Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound: Tales about brotherhood from Bear Creek

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By HL Dawson

Stephen E. Johnson crafts a luminous and tender memoir in Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound: Tales about Brotherhood from Bear Creek, one that affirms his gift for translating the ordinary rhythms of childhood into something quietly profound. From the very first page, his voice resonates with sincerity and warmth—rendering rural life in Bear Creek with reverence and vivid clarity.

The prose is unpretentious and evocative, unfolding with the gentle steadiness of the seasons. Each chapter is organized around a cycle of farm work, family ritual, or sibling adventure, which is not based on dramatic arcs but rather on lived experience. Johnson's intuitive narrative seamlessly incorporates sensory detail and dialogue into recollections that are immediate, authentic, and alive. Due to his understated approach, the memoir is rooted in tangible memory. It captures the nervous pride in youthful accomplishments, the laughter that reverberates down a snowy lane, and the lingering scent of winter woodsmoke.

The book explores the enduring comfort that can be derived from tradition, strength, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. It examines the experience of growing up in a close-knit community that is influenced by seasonal rhythms, collective work, and fundamental rituals. The author also shares intimate moments with his brothers Rick and Jeff and recounts stories about extended family members, such as Aunt Ikey and Uncle Ralph. The memoir offers a thoughtful analysis of the ways in which memory preserves identity and the resilience of family ties, particularly those between siblings, in the face of both successes and challenges.

The memoir's emotional impact is both profound and understated. Johnson's narratives captivate readers by depicting a world brimming with shared affection, quiet sorrow, and simple joys. This memoir is distinguished by its rejection of sentimental nostalgia; the memories are meticulously recollected, genuinely experienced, and tenderly observed, rather than romanticized. It inspires readers to contemplate their own origins, the traditions that influence them, and the resilience that is exemplified by small acts of kindness throughout the seasons of childhood.

The works Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound genuinely capture the serene beauty of family traditions and daily moments. Stephen E. Johnson's memoir is reminiscent of the tenacious journey of a salmon swimming against the current, propelled by memory and yearning, and it remains in your mind for an extended period of time after you have finished reading. The book is distinguished by its elegant, heartfelt expression and keen observations.

About the Author

Stephen E Johnson

Steve Johnson is an author, musician, songwriter, composer, and arranger residing in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Johnson is Berklee-trained and arranges for small to mid-sized ensembles, bands, and orchestras. His music has a Latin influence but his songs reflect smooth jazz and American pop styles. Much of his music has a strong Christian message reflecting his religious foundation.

Steve plays clarinet and guitar in community orchestras, bands, and jazz ensembles. Local/area bands play Steve’s arrangements and his songs are stream on digital forums such as Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Sheetmusic Plus, Sheetmusic Direct, etc.

Dr. Johnson is a well published and recognized academic and professional author in the area of safety, risk management and statistics with over a dozen peer reviewed journal articles. Steve holds a professional doctorate in leadership and two advanced degrees in business and applied statistics.