Capturing the events of 1973, Francisco’s memoir details his transition from his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, to the University of Alaska for his junior year. The brunt of the memoir is from the lens of twenty-one-year-old Francisco, who does a commendable job of conveying the adventures of youth, from unique work experiences to the embers of romance. On a deeper level, the author’s work is full of serendipitous moments, with twists and turns that change the trajectory of his life and present him with adventurous, memorable experiences.

Francisco and his narrative take off when he is required to do a six-week internship in his major-related area, wildlife management. Despite being new to the university, he is able to nab a coveted position with the Alaska Department of Fishing and Game, only to have it fall through because of an arbitrary twelve-month residency, of which the author only had ten. When that one fell through, however, Mike Geiger, a Yukon biologist, entered the fold, offering Francisco a fish ticket editor job in Emmonak.

Audiences gain exposure to Francisco’s raw and authentic temperament with each scene that unfolds. Whether it is a comical scene or one that requires a more immediate sense of urgency, the most endearing quality Francisco possesses is his knack for staying true to himself. For instance, one of his earliest assignments in his role as fish ticket editor was working through the dilemma that Charlie presented after he was made to leave his fish camp. Instead of going by the books, Francisco goes the extra mile and finds Charlie an even better camp to fish and provide for his family. As he progresses through a year in life, Francisco effectively conveys refreshing details without bogging the reader down with dense facts. As such, the tandem of a seamless flow with the integration of his own internal monologue as he reacts to each of the events makes for deep insight into the mind and heart of the author.

From nearly losing a boat and sinking on a wooden skiff to reporting senators and being the daily Fish and Game radio voice to announce the catch total, the author embraces each experience with zeal and tact, showcasing an unparalleled ability to solve problems in the most dicey of situations. Further, he leaves no stone unturned in learning about the Yup’ik community and fisheries. As the memoir progresses, Francisco encounters Marie as she is chased by three men. A whirlwind romance ensues that has the author and Marie flying on cloud nine. In a memoir that runs the gamut of emotions, readers will get the highs and lows of Francisco and Marie’s relationship, but what is clear is the author’s clear understanding that each experience, each adventure, is the catalyst to the next one—even when that adventure culminates with heartbreak.

On the surface, the narrative is about a fisheries biologist. However, the relationships built by Francisco are the core of this work. Even more so is the fire of memories that burns brightly, etched in the author’s mind and conveyed through the words. Simultaneously entertaining and educational, Francisco’s memoir comes straight from the soul and is the embodiment of the human spirit, making it a meaningful read.

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