Juneau native Annie Boochever’s new book, “Bristol Bay Summer,” was released in May. She uses Naknek as the backdrop to tell the story of a young girl adjusting to life after her parent’s divorce.
“Bristol Bay Summer” is a coming of age novel that author Boochever says is based on her life 30 years ago. She tells the story through the eyes of her daughter, who she calls Zoey in the book.
“She is reeling from her parent’s divorce. Her mom has recently moved her and her little brother from their dad in Colorado to Anchorage where her mom’s sister lives. And she’s barely been there a year, barely got adjusted, and her mom hooks up with a Bush pilot boyfriend who wants to take them all to Bristol Bay for the summer where he’s going to haul fish at a set net sight.”
Boochever was an elementary music teacher and librarian for years. She started writing her own musicals for the students that focused on the diverse cultures that surround children in Alaska. In 2011, Boochever earned her MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults-- “Bristol Bay Summer” is her first novel.
“I really wanted the issues of divorce and that whole thing that kids struggle with to be a big part of the book. But I also really wanted to be accurate in my depictions of the whole area, the lifestyle, the fishing because I just think it’s incredible and I want kids, especially to know about it.”
When Boochever began writing “Bristol Bay Summer” she wanted to accurately portray life in Naknek. Everything from the importance of the fishing industry, to medical facilities, to the beauty of the scenery.
Although she no longer lives in Bristol Bay, Boochever says she’s still concerned about local issues, one being the Pebble Mine. These concerns inspired her to write the book as well.
“I’m really worried about it. Having been there and seeing the incredible beauty, and the richness of the resources, and the lifestyle of the people-- all of that I wanted to portray in my book because that’s what’s at stake and that’s what’s in danger if the Pebble Mine is developed.”
This is Boochever’s first novel set in Bristol Bay and even though she had the facts and places checked multiple times by people who live in the area, she says that she hoping to hear back from the community.
“I would love feedback from people in Dillingham reading it to hear what they think. I’m hoping to do school visits and I would love to do school visits in Dillingham.”
Boochever is hoping “Bristol Bay Summer” will be introduced to classrooms and be used to help children learn about the Bristol Bay area while possibly helping any students who are going through family transitions.