YA book review: Great Falls by Steve Watkins

Great Falls by Steve Watkins was shortlisted for the Missouri Gateway Readers Award for 2018-19.
Shane is a high school football player who worships his older brother, Jeremy. Even though Jeremy seems to have a great life: he’s married to a wonderful young woman, they have two great young kids, and Jeremy has a secure job as a colonel in the Marine corps, Shane is worried. 
Jeremy hasn’t been the same since returning from three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Shane embarrasses himself on the football field after a devastating collision, Jeremy offers to take Shane camping at the family cabin deep in the Virginia mountains. 
But what starts out as a simple escape becomes much more symbolic -- and devastating. The two brothers launch a canoe and float on the Shenendoah River through the mountains, and then the Potomic river as it heads toward Washington D.C. 
Onboard are basic supplies, but also the things Jeremy doesn’t let out of his sight any more -- a 9mm handgun and his M16 assault rifle that he cleans relentlessly. Shane knows he needs to talk to his brother about the mental issues Jeremy is having since his return from war, but can he help his brother in time?
Watkins has written a book that captures very well the doubts and insecurities of a younger brother who looks up to his older brother, as well as the crushing pain and disappointment the older brother feels following his return from war.
This book will appeal to readers who like realistic fiction, and especially young men who have a bond with a brother or who are interested in football or the military.