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Relapse
A fourth generation fisherman, Jake Anderson grew up in the rich fishing environment of Anacortes, Washington. At age seventeen, Jake began salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and by the age of twenty-five he was crab fishing in the heart of the Bering Sea. Soon after, Jake became a deckhand on the F/V Northwestern and joined the popular television series Deadliest Catch. As an integral part of the show, Jake is known for his hardworking nature that has allowed him to evolve from greenhorn to licensed captain.
Aside from fishing, Jake has a harrowing story that has yet to be told. As an avid skateboarder, Jake aspired to become a professional until he was sidelined by injury, addiction, and homelessness. After relentlessly battling back, he was then confronted with the untimely losses of his sister, father, and mentor, Phil Harris. But with depth and maturity, Jake persevered. In his debut book, Relapse, Jake serves as an inspiration as he candidly shares his private journey to overcome tragedy.
Aside from fishing, Jake has a harrowing story that has yet to be told. As an avid skateboarder, Jake aspired to become a professional until he was sidelined by injury, addiction, and homelessness. After relentlessly battling back, he was then confronted with the untimely losses of his sister, father, and mentor, Phil Harris. But with depth and maturity, Jake persevered. In his debut book, Relapse, Jake serves as an inspiration as he candidly shares his private journey to overcome tragedy.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2014
28 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Jake Anderson
2 books14 followersJake Anderson (born September 16, 1980) is a Bering Sea crab fisherman aboard the fishing vessel Northwestern. Since 2007, Jake has been featured in all seasons of the Discovery Channel documentary television series "Deadliest Catch."
Jake was hired as a greenhorn by captain Sig Hansen aboard the Northwestern in 2007. In 2010, Jake was promoted to deck boss of the Northwestern, and in 2012 he obtained his USCG Mate 1600-ton fishing license and Master 100-ton fishing license.
Jake resides in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Jenna. As an avid skateboarder during the off season, Jake is sponsored by the American footwear and clothing company DVS Shoes. He has a signature skateboard shoe released through the company. During a 2012 interview with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Jake admitted that he is a recovering alcoholic and his addiction left him homeless for two years.
Jake was hired as a greenhorn by captain Sig Hansen aboard the Northwestern in 2007. In 2010, Jake was promoted to deck boss of the Northwestern, and in 2012 he obtained his USCG Mate 1600-ton fishing license and Master 100-ton fishing license.
Jake resides in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Jenna. As an avid skateboarder during the off season, Jake is sponsored by the American footwear and clothing company DVS Shoes. He has a signature skateboard shoe released through the company. During a 2012 interview with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Jake admitted that he is a recovering alcoholic and his addiction left him homeless for two years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 27, 2025
Relapse is a raw and inspiring memoir that offers an unflinching look at Jake Anderson's journey from the depths of addiction and homelessness to finding purpose and redemption on the Bering Sea. As a fan of Deadliest Catch, I was already familiar with Jake's resilience on screen, but this book reveals the personal struggles and tragedies that shaped him into the man he is today.
Anderson's storytelling is candid and heartfelt, detailing his early aspirations as a professional skateboarder, the devastating injury that derailed his dreams, and the subsequent spiral into addiction. His honesty about his battles with substance abuse and the toll it took on his relationships adds a deeply human element to the narrative.
What stands out most is Jake's determination to rebuild his life. His return to fishing, under the mentorship of Captain Sig Hansen, became a lifeline, offering him not just a career but a path to healing. The book also delves into the profound losses he endured, including the deaths of his sister, father, and mentor Phil Harris, and how these events further tested his resolve.
While the memoir is compelling and motivational, it occasionally feels more like a personal journal than a polished literary work. Some readers might desire more depth in certain areas, but the authenticity and vulnerability shine through.
For those seeking an honest account of overcoming adversity, Relapse is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of transformation, no matter how dire the circumstances.
Anderson's storytelling is candid and heartfelt, detailing his early aspirations as a professional skateboarder, the devastating injury that derailed his dreams, and the subsequent spiral into addiction. His honesty about his battles with substance abuse and the toll it took on his relationships adds a deeply human element to the narrative.
What stands out most is Jake's determination to rebuild his life. His return to fishing, under the mentorship of Captain Sig Hansen, became a lifeline, offering him not just a career but a path to healing. The book also delves into the profound losses he endured, including the deaths of his sister, father, and mentor Phil Harris, and how these events further tested his resolve.
While the memoir is compelling and motivational, it occasionally feels more like a personal journal than a polished literary work. Some readers might desire more depth in certain areas, but the authenticity and vulnerability shine through.
For those seeking an honest account of overcoming adversity, Relapse is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of transformation, no matter how dire the circumstances.
February 20, 2018
A great read to find out more about Jake . To know more about his past makes you realise how some people have a traumatic life
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September 30, 2014Difficult life for this man. I wish him the best.
February 24, 2022
After three weeks of back and forth, I finally bought this ebook last Friday night hoping it was worth it. After spending ridiculous amount of time watching short snippets of the fleet on Youtube and some of the re-runs of the show on TV, I wanted so much to know what had happened to Jake behind the scene when he had to go through the loss of his sister and the disappearance of his father. And also, how he came to know his future wife.
As a fan of Deadliest Catch, I know that years had since passed, and he is now the Captain of F/V Saga. He looks way healthier now despite losing his voice due to years of chain-smoking. Hopefully, that would be the next thing he decided to stop doing.
Reading the book through his voice, the excitement I felt when I started on the first page starts to falter as I learnt the true extent of his past. Knowing something by watching on TV and listening to interviews is nothing compared to actually reading about it. In the book, he decided what he wants us to know, and arrange them in the sequence that is easier for us to comprehend.
The longest and most heart-wrenching chapter in the book was the one about his father, Keith Anderson. I read that part in the middle of the night, alone and finding myself feeling grateful for not having to go through my life the way that he did.
After finishing the book the next morning, my respect for him, his family and friends had tripled. People have flaws and make mistakes. But I found that one of the reason he suceeded in getting sober was not just because of his will to change, but also because he was surrounded with so many people who are willing to help him along the way. From his high school best friend who took care of him, his uncle Brian and Nick who would make decisions in his best interest, his wife Jenna for her sacrifices, to his employer and the other crews and captains too.
In conclusion, this book is worth every penny I spent. However, I think people who did not watch the show would find it harder to connect with the people he mentioned from the show, since he did not explain who they were professionally. And I myself, had to google some of the ship terminologies he had used. All in all, it was a great weekend read and I'm rooting for his success.
As a fan of Deadliest Catch, I know that years had since passed, and he is now the Captain of F/V Saga. He looks way healthier now despite losing his voice due to years of chain-smoking. Hopefully, that would be the next thing he decided to stop doing.
Reading the book through his voice, the excitement I felt when I started on the first page starts to falter as I learnt the true extent of his past. Knowing something by watching on TV and listening to interviews is nothing compared to actually reading about it. In the book, he decided what he wants us to know, and arrange them in the sequence that is easier for us to comprehend.
The longest and most heart-wrenching chapter in the book was the one about his father, Keith Anderson. I read that part in the middle of the night, alone and finding myself feeling grateful for not having to go through my life the way that he did.
After finishing the book the next morning, my respect for him, his family and friends had tripled. People have flaws and make mistakes. But I found that one of the reason he suceeded in getting sober was not just because of his will to change, but also because he was surrounded with so many people who are willing to help him along the way. From his high school best friend who took care of him, his uncle Brian and Nick who would make decisions in his best interest, his wife Jenna for her sacrifices, to his employer and the other crews and captains too.
In conclusion, this book is worth every penny I spent. However, I think people who did not watch the show would find it harder to connect with the people he mentioned from the show, since he did not explain who they were professionally. And I myself, had to google some of the ship terminologies he had used. All in all, it was a great weekend read and I'm rooting for his success.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2022
One of the few “reality” shows I like to watch is Deadliest Catch. Although some of it is edited to show more drama, I find it really interesting to see how hard it is for these fishermen (and women) to keep catching some of the food we really like. Over the course of the series run, I have witnessed Jake Anderson grow from a greenhorn deckhand to Captain and part-owner of the Saga.
His story is one that resonates with me, having lost my daughter more than 8 years ago now to suicide due to her addiction. In Relapse, Anderson details his early life and what led him to addiction that, at one point, caused him to be homeless for two years. In his early days, he was an avid skateboarder. He had designs on going pro and had possible sponsors lined up before an accident ended it all. His best friend, whom he dragged along with him, ended up achieving the success Anderson had once thought would be his.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
His story is one that resonates with me, having lost my daughter more than 8 years ago now to suicide due to her addiction. In Relapse, Anderson details his early life and what led him to addiction that, at one point, caused him to be homeless for two years. In his early days, he was an avid skateboarder. He had designs on going pro and had possible sponsors lined up before an accident ended it all. His best friend, whom he dragged along with him, ended up achieving the success Anderson had once thought would be his.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
October 1, 2022
I LOVE reading other peoples stories. My husband watches Deadliest Catch but I never knew much about Jake until my husband told me a few things he knew and then that led to a google search and finding he wrote a book that I just read in one sitting, a few hours.
Great story and I can relate to him a lot in how he thinks and what he does in life and how he has learned from his mistakes as I am the same age and have learned from all mine too and like Jake lucky to be alive and so grateful to be able to navigate life despite going through hard things.
I’m so glad I read it and know his story, it will definitely make watching the show so much better for me now. Knowing his story makes him and Sig definitely my favs now:)
Great short read.
Great story and I can relate to him a lot in how he thinks and what he does in life and how he has learned from his mistakes as I am the same age and have learned from all mine too and like Jake lucky to be alive and so grateful to be able to navigate life despite going through hard things.
I’m so glad I read it and know his story, it will definitely make watching the show so much better for me now. Knowing his story makes him and Sig definitely my favs now:)
Great short read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
Very compelling, if you need REAL read this book!
I chose to buy this book, because I 've watched Jake on Deadliest Catch, since the beginning. He won our hearts with his sheer will to succeed against the odds. We we're filled with emotion when Sig took off his jacket that year... I also grew up in the Seattle area, venturing to Ballard to the Norwegian festivals as a child, who would later find addiction was no stranger to me it was everywhere.
I couldn't out this down, it brought out every emotion a seasoned author may invoke, and it is not fiction.
I chose to buy this book, because I 've watched Jake on Deadliest Catch, since the beginning. He won our hearts with his sheer will to succeed against the odds. We we're filled with emotion when Sig took off his jacket that year... I also grew up in the Seattle area, venturing to Ballard to the Norwegian festivals as a child, who would later find addiction was no stranger to me it was everywhere.
I couldn't out this down, it brought out every emotion a seasoned author may invoke, and it is not fiction.
October 29, 2022
If you’re a fan of the show deadliest catch you will enjoy this deep dive into Jake Anderson’s life. Although not the most sophisticated vocabulary he does well at telling his story of hardship and successes.
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed the way this seemed to read as a conversation. Like maybe he just dictated it. He was just talking to us.
I would be interested in a part 2 ie what has happened since. Also to be able to see how his thought pattern has changed as a father and a man further along in his recovery.
I would be interested in a part 2 ie what has happened since. Also to be able to see how his thought pattern has changed as a father and a man further along in his recovery.
April 21, 2020
Love deadliest catch and love jake anderson. I love how open he is about his struggles with addiction. Couldn't put book down.
May 23, 2020
Truthful raw and honest account. If you’re a DC fan you’ll enjoy learning about the man that is Jake Anderson. Good easy read of a tough life
May 4, 2023
It was a quick read and very enjoyable. Felt like I could hear him narrating as I read. Loved getting to know more about him outside of the show!
June 28, 2024
Always a fan of Jake from Deadliest Catch, but this book really made me fall in love with him more.
Jake Anderson is genuine, humble, oh and a damn good captain. Great read.
Jake Anderson is genuine, humble, oh and a damn good captain. Great read.
March 8, 2025
Don’t ask me why but I always enjoyed that show and I bought this book ages ago so I thought what the hell would give it 2.5 stars but glad he did get clean and hope it stuck
April 12, 2015
I'm a big fan of Deadliest Catch and on several occasions I've yelled at Jake on the TV for his sulks and tantrums! Finding out about his struggle with addiction certainly explains some of the mood swings that we saw from him and I'm a lot more sympathetic when I watch these older episodes now. This book was a whole lot shorter than I expected it to be so in certain areas I felt it was lacking in the kind of detail I was looking for.
Jake is very honest about his slide into drug addiction. I think what I find so shocking about it is how easily a kid from a good home and family can get sucked into this nasty lifestyle-and how damn tough it is to get back out of it. Jake had a loving family behind him but admits they could do little to help him until he was ready to help himself. I can only imagine the struggle he went through. It certainly explains why he was so keen to reach out to try and help Jake Harris when he needed help. You can't help thinking that it may have been the job that saved Jake Anderson's life.
The chapters about his poor father's struggles and apparent murder were very sad to read. I remember the disappearance and murder being talked about on one season of the show-those were very sad moments of TV. I think all of these guys are very brave to have so much of their private lives on screen for viewers to witness. I think this human angle is part of why we love Deadliest Catch so much.
I did enjoy the book but I would have liked more detail instead of just a general overview of everything. Still, it was very well written and you could tell it was from the heart. Well done on getting clean Jake!
Jake is very honest about his slide into drug addiction. I think what I find so shocking about it is how easily a kid from a good home and family can get sucked into this nasty lifestyle-and how damn tough it is to get back out of it. Jake had a loving family behind him but admits they could do little to help him until he was ready to help himself. I can only imagine the struggle he went through. It certainly explains why he was so keen to reach out to try and help Jake Harris when he needed help. You can't help thinking that it may have been the job that saved Jake Anderson's life.
The chapters about his poor father's struggles and apparent murder were very sad to read. I remember the disappearance and murder being talked about on one season of the show-those were very sad moments of TV. I think all of these guys are very brave to have so much of their private lives on screen for viewers to witness. I think this human angle is part of why we love Deadliest Catch so much.
I did enjoy the book but I would have liked more detail instead of just a general overview of everything. Still, it was very well written and you could tell it was from the heart. Well done on getting clean Jake!
April 21, 2014
I really was hoping for more from this story.
I am a fan of Deadliest Catch and Jake is one of my favorites. From his days of begging for the jacket to his divorce with the Northwestern - I've enjoyed watching him grow. I was looking forward to seeing some fun stories from behind the scenes or the real story behind some things that may have been shown a bit differently on camera. However this story is more of an overview of Jake's life. There's a few stories here and there but on the whole it's an overview of his life and not details. I understand it but as his life has been a rich one I was hoping for a bit more depth especially from an autobiography a d not a biography.
I did enjoy getting to know Jake's family a bit more - especially his sister and Father who are sadly no longer with us. They seem to be a wonderful family who has really been through some tough times.
I recommend this book to fans just go in knowing there aren't any great revelations :)
I am a fan of Deadliest Catch and Jake is one of my favorites. From his days of begging for the jacket to his divorce with the Northwestern - I've enjoyed watching him grow. I was looking forward to seeing some fun stories from behind the scenes or the real story behind some things that may have been shown a bit differently on camera. However this story is more of an overview of Jake's life. There's a few stories here and there but on the whole it's an overview of his life and not details. I understand it but as his life has been a rich one I was hoping for a bit more depth especially from an autobiography a d not a biography.
I did enjoy getting to know Jake's family a bit more - especially his sister and Father who are sadly no longer with us. They seem to be a wonderful family who has really been through some tough times.
I recommend this book to fans just go in knowing there aren't any great revelations :)
June 3, 2015
Extremely interesting book written by Jake Anderson of the "Northwestern" from the show "Deadliest Catch." Honest and very personal, Jake writes about his life which, for such a young man, has already endured such tragedies which includes the losses of both his sister and father. Add to that his constant struggle with drug and alcohol abuse, the very same disease which took his own father. It also discusses the blessings he has had as well such as his close friendships at sea and at home and his wife, Jenna.
Easy read and I simply couldn't put this book down once I began reading it!
Easy read and I simply couldn't put this book down once I began reading it!
April 26, 2014
There was a lot of honesty in Jake's book and a few shockers about drug use, rehab, and his father's death... like when he went to the woods to search for his dad after his disappearance. Also Jake presented another side we don't get to see on Deadliest Catch like skateboarding and his work with Make-A-Wish. Jake was brutality honest in certain sections and some of it was graphic but a great read.
May 1, 2014
This was an honest book that wasn't shy about showing Jake's flaws. I think readers will appreciate that. It was nice getting to know his family and his wife, too. The writings by his father in the back were a clever way to give readers a more complete view of who Keith was. Jake has been through a lot and by his own account he is lucky to be alive. I recommend this book to all fans of the show. Nice job Jake!!
May 28, 2014
This wasn't a book about commercial fishing, it was a book about a recovering addict who happens to commercial fish. It wasn't what I expected, but I can see how it would be a very inspirational book for those who struggle with addictions or are recovering. I think what impressed me the most was the fact for
as a self professed bad student, Jake Anderson wrote the book himself. SO well done Jake.
as a self professed bad student, Jake Anderson wrote the book himself. SO well done Jake.
November 2, 2014
A nice easy read.
Jake is a young man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Devoted to anyone and anything he cares about. He tells his story of struggle, heartbreak, and pain with sincerity and honesty. Each chapter has a theme of reinventing himself no matter the odds, albeit some chapters lead him down the wrong path. But he learns and takes with him every lesson each experience taught him. I really couldn't put the book down. Thanks Jake for giving us your book.
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Jake is a young man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Devoted to anyone and anything he cares about. He tells his story of struggle, heartbreak, and pain with sincerity and honesty. Each chapter has a theme of reinventing himself no matter the odds, albeit some chapters lead him down the wrong path. But he learns and takes with him every lesson each experience taught him. I really couldn't put the book down. Thanks Jake for giving us your book.
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May 10, 2016
As a longtime lover of the show Deadliest Catch, I really enjoyed this book. Jake doesn't hold back and gives tons of insight not only into his own life and struggles, but in to the character of everyone else he works alongside in the Bering Sea. The book was like a roller coaster of heartache and loss to redemption, forgiveness and triumph, and yet written so humbly. I recommend it to anyone else who loves DC.
May 3, 2014
Jake Anderson is probably one of my favorite "characters" on The Deadliest Catch," and I am sad to say I expected more. I understand Anderson isn't an author and probably most of the crew in the fleet were approached with book deals. I do however, think it was brave of Jake to share his addictions but more importantly his father's passing.
May 5, 2014
.Fast and easy read
He writes from his heart and doesn't hold back. He is human and made mistakes and owns up to them! I don't know him but even I am proud of him! I don't know how he has weathered what he has.... made me cry too.....but wait.... I do know! it's that he surrounded himself with great friends and family.
He writes from his heart and doesn't hold back. He is human and made mistakes and owns up to them! I don't know him but even I am proud of him! I don't know how he has weathered what he has.... made me cry too.....but wait.... I do know! it's that he surrounded himself with great friends and family.
July 1, 2014
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down! I'm a HUGE fan of Deadliest Catch and the Northwestern is my favorite boat. I remember watching the episodes that some of thesr events happened in, and it made the book so much better! I cried at least twice. It's amazing to read and find out how much Jake went through to get where he is today. Definitely in my top 10 favorite books!!
August 23, 2014
If you've ever seen"Deadliest Catch"...
this is an interesting look into Jake Anderson's life. I've been curious about how he came to be a fisherman and how he handled sobriety among great loss. His story is a tough one to tell. It kept me engaged and interested, and was a super quick read.
this is an interesting look into Jake Anderson's life. I've been curious about how he came to be a fisherman and how he handled sobriety among great loss. His story is a tough one to tell. It kept me engaged and interested, and was a super quick read.
May 2, 2014
I already loved Jake Anderson from watching the Deadliest Catch this book reaffirms that love. He has been through so much but didn't let that stop him and has become a man his father would be truly proud of.
May 9, 2014
I interviewed Jake and read this book for work. Reading it is a lot like having a conversation with him. he's open, honest and flawed. I've never suffered from addiction but still found inspiration in what he went through. Reading about places I know (I live in his hometown) is a bonus.
June 30, 2014
I've watched a fair bit of Deadliest Catch, and it was nice to learn more about parts of the author's life that weren't on the show (or weren't on the episodes I've seen, anyway). The voice was plain spoken, and the editing was good. I only wished for a bit more emotion.
August 4, 2014
Great Book
I chose this book because Deadliest Catch is one of my all time favorite shows.
I really enjoyed reading it because of the honesty. Jake Anderson told parts of his life that had to be hard to tell but he did.
I chose this book because Deadliest Catch is one of my all time favorite shows.
I really enjoyed reading it because of the honesty. Jake Anderson told parts of his life that had to be hard to tell but he did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews