The Crossing

The Crossing

A True Story of Survival, Mystery, and Grace on the Mississippi

On a reckless dare, fourteen-year-old Paul Manz dives into the mighty Mississippi-and vanishes. Swept nearly twenty-three miles downriver, he survives a harrowing night of near-drowning, injury, and fear. When he awakens on the east bank, it's beside a fire, tended by a stranger named Robottom-a man who offers warmth, food, and comfort. But by morning, Robottom is gone. So is the fire. And no one believes the man ever existed.

Set in 1950s Louisiana, The Crossing is a heartfelt true story about courage, grief, and an inexplicable encounter that left behind only one undeniable clue: a single fish bone found lodged in Paul's cheek.

A story passed down from father to son-told with honesty, wit, and Southern soul.