Announcing…

A Smack of Jellyfish

It’s the 1970’s, a decade defined by free love at home and an unpopular war abroad. After graduating from college, Maddie feels trapped by the expectations of her well-off family and their status quo society. Spontaneously deciding to leave her structured life in California to work in a fish cannery in Petersburg, Alaska, she is woefully unprepared for the rough-and-tumble world of commercial fishing. Her naivety and sense of adventure land her in one precarious situation after another, whether jumping onboard a fishing boat or into the arms of unscrupulous men.

What began as a summer job soon turns into a profound journey of self-discovery as Maddie navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and the harsh realities of life in a small fishing town.

“Alaska isn’t about who you were when you headed that way. It’s about who you become.”
— Kristin Hanna

Who would Maddie become here, away from all she knows, faced with the chance to find her own voice?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

AVAILABLE ON BARNES & NOBLE

AND INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES

What Readers Are Saying

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed this read from the first to the last page. The main character has grit, is smart, and willing to work hard for the things important to her. She is thrown into a tough location with no resources except her wit. She prevails. Highly recommend this book for all ages. Looking forward to Lynda Sather's next book!"

    - Vincent S.

  • "Such a fun and wonderful book to read. Maddie is like many of us just out of college trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be. Many thanks for such a wonderful and fun book that I really could relate to."

    - Kathryn R.

  • "This isn't about the usual stereotypical drifters fighting for their lives in a hostile environment, but a tender read about young people in the 1970s finding their way. Maddie comes to Alaska to make money, but ends up falling in love with Alaska--and maybe a man."

    - Richard L.

  • “LOVED the book!”

    - Floyd and Rosa S.

  • "I couldn't stop reading."

    - Anne S.

  • “I didn’t want the book to end.”

    - Tammi E.

  • "Great read. An interesting insight into a young persons journey to Alaska and life at the cannery."

    - Matt

  • “I loved how you captured Maddie’s mixed feelings and uncertainty about so many things, something I don’t think many coming-of-age books do well.”

    - Cristi H.

  • Maddie’s adventure is a delight to read and you will root for her every step on her journey. Her fish-out-of-water story turns into a woman finding herself and throughly comfortable in her new L.L. Bean water proof and insulated boots.

    - Ernie W.