Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary:
Eternal on the Water is the love story of Mary Fury and Jonathon Cobb. Mary is a teacher at New Hampshire University and specializes in corvid or—crow—research. Jonathon is a teacher at an upscale private school.

Their paths cross while preparing to kayak down the Allagash river in Maine. Jonathon is on sabbatical doing Thoreau research, and Mary is there to teach at the Chungamunga girls camping school. The two meet and instantly like each other, and they fall in love as they float down the river. Eventually, the two marry, and when Mary gets sick, they go back to the place where it all started.

This is a story about love, life, and living life to its fullest while we still can, but it is also about loving enough to let go.


My Review:
As Mary and Jonathon kayak down the river, their love story slowly unfolds like another mountain scene that appears around the bend. I adored Mary’s independent character and her favorite Mad Bomber hat.

Overall, I LOVED this story, but not immediately. At times, I caught myself wondering why Monninger spent so much time on certain scenes that didn’t seem to have a ton of relevance. I’m particularly thinking of when Mary and Jonathon go to visit Mary’s brother Freddie. I kept wondering, Where is this going? But eventually, all of the pieces slid into place—and in a most wonderful way.  I cannot imagine leaving anything out.

This is a well-crafted book with a heart-wrenching, but unforgettable ending. I can easily see this being one of my top favorite books of 2010.

I recommend this book to everyone, but particularly to anyone who loves the outdoors, has an interest in rafting, camping, antiquing, or just enjoys a good love story.

Have you read this book? I’d love to hear what you think. What is your favorite love story?