The Smell of Other People's Houses

By: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, Robbie Daymond

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

Critic reviews

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

Beautiful Story

I loved this book, I didn’t want it to end! The narrators are great. Very enjoyable.

I enjoyed this book, i wish it was longer.

I enjoyed this book, i wish it was longer. I liked the author's use of language. the story was sad, but vibrant.

Just OK.

It was OK. A little confusing at times switching between characters. Didn't care for the ending. Feels cut short. The narrators were OK and I didn't feel agitated by their voices. But I also slowed down the audio which helps.

Absolutely wonderful

I loved the story so much. I loved the different perspectives in each chapter and seeing the characters appear throughout the story. I loved all the different connections made and was completely blindsided by most of them. Absolutely wonderful and addicting.

Divine Intervention

Everyone battles their own fights that others may know nothing about. Even though each character faced darkness and aloneness, hope is what got them through to the other side