What tougher critics to take on than family and life-long friends? That’s exactly what first-time author Barbara Jacko Atwater has done with “Walter’s Story: Pedro Bay, Alaska — Past, Present and Distant Memories,” a collection of family stories told to Atwater by her great-uncle, Walter Johnson.

Judging to those typically harsh critics, Atwater has published a winner.

“Everyone in Pedro Bay is so excited for you and eager to read your book. I just started reading it and am hooked,” wrote Bianca for the Pedro Bay Village Council.