathtaking canyons, navigating eddies and currents, as she learns from the river that finding self-forgiveness might be the most hard-to-reach destination of all.

Genres: Memoir, Adventure

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2022

Reviews

[Myrna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one stunning ride! The writing carried me along like the wild rivers so wonderfully described. At times reflective , more often turbulent and searching, the writing always held my interest. I also applaud Tamar’s courage, very evident in her constantly challenging herself physically against the natural elements. But more impressive and brave, is Tamar’s conviction to allow us to see her inner struggles and ultimately her tremendous strength.
It was a great read!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The author did an great job conveying the beauty of the unique experiences and the stories were fun to read, but the themes were a bit repetitive and the ending felt rushed with no real conclusion to how she’s coping aside from the bullet point in the afterword. Would have liked to see more on her personal growth to a better place

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! The stories of whitewater rafting were great, and I was on the edge of my seat for many of them! I really liked that Glouberman was so honest and open about her mental and physical health challenges, and I enjoyed reading about her journey to recovering from these.

[Liane Schinasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I found a book that I couldn't put down. The way the author describes her surroundings made you feel as if you were right by her side. Someone once told me you need courage, a sense of humour and the ability to truly mourn to get through life. This memoire manages to encompass all three elements. An inspiring story of a woman who was trying to stay true to herself and to her connection to nature all the while battling her inner critic that we all have and that sadly holds many of us back from reaching a place of peace with ourselves and our choices in life.

[Norman Goldberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamar Glouberman’s ‘Chasing Rivers’ incorporates incredible descriptions of the Canadian wilderness, fascinating connections to rivers and white waters, all intermingled with an honest tale of personal and internal struggle to deal with hardships and tragedies that happen along the way. It is truly a page turner and much more than a book just about white water rafting. I really enjoyed it from cover to cover.

[Sophacouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

written by a friend and fellow guide, Tamar shares vulnerable stories from her journey through rivers and life that shaped her into the strong, empowered women she is today. A joy to read adventure at every page

[Tanya Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I chose to read it to learn more about whitewater kayaking life, but found the book to be much deeper than that. Tamar is very open and honest about her inner struggles with self doubt, guilt, and depression. I feel we can all relate to some of those thoughts and struggles. Her writing came across as very genuine and I really felt connected to her. The adventures she shared in this book were amazing and I loved how well she described them so it felt like I was actually along for the trips as well. I was pleasantly surprised by the level to which I enjoyed and connected with this book.

[Arlene Berg]

I am writing on behalf of my husband who says : I am 83 years old and I have just finished reading Tamar Glouberman’s book. I found this book very interesting, and I know (knew) nothing about whitewater rafting or kayaking, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for most people, even if they haven’t tried the activities that the book talks about. It is a great and inspiring story. I would also recommend it to people who are going through difficulties in their lives. This book perhaps could help them. Daniel B”

[Ava Faust:) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay...normally I would give this a one star review. I think the phenomenal imagery, amazing rafting scenes, and relating to the mental wreck she was going through managed to slap that extra star on there. Here's the problem...I like reading clean books WITHOUT the extra language and scenes from her love life no one wants going through their head. Truth be told, I skipped a lot of parts and it seemed a waste of my time. I wouldn't recommend this book BUT Tamar is a very good writer so props to her:)

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, funny, courageous and insightful book. Recommend this for anyone who loves traveling, adventures, and the great outdoors, and also for anyone who has tackled challenges, self doubt,
and knows the heavy responsibility of having peoples’ lives in your hands.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamar’s story is both captivating and vulnerable, and I really enjoyed her writing. Her memoir is written with an admirable amount of bravery and honesty, and I have the utmost respect for Tamar’s journey and her willingness to share it. An incredible read. Bravo!

[John French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamar Glouberman gets it. She doesn't just write, but captures the ups and downs of guiding, especially the additional challenges of a woman in a male dominated career. I guided for twenty years in that space, and I think she captures it beautifully. Brava!

[Gary Horst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glouberman's memoir contains numerous of her often exhilarating and sometimes terrifying adventures both on and off the whitewater rivers that seem to call her name. Along the way, the reader gets to also experience her inner life of vocation, self-doubt, and discovery. Compelling!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave and vulnerable memoir - I couldn't put it down!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the author’s personal journey. Was a quick read as I couldn’t put it down!

[Heidi Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

About as close as I think I want to be to a water-rafting-on-rapids excursion.

[Kim Charron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the outdoors and the wonder and adventure of nature combined with real life storytelling you will love this book

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written! Love that the book gives so much perspective of someone on the water. The imagery is well done and the relationship with the water is so beautiful, I am thankful the hard times were not glossed over. I think this book is so important.

[Alyssa Creel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a female raft guide, this book was fascinating and inspiring. I loved hearing about her adventures and rivers I've never heard of.
As a reader, this book was okay. It's obvious she's a new writer. I don't blame her for not being Shakespeare, but the writing style could have used some help.