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The Smell of Other People's Houses

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The Smell of Other People's Houses

Written by: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, Robbie Daymond
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About this listen

 In Alaska, 1970, being a teenager here isn’t like being a teenager anywhere else. This deeply moving and authentic debut is for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Louise Erdrich, Sherman Alexie, and Benjamin Alire Saenz. Intertwining stories of love, tragedy, wild luck, and salvation on the edge of America’s Last Frontier introduce a writer of rare talent.

Ruth has a secret that she can’t hide forever. Dora wonders if she can ever truly escape where she comes from, even when good luck strikes. Alyce is trying to reconcile her desire to dance, with the life she’s always known on her family’s fishing boat. Hank and his brothers decide it’s safer to run away than to stay home—until one of them ends up in terrible danger.

Four very different lives are about to become entangled. This unforgettable book is about people who try to save each other—and how sometimes, when they least expect it, they succeed.


Narrator Cast List:
Ruth, Read by Jorjeana Marie
Dora, Read by Erin Tripp
Alyce, Read by Karissa Vacker
Hank, Read by Robbie Daymond Depression & Mental Health Difficult Situations Family Family & Relationships Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multicultural Stories Social & Life Skills Native American Alaska

What the critics say

A William C. Morris Award Finalist
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, 2016

“An exquisitely drawn, deeply heartfelt look at a time and place not often addressed. Hitchcock’s measured prose casts a gorgeous, almost otherworldly feel over the text, resulting in a quietly lovely look at the various sides of human nature and growing up in a difficult world.” —Booklist, Starred

"Using alternating narratives, debut novelist Hitchcock deftly weaves these stories together, setting them against the backdrop of a native Alaska that readers will find intoxicating. . . . will resonate with readers of all ages." —Publishers Weekly

“An affecting story of fractured love and surprising redemption.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred

“A multifaceted glimpse into [a] rich cast of characters. . . . An excellent debut.” —SLJ

“The Alaskan author depicts places and an era rarely seen in fiction for teens….All benefit from her journalist’s eye for detail.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Grounded in emotional honesty.” —The Horn Book

“An honest, gritty, and moving portrait of growing up in Alaska. Only someone who knows and loves this place through and through could tell this story. This book is Alaska.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of the New York Times bestseller The Snow Child

“As only a native of Alaska can, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock blends narratives of indigenous and non- into a buffet of pain and beauty. Highly recommended.” —Tim Tingle, author of the series How I Became a Ghost
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This book deals with such heavy and complex issues through the eyes of young people trying to navigate their circumstances with the painful weight of reality, with the childlike innocence of their emotions. It is at times sad, and painful and at other times, full of hope. The story weaves through the lives of a range of characters, all connected in one way or another, and takes us through a snapshot of history that impacted Indigenous peoples across generations.

The story is beautifully written and the narration was great. Loved the characters and how raw their experiences were.

Would definitely recommend!

A Lovely Book

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