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Following Alaska's Call: Continuing the Journey: Embracing Change and Finding Strength in Alaska’s Wilderness
In Following Alaska's Call, Ann Parker takes readers on an intimate journey through the rugged wilderness of Alaska, where she and her husband, Shon, seek solace and a fresh start after years of Shon's sacrifice and service in Texas law enforcement. This memoir captures the essence of their adventurous spirit as they navigate the challenges of living off-grid in a remote cabin by Cub Lake.
Ann's vivid storytelling brings to life the beauty and harsh realities of Alaskan life, from the breathtaking landscapes to the daily struggles of survival. Alongside their loyal dog, Kuma, and visits from family and friends, Ann and Shon find strength in their faith and each other as they rebuild their lives and marriage. Their adventures also include the thrill and challenge of flying in the Alaskan bush, adding an extra layer of excitement and danger to their journey.
Following Alaska's Call is a heartfelt true story of resilience, love, and the unyielding call of the wild. It's a story that will inspire readers to embrace change, overcome fears, and find peace in the most unexpected places.
Ann's vivid storytelling brings to life the beauty and harsh realities of Alaskan life, from the breathtaking landscapes to the daily struggles of survival. Alongside their loyal dog, Kuma, and visits from family and friends, Ann and Shon find strength in their faith and each other as they rebuild their lives and marriage. Their adventures also include the thrill and challenge of flying in the Alaskan bush, adding an extra layer of excitement and danger to their journey.
Following Alaska's Call is a heartfelt true story of resilience, love, and the unyielding call of the wild. It's a story that will inspire readers to embrace change, overcome fears, and find peace in the most unexpected places.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
101 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Ann Parker
71 books31 followersAnn Parker was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her younger years were spent in Carrizozo, New Mexico, trying to keep up with her two older siblings, Carrie and Wayland. They told her she could only tag along “if she could keep up.” Her fear of being left out created a strong determination in her formative years. That drive equipped her to keep pace with her siblings, who were six and seven years her senior. She also spent time bossing around her younger brother, Patrick. Her mother remembers Ann, just a kindergartener, instructing two-year-old Patrick to recite the pledge of allegiance. Patrick definitely had a hand in developing Ann’s love for teaching.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 31, 2025
A Beautiful Story
I read Ann’s first book and fell in love with Alaska. This book touched my heart even more. Ann writes with such openness and honesty about the ups and downs of married life, meeting new friends who soon become family, and the stress of living in a place where everything you do is a new challenge. She shows us how they dealt with each day, including the separation from family and the strength needed to face the challenges they encounter. I couldn’t recommend this book more. You will find yourself pulled into a life that most of us will never experience. If you have a love for Alaska, this book will take you there.
I read Ann’s first book and fell in love with Alaska. This book touched my heart even more. Ann writes with such openness and honesty about the ups and downs of married life, meeting new friends who soon become family, and the stress of living in a place where everything you do is a new challenge. She shows us how they dealt with each day, including the separation from family and the strength needed to face the challenges they encounter. I couldn’t recommend this book more. You will find yourself pulled into a life that most of us will never experience. If you have a love for Alaska, this book will take you there.
December 18, 2025
This book is the follow-up to the author's first book, but it's not necessary to have read the first one to enjoy this one (just in case anyone wonders) - though it will make you want to go back and read the first installment!
This story is such an adventure - the author does a wonderful job of giving the reader a real look into both the beauty of and the perils of life in Alaska. Deep friendships, amazing nature encounters, crazy weather... all are part of this true story of life in (what sometimes seems like) a whole other world. It's so cool to experience a little bit of Alaska through Ann's words.
This story is such an adventure - the author does a wonderful job of giving the reader a real look into both the beauty of and the perils of life in Alaska. Deep friendships, amazing nature encounters, crazy weather... all are part of this true story of life in (what sometimes seems like) a whole other world. It's so cool to experience a little bit of Alaska through Ann's words.
January 14, 2026
Awesome Memoir Ann
As an Air Force Veteran, I had tried so many times to get an assignment to Alaska, but they kept me in Florida. Now I am a pastor in Northern Minnesota, which is kinda like Alaska in some ways, but the dream is still on hold. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and living out the adventures many of us dream about…and if your old pastor friend at Pioneer Baptist ever wants to trade places, I would love to chat with him. God bless you and your family. - Pastor Todd Stumbo Brainerd, Minnesota
As an Air Force Veteran, I had tried so many times to get an assignment to Alaska, but they kept me in Florida. Now I am a pastor in Northern Minnesota, which is kinda like Alaska in some ways, but the dream is still on hold. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and living out the adventures many of us dream about…and if your old pastor friend at Pioneer Baptist ever wants to trade places, I would love to chat with him. God bless you and your family. - Pastor Todd Stumbo Brainerd, Minnesota
September 22, 2025
Amazing and Wonderful, just as book one was!
Ann and Shon's adventures in Alaska are something most of us could only dream of doing one day. The many friends they made, the people who touched their lives, they are so down to earth, kind, and caring. It about broke my heart when they decided to leave Cub Lake, and then Alaska. But this book puts it all in perspective. I cannot wait fir the next book, the next chapter in their lives and that of their family and friends.
Ann and Shon's adventures in Alaska are something most of us could only dream of doing one day. The many friends they made, the people who touched their lives, they are so down to earth, kind, and caring. It about broke my heart when they decided to leave Cub Lake, and then Alaska. But this book puts it all in perspective. I cannot wait fir the next book, the next chapter in their lives and that of their family and friends.
October 8, 2025
I enjoyed this book even more than the first. These are exceptional adventurers and I enjoyed their adventures from my armchair! I loved all they did, becoming pilots, fishing, snowmobiling and all the work that it took to keep their cabin in good shape...including putting on a new roof. Read it, you'll love it!! Huh
November 9, 2025
I rarely read memoirs, but Ann Parker truly knows how to make the story come alive. I really enjoyed her first book, and I had to continue the story. It did not disappoint. I think this second book was even more well written than the first, and it really had me more attached and invested. What a way to represent Alaska!
October 1, 2025
Following up in Alaska
What a great follow-up to the first book. Sad because they had to leave but that kind if life is very hard. Kiddos for knowing when to leave and still love life.
What a great follow-up to the first book. Sad because they had to leave but that kind if life is very hard. Kiddos for knowing when to leave and still love life.
October 10, 2025
Great read
I read Ann’s first book when it was released. I reread it before reading this second book. I really enjoyed reading the extra stories in this book to complete the Alaska story.
I read Ann’s first book when it was released. I reread it before reading this second book. I really enjoyed reading the extra stories in this book to complete the Alaska story.
October 26, 2025
loved this book as much your first.
What a great book to round out your Alaska journey. We visited Alaska in 2012 with a week on the ground and a week on a cruise ship so I understand the beauty. Thanks again!
What a great book to round out your Alaska journey. We visited Alaska in 2012 with a week on the ground and a week on a cruise ship so I understand the beauty. Thanks again!
November 8, 2025
Anne you are awesome
Thank you so much for sharing your life Mr. And Mrs Parker. I felt remarkably comfortable reading your story. I was broken hearted about hearing the departure of your dear friend. God bless you both.
Thank you so much for sharing your life Mr. And Mrs Parker. I felt remarkably comfortable reading your story. I was broken hearted about hearing the departure of your dear friend. God bless you both.
September 23, 2025
Awe Inspiring
I’ve read lots of books about our last frontier but none that made me feel as much a part of their lives as Ann Parker has.
I’ve read lots of books about our last frontier but none that made me feel as much a part of their lives as Ann Parker has.
November 10, 2025
I loved Following Alaska's Call. Ann Parker has a way with bringing the reader right into the story. Alaska will always be in my heart.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews