Survival, Healing, and Triumph
It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of healing. It’s a story of triumph penned by Malibu’s Bridget Crocker, whose debut nonfiction book, “The River’s Daughter,” has exploded in popularity because its rawness and relatability addressing intergenerational trauma and the healing power of nature speaks to many. • Intergenerational trauma is the shared emotional or psychological pain experienced by family members across generations, often resulting from unresolved trauma, abuse, or neglect. • Healing power of nature refers to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature, which can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of well-being. Crocker grew up in poverty in a trailer park along the Snake River in Wyoming. She was a child of divorce, dysfunction, and disruption — a child who found solace, validation, and comfort when communing with the river. The river spoke to Crocker as it guided and supported her through a traumatic childhood and a turbulent adolescence full of sexual and physical abuse, angst, and betrayals.
| Childhood Challenges | Support from the River |
|---|---|
| Sexual and physical abuse, angst, and betrayals | Communion with the river, finding solace, validation, and comfort |
In turn, Crocker became a river guide, steering thousands of whitewater rafters as they experienced the exuberance, exhilaration, and exhaustion inherent in rafting rivers with treacherous rapids.
A Journey Across Cultures
Crocker segued to serving as a guide on Africa’s famously dangerous Zambezi River. Thus, her coming-of-age story is infused with cross-cultural nuances regarding the role and power of women in society as she reveals how she empowered herself and some family members to understand and overcome intergenerational cycles of trauma. “I met Bridget when she joined my writer’s group, the Malibu Writers Circle, a few years back,” Malibu author Robert Kerbeck shared. “I read an early version of ‘The River’s Daughter’ and right away, I knew that not only would her book get published, but that it would be a huge success.”
Crocker states that she restructured her book four times, striving to be true to the story and vividly portray the cycles of abuse she and her family dealt with while also sharing how the power of intuition has empowered her.
| Restructuring the Book | Goals and Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Four rewrites to refine the story | Authentic representation of intergenerational trauma and healing power of nature |
Crocker notes that the support that she received from the Malibu Writer’s Club was pivotal in bringing the book to scale. “Bridget worked incredibly hard within the group to develop and refine the book, never shying away from those sometimes tough notes we gave her. I’m so proud to have played a small part in editing and developing such an inspirational memoir.” Kerbeck shared. “Bridget is like a sister to me!”
A Whirlwind Tour
The Malibu Times caught up with Crocker on a sunny morning at the Point Dume Village. Crocker is enjoying a whirlwind 23-stop book tour, visiting many venues throughout America where she encounters fans seeking to discuss how much the work means to them. • Book clubs are groups of readers who meet to discuss a book, often with a focus on literary analysis and critique. • Reading lists are curated collections of books, often recommended by authors, critics, or organizations, which are intended to be read and discussed by a specific audience. Crocker is sharing her story with thousands of people, inspiring others who yearn to find peace with and express their truth.
Empowering Others
The Malibu Times caught up with Crocker on a sunny morning at the Point Dume Village. Crocker states that she is grateful for the opportunity to share her story, which is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of intergenerational trauma awareness. “Writing this book has been a journey of healing and growth for me, and I hope that it will inspire others to find their own path to healing and empowerment,” Crocker said.
A New Chapter
Crocker’s debut nonfiction book, “The River’s Daughter,” has skyrocketed into the world of critics’ reviews and onto the recommended reading lists of a plethora of book clubs. With her whirlwind book tour, Crocker is on her way to inspiring others who yearn to find peace with and express their truth.
Highlights
• Rawness and relatability of the book’s portrayal of intergenerational trauma and the healing power of nature. • Empowerment of readers through Crocker’s story, which highlights the importance of self-discovery and healing. • Whirlwind book tour that has brought Crocker to many venues throughout America, allowing her to share her story with thousands of people.
Definitions
A shared emotional or psychological pain experienced by family members across generations, often resulting from unresolved trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature, which can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of well-being.
A type of river rafting that involves navigating through rapids, often with a focus on excitement and adventure.
A person who leads and guides rafters through rivers, often providing instruction and support throughout the journey.
