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Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound

Tales About Brotherhood from Bear Creek

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Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound

By: Stephen E. Johnson
Narrated by: B Fike
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About this listen

Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound by Stephen E. Johnson is a heartfelt nostalgic memoir that captures the essence of growing up in rural America during 1966. Through vivid storytelling, Johnson reflects on his childhood adventures, family traditions, and the rhythms of farm life in the Pacific Northwest. The book is divided into seasons, mirroring the passage of time and the cycles of farm life, with each chapter offering a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and transformative moments of youth.

Rich in sensory details, the memoir transports listeners to a world of frosted landscapes, crackling fireplaces, and the quiet beauty of nature, while exploring universal themes such as resilience, family bonds, love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Johnson's narrative balances humor, emotion, and introspection, recounting experiences like Swedish Christmas Eve celebrations, snowy sledding escapades, and the awakening curiosity of adolescence. It is a celebration of childhood, family, and the lessons that shape us as we grow, inviting listeners to reflect on their own cherished memories while immersing them in the author's beautifully crafted world.

©2025 Stephen E. Johnson (P)2025 Stephen E. Johnson Cultural & Regional Heartfelt Witty
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Few audiobooks have moved me as much as this one. Johnson’s storytelling is full of soul—never rushed, always meaningful. Each chapter feels like a postcard from the past, filled with both delight and melancholy. His reflections on brotherhood, family, and tradition are incredibly touching. This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a preservation of a simpler time, and a beautiful reminder of what matters most in life.

Heartfelt and Honest

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Stephen E. Johnson’s storytelling glows with authenticity. He invites you into a world of creaky barns, icy sled runs, and kitchen tables filled with laughter. What moved me most was his ability to convey the emotional truths of childhood: longing to grow up, learning to let go, cherishing the fleeting. The book’s pacing and natural rhythm, matched with poetic imagery, makes it not only easy to listen to but hard to forget. An instant favorite in memoirs.

Emotionally Resonant and Wonderfully Written

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There’s a warmth and honesty to this book that makes it feel like listening to your grandfather tell stories by the fire. Johnson doesn’t sugarcoat the hard moments—he embraces the full spectrum of childhood, from joy to awkwardness to heartbreak. But what shines through most is the love he has for his family and the land that raised him. It’s hard not to come away from this audiobook without a full heart.

A Memoir That Feels Like Home

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This book is pure nostalgic gold. The way Johnson weaves the seasons into the structure makes every memory feel alive with its own rhythm. His descriptions of sledding through snowy fields and celebrating Swedish Christmas by the fire lit up my imagination. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes you pause, smile, and sometimes even tear up. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who loves family stories or memoirs rich with heart.

Pure Nostalgic Gold

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Stephen E. Johnson's memoir is not just a nostalgic trip back to 1966—it’s a masterclass in storytelling. His recollections are so vivid that I could almost smell the firewood and hear the crunch of snow under boots. The way he weaves universal themes of brotherhood, nature, and discovery into everyday childhood memories makes this book both deeply personal and beautifully relatable. It made me reflect on my own roots while being swept away by his.

A Poetic Journey Through Boyhood

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This audiobook shines with sincerity and thoughtful detail. Johnson’s style is steady and reflective—perfect for those who enjoy slow-burning, emotionally rich memoirs. Some pacing could have been tighter, but the depth of memory and love for family carries it through. There’s a lot to admire here, especially in how he captures the quiet power of rural life. A solid and soulful memoir, worth listening to more than once.

A Gentle, Grounded Listening Experience

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“Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound” is more than a memoir—it's a loving portrait of rural life in 1966. Johnson’s ability to make the ordinary extraordinary shines through every page. The flow of the seasons acts as a quiet pulse behind the stories, and his voice never wavers in authenticity. Whether he’s describing the rituals of Christmas or the ache of a childhood lesson, Johnson allows us to feel it all. This book is a gift to the senses and the heart.

A Portrait of a Time and Place

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What I loved most about this audiobook is the seamless blend of nature and memory. Johnson doesn’t just tell you about his childhood—he invites you to live it. His connection to Bear Creek, to his family, and to the changing seasons is woven into every word. There’s a rhythm to his storytelling that mirrors the rhythm of life itself. This is storytelling for the soul.

Nature, Nostalgia, and Heart

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Listener received this title free

This audiobook is a stunning tribute to the beauty of everyday life. Johnson’s ability to find meaning in moments others might overlook—like wood chopping, snowball fights, or a glance from a sibling—is what elevates this memoir. He has a gift for writing that resonates deeply, especially for those who value tradition, nature, and family. I found myself smiling, laughing, and even tearing up. It’s a quietly powerful book I will return to again.

Simply Beautiful Storytelling

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“Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound” feels like walking through a photo album brought to life. Johnson brings nuance to the smallest details, and in doing so, reveals the bigger picture of how we become who we are. The memoir is both gentle and powerful—laced with humor, grief, love, and curiosity. The seasonal approach to storytelling creates a strong emotional rhythm, making each chapter feel like a complete journey. This is a memoir that will stay with me.

A Touching Tapestry of Memory

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