RIVER RAT
Delivery estimate
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Delivery estimate
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RIVER RAT
Description
Both genuine and thrilling, River Rat by Michael E. Oppitz memorably depicts a life led on the river. The gripping story is centered on the dangerous, powerful beauty of the Rio Grande and the people that choose to traverse it. The book opens to find the Jaspers, a wealthy suburban family, in disarray. Their only child, Robbie, is largely solitary and miserable, counting the days until he can be free of his controlling parents. Always unsure of himself, Robbie longs to find meaning in the world around him. As a graduation present, Mr. Jasper gifts his son with a family excursion on the Rio Grande. Once on the river, Robbie is taken by the stunning panoramic views and the camaraderie of the river guides. He finds that he has a natural predilection for river navigation, and he finally begins to open up. Tragedy strikes, however, and Robbie's parents are killed in a freak rapids accident. Robbie is taken in by ST, the guide who saved him from death. He decides to make a new life on the river. Though the changes are challenging, Robbie begins to find meaning and purpose in his natural surroundings. The plot draws from Oppitz's experiences as a white-water canoer on the Rio Grande, and the river dominates the text. The water fosters both danger and solace, perfectly demonstrating the terrifying beauty of nature; it takes from Robbie and also offers him a new outlook on life. That dichotomy propels Robbie's character arc, influencing many of his decisions throughout the novel. The text is educational, offering insight into the river classification system, a scale used to measure the increase in the difficulty of white water. Geographical destinations surrounding the Rio Grande, as well as particular parts of the river and neighboring attractions, are also explored, grounding the text in reality. Imagery is vivid, allowing the pristine beauty of Robbie's surroundings to shine through. Though trials and challenges abound, River Rat depicts the inclusive significance of a tight-knit river guide community.
Shipping & Processing
This item is in stock with our supplier and usually ships within 3–5 business days.
Processing times
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- Special orders: Some supplier items, such as specialist and imported items, titles awaiting reprint and print-on-demand titles, take longer to arrive. If your order includes one, we’ll update you as soon as we hear from our supplier.
- Supplier delays: Occasionally a supplier is delayed, or their stock information turns out to be inaccurate. We’ll keep your order open for up to 60 days. If an item hasn’t shipped or isn’t on its way to us by then, we’ll cancel that item and refund it.
How accurate is availability?
Availability is based on the stock levels our suppliers tell us they hold, and we update it regularly. If a supplier issue affects your order, we’ll let you know with an updated estimate.
Delivery
- As soon as your order ships you’ll get an email with tracking.
- Australia Post usually delivers within 2–10 business days of shipping (around 4 in metro areas and around 6 in regional areas).
- If your order has more than one item, we hold the in-stock items until everything is ready, so we can ship your whole order together in one parcel.
- Shipping cost: Free on orders over $100 within Australia, otherwise $9.95 flat rate per order however many items you buy. Free shipping applies to Australian addresses only; delivery to New Zealand is $14.95 per order.
- Check your address: If an order goes to an incorrect address you gave us, or isn’t collected and Australia Post returns it to us, you’ll need to pay the postage to send it again.
Cancellations
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- Separate orders can’t be combined once they’ve been placed, and adding or swapping items can change the delivery estimate.
- Supplier delays: Occasionally a supplier is delayed, or their stock information turns out to be inaccurate. We’ll keep your order open for up to 60 days. If an item hasn’t shipped or isn’t on its way to us by then, we’ll cancel that item and refund it.
Faulty or damaged items are always covered. See Returns.
Returns
Damaged or incorrect items (within 30 days)
If an item arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 30 days of delivery. We may ask for a photo, and if we need the item back we’ll send a prepaid return label, so it costs you nothing. You’ll receive a replacement or refund, as guaranteed under the Australian Consumer Law.
Change of mind (within 30 days)
We offer a refund or store credit for change of mind within 30 days of purchase when:
- you have your proof of purchase;
- the item is unused and in its original condition and packaging;
- it isn’t a sale item, special order, custom item or gift voucher.
You pay the postage to return change-of-mind items. Change-of-mind returns aren’t available for print-on-demand titles or bulk orders with special pricing.
Returned to sender
If an order is sent to an incorrect address you gave us, or isn’t collected and Australia Post returns it to us, you’ll need to pay the postage to send it again.