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The Smell of Other People's Houses
In Alaska, 1970, being a teenager here isn’t like being a teenager anywhere else. 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.
Four very different lives are about to become entangled.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
582 people are currently reading
30297 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
3 books342 followersBonnie-Sue Hitchcock was born and raised in Alaska. She worked many years fishing commercially with her family and as a reporter for Alaska Public Radio stations around the state. She was also the host and producer of “Independent Native News,” a daily newscast produced in Fairbanks, focusing on Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Canada’s First Nations. Her writing is inspired by her family’s four generations in Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,230 reviews
June 9, 2023
What do I even begin to say about this impactful, gorgeous book? My faith in humanity and my love for found family has been absolutely restored.
There's so much I loved about this book, I really don't know where to start.
# SO CLOSE YOU CAN TASTE IT: SETTING AND WRITING
The setting developed here is just as awesome. Yes, I'm a little biased, because I've been in love with the idea of Alaska since I was really little. But this book made me feel like I was there. I felt as if I were in that snowy, isolated area. I could feel the loneliness, feel the isolation, feel the lack of human contact.
The writing is also a strength. It's lyrical and subtly gorgeous. It's not showy, but it's gorgeous. This book is appropriately titled, for the author's writing is sensory in the perfect way.
# CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN SHORT TIME: A HOW-TO
The characters here are amazing. We have Ruth, with possibly the most emotionally cathartic teen pregnancy story ever written; Dora, who's full of anger and wants to find a forever home after her abuse; Alyce, who wants to pursue her dreams without forgetting her family; and Hank, who just wants to run away.
I can't begin to express how much I loved all four narrators. Each one has their own story and journey, and all four stories are fleshed out, despite how short the book is. Alyce, Ruth, and Dora's points of view resonated with me the most, but Hank's was well-developed too. This is the type of book where your favorite character here will depend entirely on your own experiences, because all four are well-written enough to be a favorite character.
All the side characters are just as developed, just as brilliantly written. I was shocked by how many memorable side characters managed to fit into this epic.
# SYMBOLISM AND THEMATICS
Honestly, the thematic arc of this book probably stood out most to me. Each of these characters' journeys revolves around one thing: the family you choose. These characters get to choose their families. Sometimes their chosen families involve their parents, and sometimes not. That's not the point. It's more important to surround ourselves with people we love, even if they aren't our parents.
VERDICT: I honestly can't think of any negatives. There are so few books I can't complain about, but I really can't complain about this book. It was a lovely journey.
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There's so much I loved about this book, I really don't know where to start.
# SO CLOSE YOU CAN TASTE IT: SETTING AND WRITING
The setting developed here is just as awesome. Yes, I'm a little biased, because I've been in love with the idea of Alaska since I was really little. But this book made me feel like I was there. I felt as if I were in that snowy, isolated area. I could feel the loneliness, feel the isolation, feel the lack of human contact.
The writing is also a strength. It's lyrical and subtly gorgeous. It's not showy, but it's gorgeous. This book is appropriately titled, for the author's writing is sensory in the perfect way.
# CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN SHORT TIME: A HOW-TO
The characters here are amazing. We have Ruth, with possibly the most emotionally cathartic teen pregnancy story ever written; Dora, who's full of anger and wants to find a forever home after her abuse; Alyce, who wants to pursue her dreams without forgetting her family; and Hank, who just wants to run away.
I can't begin to express how much I loved all four narrators. Each one has their own story and journey, and all four stories are fleshed out, despite how short the book is. Alyce, Ruth, and Dora's points of view resonated with me the most, but Hank's was well-developed too. This is the type of book where your favorite character here will depend entirely on your own experiences, because all four are well-written enough to be a favorite character.
All the side characters are just as developed, just as brilliantly written. I was shocked by how many memorable side characters managed to fit into this epic.
# SYMBOLISM AND THEMATICS
Honestly, the thematic arc of this book probably stood out most to me. Each of these characters' journeys revolves around one thing: the family you choose. These characters get to choose their families. Sometimes their chosen families involve their parents, and sometimes not. That's not the point. It's more important to surround ourselves with people we love, even if they aren't our parents.
VERDICT: I honestly can't think of any negatives. There are so few books I can't complain about, but I really can't complain about this book. It was a lovely journey.
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December 17, 2015
4.5 stars
When I went back to my own house, which held nothing but the faint scent of mold in secondhand furniture-also known as guilt and sin.
I totally requested and pushed this book on my friends because of that title alone.
How can you resist it? Then just look at that cover. It makes my inner cover whore just get all warm and fuzzy.
Then I read the blurb. Yes, I don't really read them all the time. I just pick the pretties.
This book is set in Alaska! I have this fascination with Alaska and if I ever win the lottery I would totally pack up the screaming boy child, husband and shaking chihuahuas and head north.
I watch all those reality shows based in Alaska.
Even the Alaskan version of Honey Boo Boo's family.
The story is set in the 1970's, but I think growing up in Alaska may just have been totally different in some ways than the other states.
Told from several viewpoints it takes awhile or for me anyways, to get into this story. I almost thought I wasn't going to like the book, then WHAM!
You have abusive, neglective parents. A teen pregnancy. Foster families. Runaways.
So much going on in this little book. Then the author waves her magic wand and it all ties together and perfection happens.
I remember my dad saying that sometimes you can be inserted into another person's life just by witnessing something you were never really supposed to be a part of.
This is one of the better young adult books that I've read. Plus, you have to read it to determine why I used some of these images, because I'm not telling!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for review.
I'm selecting Rashika's review because I love what she says about the book.
When I went back to my own house, which held nothing but the faint scent of mold in secondhand furniture-also known as guilt and sin.
I totally requested and pushed this book on my friends because of that title alone.
How can you resist it? Then just look at that cover. It makes my inner cover whore just get all warm and fuzzy.
Then I read the blurb. Yes, I don't really read them all the time. I just pick the pretties.
This book is set in Alaska! I have this fascination with Alaska and if I ever win the lottery I would totally pack up the screaming boy child, husband and shaking chihuahuas and head north.
I watch all those reality shows based in Alaska.
Even the Alaskan version of Honey Boo Boo's family.
The story is set in the 1970's, but I think growing up in Alaska may just have been totally different in some ways than the other states.
Told from several viewpoints it takes awhile or for me anyways, to get into this story. I almost thought I wasn't going to like the book, then WHAM!
You have abusive, neglective parents. A teen pregnancy. Foster families. Runaways.
So much going on in this little book. Then the author waves her magic wand and it all ties together and perfection happens.
I remember my dad saying that sometimes you can be inserted into another person's life just by witnessing something you were never really supposed to be a part of.
This is one of the better young adult books that I've read. Plus, you have to read it to determine why I used some of these images, because I'm not telling!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for review.
I'm selecting Rashika's review because I love what she says about the book.
July 13, 2018
not going to lie, the only reason i picked this up was because the title randomly caught my eye. which is very unlike me (i usually prefer to look at other reviews and ratings before buying a book), but i decided to go on an impulsive whim. and after finishing this, i still think the title (and its significance) is the best part of the book.
this was a cute story and well written, but it felt like it was spread a little too thin. the main concept of the book is how lives can impact and intertwine with others, and that is shown through the lives of four different kids growing up in rural alaska. however, this is a very short book - if anything, it felt like an extended short story. and i just did not get enough time to bond with the characters. had this been longer, or the amount of perspectives reduced, i think it would have been much more effective.
but i still thought message was insightful - it made me stop and think about how many times i may have inserted myself into someone elses life without even realising it.
↠ 3.5 stars
this was a cute story and well written, but it felt like it was spread a little too thin. the main concept of the book is how lives can impact and intertwine with others, and that is shown through the lives of four different kids growing up in rural alaska. however, this is a very short book - if anything, it felt like an extended short story. and i just did not get enough time to bond with the characters. had this been longer, or the amount of perspectives reduced, i think it would have been much more effective.
but i still thought message was insightful - it made me stop and think about how many times i may have inserted myself into someone elses life without even realising it.
↠ 3.5 stars
May 29, 2023
This was a beautiful story about generational trauma and the power of found family.
It is also my first non-smut five star read of 2023 (although there is only one of those at this point too). So cheers to a great read in what has been a fairly lackluster reading year thus far.
But I digress.
This has actually been sitting on my shelves for a LONG time and I originally bought it because of the interesting title and the fact that it had a house in the cover (a draw I can wholly attribute to Kelly and her book pig).
Told in concise mini-chapters via multiple POVs, this book is a seeming dichotomy of simple and complex. Simple writing, simple story on the surface…but very complex characters and a nuanced lean toward the complexity of humanity and the human spirit itself.
Small but mighty.
Edited to add:FYI...This book is categorized as young adult, which I actually don't read too much of anymore. That said, this has a mature lean/tone and hits some heavy topics. So if like me you don't normally read YA, don't let that stop you from picking this up...but just keep that in mind going in.
It is also my first non-smut five star read of 2023 (although there is only one of those at this point too). So cheers to a great read in what has been a fairly lackluster reading year thus far.
But I digress.
This has actually been sitting on my shelves for a LONG time and I originally bought it because of the interesting title and the fact that it had a house in the cover (a draw I can wholly attribute to Kelly and her book pig).
Told in concise mini-chapters via multiple POVs, this book is a seeming dichotomy of simple and complex. Simple writing, simple story on the surface…but very complex characters and a nuanced lean toward the complexity of humanity and the human spirit itself.
Small but mighty.
Edited to add:FYI...This book is categorized as young adult, which I actually don't read too much of anymore. That said, this has a mature lean/tone and hits some heavy topics. So if like me you don't normally read YA, don't let that stop you from picking this up...but just keep that in mind going in.
April 18, 2018
4.5 stars for this one.
First of all, how freaking cool is this title?
Dora dreams of the stability of a family, of being able to sleep at night without fear, of belonging and feeling wanted. She has never had those things with her own parents, but she gets them living with her best friend Dumpling and her family.
No matter how secure Dora feels, she knows it's just a matter of time before she has to return to her real life, to embarrassment and poverty and danger, because you can't outrun your family. Even when something good happens, it brings out what you've tried to forget about.
Ruth barely remembers her father, and her mother's mysterious disappearance leaves her and her younger sister in the care of her immensely strict, cold grandmother, who watches over them to ensure they never think too highly of themselves or believe they are better than others. But when Ruth finds herself in trouble, she learns there is far more to her grandmother than she imagined, and she also learns that one mistake doesn't doom you for life.
Alyce dreams of being a ballet dancer, and she's talented enough to follow her dreams. But the only life she's ever known is on her father's fishing boat. How can she tell her father she wants to dance and not help him? How can she abandon her mother and pursue her dreams?
Hank and his two younger brothers need to escape their unstable home life, and they decide it's better to run away than continue living amidst possible danger. But when a single incident puts one brother in danger, Hank has to decide whether to put his trust in those he doesn't know, or risk everything.
"...as a matter of survival, I don't take people at face value. I wait. Some people may look harmless, but most are just waiting to flare up and burn you if you get too close. You can never be too careful."
In Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock's gorgeous debut novel, these characters' lives will become intertwined in ways they could never have predicted. They'll realize that people really can save us in our time of need, even people we've never known before. They'll realize that each of us has untapped reservoirs of courage that we can rely on. Even more, they'll realize that sometimes the family we choose brings us more love than the family we're born into.
The Smell of Other People's Houses is immensely heartfelt, a story of friendships and families and secrets and hopes and fears, set against the backdrop of Alaska in the 1970s. While the situations these characters face are certainly familiar, they're still tremendously compelling in Hitchcock's hands. This is a book full of emotion and beauty, which so accurately captures the big and small moments of life.
As much as I loved this book, it's not perfect. There are a lot of characters in this book and it took a while to figure out which one was which, and how each was connected to the story. The narration shifts among the four main characters, so there were moments when I had to remember which person was telling the story. But for me, those quirks didn't detract from the book's overall appeal and poignancy.
I thought this book was really special, and it's one I won't forget anytime soon.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
First of all, how freaking cool is this title?
Dora dreams of the stability of a family, of being able to sleep at night without fear, of belonging and feeling wanted. She has never had those things with her own parents, but she gets them living with her best friend Dumpling and her family.
No matter how secure Dora feels, she knows it's just a matter of time before she has to return to her real life, to embarrassment and poverty and danger, because you can't outrun your family. Even when something good happens, it brings out what you've tried to forget about.
Ruth barely remembers her father, and her mother's mysterious disappearance leaves her and her younger sister in the care of her immensely strict, cold grandmother, who watches over them to ensure they never think too highly of themselves or believe they are better than others. But when Ruth finds herself in trouble, she learns there is far more to her grandmother than she imagined, and she also learns that one mistake doesn't doom you for life.
Alyce dreams of being a ballet dancer, and she's talented enough to follow her dreams. But the only life she's ever known is on her father's fishing boat. How can she tell her father she wants to dance and not help him? How can she abandon her mother and pursue her dreams?
Hank and his two younger brothers need to escape their unstable home life, and they decide it's better to run away than continue living amidst possible danger. But when a single incident puts one brother in danger, Hank has to decide whether to put his trust in those he doesn't know, or risk everything.
"...as a matter of survival, I don't take people at face value. I wait. Some people may look harmless, but most are just waiting to flare up and burn you if you get too close. You can never be too careful."
In Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock's gorgeous debut novel, these characters' lives will become intertwined in ways they could never have predicted. They'll realize that people really can save us in our time of need, even people we've never known before. They'll realize that each of us has untapped reservoirs of courage that we can rely on. Even more, they'll realize that sometimes the family we choose brings us more love than the family we're born into.
The Smell of Other People's Houses is immensely heartfelt, a story of friendships and families and secrets and hopes and fears, set against the backdrop of Alaska in the 1970s. While the situations these characters face are certainly familiar, they're still tremendously compelling in Hitchcock's hands. This is a book full of emotion and beauty, which so accurately captures the big and small moments of life.
As much as I loved this book, it's not perfect. There are a lot of characters in this book and it took a while to figure out which one was which, and how each was connected to the story. The narration shifts among the four main characters, so there were moments when I had to remember which person was telling the story. But for me, those quirks didn't detract from the book's overall appeal and poignancy.
I thought this book was really special, and it's one I won't forget anytime soon.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
August 5, 2020
This was absolutely lush 💖
“Even after your heart breaks into a million pieces...I am here to tell you - all around you the world will go on spinning. People might even say kind words to you and think you are listening, but mostly you won’t hear anything because you’re too busy collecting each of those tiny pieces of your heart - wrapping them up into a safe corner of yourself, so you can find them again later.”
This is a wonderful tale set in Alaska not long after it became an American state.
It follows 4 teenagers with 4 POVs that all seem separate but eventually all weave together in a beautiful web.
We have Alyce, who spends every summer working on her dads fishing boat but is desperate to become a professional dancer.
Ruth and her sister Lily live with their strict religious Grandmother before Ruth is sent away...
Dora lives with her best friend Dumpling’s family - as her mother buries her pain in alcohol and her father is in prison. I found Dora the hardest to warm up to. She seemed to have a completely unfounded dislike of Ruth from the get go. But her character development was A+.
Finally we have Hank and his two brothers who have stowed away on a ferry to escape their mother’s new boyfriend. Hoping for a better life.
Each character has their own struggles and I noticed another reviewer said about how it is about found family - be that actual blood relatives or not and I love that because it’s so true. These characters choose who to love, sometimes it’s a relative they’ve not gotten on with before, sometimes it’s choosing to leave blood behind and find a new family.
This book covers plenty of tough topics from alcoholism and abuse to teenage pregnancy but it is so hopeful and loving. P.s loved the nuns! Such a beautiful portrayal of religion when often it’s pretty negatively shown.
Only tiny gripe is
I loved this book and would highly recommend.
“Even after your heart breaks into a million pieces...I am here to tell you - all around you the world will go on spinning. People might even say kind words to you and think you are listening, but mostly you won’t hear anything because you’re too busy collecting each of those tiny pieces of your heart - wrapping them up into a safe corner of yourself, so you can find them again later.”
This is a wonderful tale set in Alaska not long after it became an American state.
It follows 4 teenagers with 4 POVs that all seem separate but eventually all weave together in a beautiful web.
We have Alyce, who spends every summer working on her dads fishing boat but is desperate to become a professional dancer.
Ruth and her sister Lily live with their strict religious Grandmother before Ruth is sent away...
Dora lives with her best friend Dumpling’s family - as her mother buries her pain in alcohol and her father is in prison. I found Dora the hardest to warm up to. She seemed to have a completely unfounded dislike of Ruth from the get go. But her character development was A+.
Finally we have Hank and his two brothers who have stowed away on a ferry to escape their mother’s new boyfriend. Hoping for a better life.
Each character has their own struggles and I noticed another reviewer said about how it is about found family - be that actual blood relatives or not and I love that because it’s so true. These characters choose who to love, sometimes it’s a relative they’ve not gotten on with before, sometimes it’s choosing to leave blood behind and find a new family.
This book covers plenty of tough topics from alcoholism and abuse to teenage pregnancy but it is so hopeful and loving. P.s loved the nuns! Such a beautiful portrayal of religion when often it’s pretty negatively shown.
Only tiny gripe is
I loved this book and would highly recommend.
September 22, 2018
My god, this was beautiful.
Want to read
October 23, 2018This sounds interesting. Might pick it up.
July 6, 2017
WOW. I do not know what I was expecting going into this, but I definitely did not expect this to become one of my favorite books of the year. Maybe even of all time?! This was so simple and sweet and beautifully crafted and I ended up SOBBING at the ending because it was just so damn lovely. I will definitely re-read this over and over again for the rest of my life. WOW.
December 21, 2016
2 stars
Hate to be the Grinch for an author's debut, but once I got past that gorgeous snow globe-ish cover and title to die for, there just wasn't much here to sustain my interest. It's almost like Ms. Hitchcock (an Alaskan native) picked up a copy of John Green's Looking For Alaska, got mad because the book was set in Alabama, and thought "If they're looking for Alaska, by God I'm gonna show them the way!" It seems like she's got the early 1970s-era Alaska down pat (it's endorsed by fellow Alaskan and Pulitzer Prize runner-up Eowyn Ivey in the slobber-fest blurbs), and in earning that title The Smell of Other People's Houses really goes overboard with capturing the olfactory sense memories (replete with a glut of product placement: I wonder how much money the makers of Pledge furniture polish, Joy dishwashing detergent, Comet cleanser, and Hills Brothers coffee, et.al. had to cough up to have their products' smells multiply-mentioned here).
But scratch through the surface, geting past the local flavor of Fairbanks (Eskimo ice cream! Fo'c'sle-view fishing! Athabascan alky weirdos!) and you've got a jumbled mess of characters going through the rote YA panoply of melodrama. Ruth-who-sounds-like-Dora-who-sounds-llike-Alyce-who-sounds-like-Hank become a amoeba narrator of woes you've encountered countless times before (knocked-up girl, depressed shoegazer boy, newly orphaned brothers, alcoholic and abusive dad, alcoholic and ineffectual mom, mom that's lost her mind). Way too many characters, way too much plot (particularly for a measly 240-page book) made this a confusing gloppy mess (not unlike the construct of the aforementioned Eskimo ice cream: berries, sugar, salmon (or whitefish), lard (or Crisco), whipped into a queasy concoction that'll please the natives, no doubt, but me? Not so much).
Hate to be the Grinch for an author's debut, but once I got past that gorgeous snow globe-ish cover and title to die for, there just wasn't much here to sustain my interest. It's almost like Ms. Hitchcock (an Alaskan native) picked up a copy of John Green's Looking For Alaska, got mad because the book was set in Alabama, and thought "If they're looking for Alaska, by God I'm gonna show them the way!" It seems like she's got the early 1970s-era Alaska down pat (it's endorsed by fellow Alaskan and Pulitzer Prize runner-up Eowyn Ivey in the slobber-fest blurbs), and in earning that title The Smell of Other People's Houses really goes overboard with capturing the olfactory sense memories (replete with a glut of product placement: I wonder how much money the makers of Pledge furniture polish, Joy dishwashing detergent, Comet cleanser, and Hills Brothers coffee, et.al. had to cough up to have their products' smells multiply-mentioned here).
But scratch through the surface, geting past the local flavor of Fairbanks (Eskimo ice cream! Fo'c'sle-view fishing! Athabascan alky weirdos!) and you've got a jumbled mess of characters going through the rote YA panoply of melodrama. Ruth-who-sounds-like-Dora-who-sounds-llike-Alyce-who-sounds-like-Hank become a amoeba narrator of woes you've encountered countless times before (knocked-up girl, depressed shoegazer boy, newly orphaned brothers, alcoholic and abusive dad, alcoholic and ineffectual mom, mom that's lost her mind). Way too many characters, way too much plot (particularly for a measly 240-page book) made this a confusing gloppy mess (not unlike the construct of the aforementioned Eskimo ice cream: berries, sugar, salmon (or whitefish), lard (or Crisco), whipped into a queasy concoction that'll please the natives, no doubt, but me? Not so much).
May 27, 2019
"We don't have to be blood to be family."
Bonnie Sue-Hitchcock is literally the next John Green of YA literature. And, when I say the next John Green of YA literature, I mean that she has the potential to blow up... which is a little sad, because I wish I could just keep this book all to myself, and treasure it in my heart... but then again, this author deserves recognition. Her debut novel is just fantastic and eloquently displays her talent, as a writer.
(I'm actually not the biggest fan of John Green's books, but I've got to admit - the guy's books are popular than quadratic equations YouTube videos the night before your exams).
This might not come as a surprise, but I am often highly, apprehensive when it comes to YA literature. Don't get me wrong - I adore it, but it is often just packed with stereotypes and flat plots and with a lack of authenticity, which just just results in the book being another block of paper on my bookshelf, that has little to no meaning to me whatsoever. That sounds harsh, but what I'm trying to get at, is that I am in need of more refreshing books, like this little gem. The only other YA contemporary I can think of, at the moment, which moved me, as much as this one did is Eleanor and Park.
If I had to somehow wrap the parts of The Smell of Other People's Houses in a basket, and deliver it at your doorstep, you'd get: a picture of snowy, cold Alaska; the smell of freshly picked flowers; ice cream, a video of salmons cruising through the ocean; a photograph of a family house, and of a group of friends; a bar of soap, a jar-full of tears and of course, a handkerchief to restore your hope.
My opinions on:
❄︎ - The Plot
This is one of those books, which, perhaps, doesn't have a super action-packed plot line full of karate chopping, jaw-dropping moments and excitement, but still flowed so beautifully into an intriguing story.
Highly focusing on characters, their families and their development, it's safe to say that the plot revolved around the characters, not vice-versa, which is a feature I'm more fond of. And, even if you're more of an action reader, who cares more about pulse-raising adventure, than character growth, I can guarantee that this book will not disappoint you in the slightest. It draws you in, like a moth to the flame, and holds you captive, shocking you at times, until you finish - and you're left, with a sense of warmth in your heart, and a sting in your eye.
Whilst, I can't confidently claim that there were no tedious moments, because I admit - there were a few, on the whole, this book was nothing short of thrilling. But, perhaps, not in the way you'd expect.
Feasibly, the most potent aspect of this book is the way different plot lines either cross each other or intertwine and get tangled up together.
Fans who appreciate J.K Rowling's ability to create phenomenally well-thought out, astute plotlines, will certainly feel a connection to Hitchcock's work and the style of her planning and events.
❄︎ - The Characters
I can not begin to explain how much I admire Hitchcock for the way she transformed these little inked words into real people - with personalities, raw emotions, vulnerability. Each character is full of life - never perfect, always flawed, but full of natural personality traits and feelings, that completely shatter literary stereotypes.
So often, one comes across little cookie-cutter character frames, that authors use to bake their own batches of unoriginal characters. People don't fit into cookie-cutters, and whoever thinks otherwise, is mistaken.
My favorite character in this book, is without a doubt, one of the side characters - Dumpling. She's a lovely, complex character (ugh, that repetition is gross, sorry), a fantastic achievement on the author's side - where can I find myself a friend like Dumpling? From the four main characters, I definitely found myself rooting for Ruth the most - her loneliness was heartbreaking, and the challenges and obstacles she was forced to face, just upped my level of respect I had for her and her endurance.
Although, Ruth was my most treasured character out of the main four, I found myself truly growing fond of each character and their own life. I think that everyone will find someone closest to their heart.
I think it's important to mention, that family plays a major role in this novel - it analyses family connections and values, how big of a part family relations play in the lives of young people, and how blood is not the only determining factor.
If you're like me, and you're always eager to read stories with a high dose of family dilemmas, this one is definitely for you.
Hitchock, includes a range of other themes, however, take for example: friendship, the way our past shapes the present, jealousy, love and betrayal and forgiveness. A fantastic range of motives and emotions are presented, very cunningly, throughout this artless story.
❄︎ - The Atmosphere
It is a truth universally acknowledged that without atmosphere, a book is nothing but a block of words slapped down onto a piece of paper. Well, maybe, not entirely - but it will definitely lack something that 'special' ingredient.
Atmosphere is everything to me. I was absolutely stunned by Hitchcock's beautiful take on the human senses, and her attention to details and smell. Most books focus on what is before you, glorious landscapes, 'emerald eyes'... but how many actually use your sense of smell as a main factor?
Wherever you go, smells are all around you. A single scent can remind you of home, or of somebody you love or used to love, call back waves of nostalgia... and the fact that someone realized that and payed such close attention to its effects on people, was pretty damn impressive.
The overall ambience created is just, straight up, fantastic. Alaska, more specifically Fairbanks - is the story's setting, but the author takes us on a few journeys away from the main town - to voyages across the ocean, to fishing trips, to Canada... Bonnie herself was both and raised in Alaska, and I have so much respect for her, for writing about her home state, which gave the story such a unique, incomprehensible feeling.
When writers use settings, as simply - a boring, but mandatory background to the story, the whole story is significantly affected by an unfortunate lack of heart. Sometimes, things just feel wrong, somehow. Here's a comparison: there's a difference when someone brings you a cake from some sweet shop (although, I adore sweet shops), and when someone brings you a home-made cake. There's a difference... maybe not in taste, but somewhere amidst the sugar and chocolate, you can feel it. This book was like a home-made cake, so unflinchingly tender and sweet. It felt freshly baked and written from the depths of the author's mind and memories.
By writing about a place that is full of memories, childhood beauty and aura - every sentence seeps in a, sort of, deep attachment, that can only bond a person with their home. How many books have you read that were set in London? Or California? Or New York? A lot. I'm not saying thats a bad feeling, but reading a book set in a cold, isolated town of Alaska, was like splashing yourself with water after a hot day outside. Interesting, new and refreshing to the industry - the atmosphere is irreplacable.
I hope I've managed to show how good this, gem of a book, is. Surprisingly, I haven't heard much about it, which is astonoshing, really, considering what an incredible piece of literature it is. I don't think I can do it justice. Something's just need to be read, in order to be properly understood. Just like people ;)
Bonnie Sue-Hitchcock is literally the next John Green of YA literature. And, when I say the next John Green of YA literature, I mean that she has the potential to blow up... which is a little sad, because I wish I could just keep this book all to myself, and treasure it in my heart... but then again, this author deserves recognition. Her debut novel is just fantastic and eloquently displays her talent, as a writer.
(I'm actually not the biggest fan of John Green's books, but I've got to admit - the guy's books are popular than quadratic equations YouTube videos the night before your exams).
This might not come as a surprise, but I am often highly, apprehensive when it comes to YA literature. Don't get me wrong - I adore it, but it is often just packed with stereotypes and flat plots and with a lack of authenticity, which just just results in the book being another block of paper on my bookshelf, that has little to no meaning to me whatsoever. That sounds harsh, but what I'm trying to get at, is that I am in need of more refreshing books, like this little gem. The only other YA contemporary I can think of, at the moment, which moved me, as much as this one did is Eleanor and Park.
If I had to somehow wrap the parts of The Smell of Other People's Houses in a basket, and deliver it at your doorstep, you'd get: a picture of snowy, cold Alaska; the smell of freshly picked flowers; ice cream, a video of salmons cruising through the ocean; a photograph of a family house, and of a group of friends; a bar of soap, a jar-full of tears and of course, a handkerchief to restore your hope.
My opinions on:
❄︎ - The Plot
This is one of those books, which, perhaps, doesn't have a super action-packed plot line full of karate chopping, jaw-dropping moments and excitement, but still flowed so beautifully into an intriguing story.
Highly focusing on characters, their families and their development, it's safe to say that the plot revolved around the characters, not vice-versa, which is a feature I'm more fond of. And, even if you're more of an action reader, who cares more about pulse-raising adventure, than character growth, I can guarantee that this book will not disappoint you in the slightest. It draws you in, like a moth to the flame, and holds you captive, shocking you at times, until you finish - and you're left, with a sense of warmth in your heart, and a sting in your eye.
Whilst, I can't confidently claim that there were no tedious moments, because I admit - there were a few, on the whole, this book was nothing short of thrilling. But, perhaps, not in the way you'd expect.
Feasibly, the most potent aspect of this book is the way different plot lines either cross each other or intertwine and get tangled up together.
Fans who appreciate J.K Rowling's ability to create phenomenally well-thought out, astute plotlines, will certainly feel a connection to Hitchcock's work and the style of her planning and events.
❄︎ - The Characters
I can not begin to explain how much I admire Hitchcock for the way she transformed these little inked words into real people - with personalities, raw emotions, vulnerability. Each character is full of life - never perfect, always flawed, but full of natural personality traits and feelings, that completely shatter literary stereotypes.
So often, one comes across little cookie-cutter character frames, that authors use to bake their own batches of unoriginal characters. People don't fit into cookie-cutters, and whoever thinks otherwise, is mistaken.
My favorite character in this book, is without a doubt, one of the side characters - Dumpling. She's a lovely, complex character (ugh, that repetition is gross, sorry), a fantastic achievement on the author's side - where can I find myself a friend like Dumpling? From the four main characters, I definitely found myself rooting for Ruth the most - her loneliness was heartbreaking, and the challenges and obstacles she was forced to face, just upped my level of respect I had for her and her endurance.
Although, Ruth was my most treasured character out of the main four, I found myself truly growing fond of each character and their own life. I think that everyone will find someone closest to their heart.
I think it's important to mention, that family plays a major role in this novel - it analyses family connections and values, how big of a part family relations play in the lives of young people, and how blood is not the only determining factor.
If you're like me, and you're always eager to read stories with a high dose of family dilemmas, this one is definitely for you.
Hitchock, includes a range of other themes, however, take for example: friendship, the way our past shapes the present, jealousy, love and betrayal and forgiveness. A fantastic range of motives and emotions are presented, very cunningly, throughout this artless story.
❄︎ - The Atmosphere
It is a truth universally acknowledged that without atmosphere, a book is nothing but a block of words slapped down onto a piece of paper. Well, maybe, not entirely - but it will definitely lack something that 'special' ingredient.
Atmosphere is everything to me. I was absolutely stunned by Hitchcock's beautiful take on the human senses, and her attention to details and smell. Most books focus on what is before you, glorious landscapes, 'emerald eyes'... but how many actually use your sense of smell as a main factor?
Wherever you go, smells are all around you. A single scent can remind you of home, or of somebody you love or used to love, call back waves of nostalgia... and the fact that someone realized that and payed such close attention to its effects on people, was pretty damn impressive.
The overall ambience created is just, straight up, fantastic. Alaska, more specifically Fairbanks - is the story's setting, but the author takes us on a few journeys away from the main town - to voyages across the ocean, to fishing trips, to Canada... Bonnie herself was both and raised in Alaska, and I have so much respect for her, for writing about her home state, which gave the story such a unique, incomprehensible feeling.
When writers use settings, as simply - a boring, but mandatory background to the story, the whole story is significantly affected by an unfortunate lack of heart. Sometimes, things just feel wrong, somehow. Here's a comparison: there's a difference when someone brings you a cake from some sweet shop (although, I adore sweet shops), and when someone brings you a home-made cake. There's a difference... maybe not in taste, but somewhere amidst the sugar and chocolate, you can feel it. This book was like a home-made cake, so unflinchingly tender and sweet. It felt freshly baked and written from the depths of the author's mind and memories.
By writing about a place that is full of memories, childhood beauty and aura - every sentence seeps in a, sort of, deep attachment, that can only bond a person with their home. How many books have you read that were set in London? Or California? Or New York? A lot. I'm not saying thats a bad feeling, but reading a book set in a cold, isolated town of Alaska, was like splashing yourself with water after a hot day outside. Interesting, new and refreshing to the industry - the atmosphere is irreplacable.
I hope I've managed to show how good this, gem of a book, is. Surprisingly, I haven't heard much about it, which is astonoshing, really, considering what an incredible piece of literature it is. I don't think I can do it justice. Something's just need to be read, in order to be properly understood. Just like people ;)
February 23, 2018
"Even after your heart breaks into a million pieces, I am here to tell you - all around you the world will still go on spinning. People might even say kind words to you and think you are listening, but mostly you won't hear anything because you're too busy collecting each of those tiny pieces of your heart - wrapping them up into a safe corner of yourself, so you can find them again later."
This book caught my eye right away. First of all because of the intriguing title, second of all because of the amazing cover (not the one I own, but the one with the purple cover and the wintery house under a sky full of stars).
I wanted to read this ever since I first saw it and when my birthday came, it was my mum who gave it to me. It was a gift that didn't disappoint.
Ruth, Dora, Alyce and Hank are the four main characters of this book. Apparently they once belonged to four different short stories, but you would never know this just by reading the book, because they're so beautifully intertwined.
It's a heartfelt and emotional story, but I wish the author would have gone a little further. Death and loss play a big role in these stories. Most of these kids have lost one parent or both. Alcoholism and violence left traces in their past and present. But the book never gets too desperate or sad, which is both, a good and a bad thing. Good because it's a light and fast read, bad because it doesn't dig deep enough. This book had the potential to go deep under my skin and leave me breathless, devastated but also happy. It could have left me pondering for much longer. Let's say this book had a hundred pages more (it's a short book as it is) and wouldn't have had such a fulfilling ending where every character got away unscathed - it would have moved me much more, and stayed with me much longer.
Still, I believe it is a fantastic debut by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock and I can't wait to read more from her in future!
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This book caught my eye right away. First of all because of the intriguing title, second of all because of the amazing cover (not the one I own, but the one with the purple cover and the wintery house under a sky full of stars).
I wanted to read this ever since I first saw it and when my birthday came, it was my mum who gave it to me. It was a gift that didn't disappoint.
Ruth, Dora, Alyce and Hank are the four main characters of this book. Apparently they once belonged to four different short stories, but you would never know this just by reading the book, because they're so beautifully intertwined.
It's a heartfelt and emotional story, but I wish the author would have gone a little further. Death and loss play a big role in these stories. Most of these kids have lost one parent or both. Alcoholism and violence left traces in their past and present. But the book never gets too desperate or sad, which is both, a good and a bad thing. Good because it's a light and fast read, bad because it doesn't dig deep enough. This book had the potential to go deep under my skin and leave me breathless, devastated but also happy. It could have left me pondering for much longer. Let's say this book had a hundred pages more (it's a short book as it is) and wouldn't have had such a fulfilling ending where every character got away unscathed - it would have moved me much more, and stayed with me much longer.
Still, I believe it is a fantastic debut by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock and I can't wait to read more from her in future!
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December 4, 2019
3.75*
This books been on my book shelf since around 2015 and I always aimed to read it.
So now I have!
It’s based around young people, and coping with circumstances that either are no fault of their own or been reaped wrongly upon them.
It’s not a huge book and I read this in one day. I wasn’t expecting such exquisite writing and the area being around Alaska so that was an experience for me as I knew nothing much about that area at all.
The characters stood out so well, individually and collectively when their lives became intertwined.
So glad I got to this........finally.
This books been on my book shelf since around 2015 and I always aimed to read it.
So now I have!
It’s based around young people, and coping with circumstances that either are no fault of their own or been reaped wrongly upon them.
It’s not a huge book and I read this in one day. I wasn’t expecting such exquisite writing and the area being around Alaska so that was an experience for me as I knew nothing much about that area at all.
The characters stood out so well, individually and collectively when their lives became intertwined.
So glad I got to this........finally.
April 8, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I was going to be real funny and say something along the lines of “why didn’t anyone ever tell me I should read this book,” but then I remembered the last time I did that about a book Shelby had told me about ages before I ever got around to reading it . . . .
You know the old saying: “Shoe me once, shame on you. Shoe me twice, I got your shoes.”
I’m pretty sure I got the ARC of this book 3 ½ years ago. Now if that doesn’t show a commitment to the procrastinator lifestyle, I don’t know what does. I also don’t know why I put it off. I think I thought it was going to be very child abusey or something (‘cause once again, homegirl don’t read blurbs) and disturbing (not like that usually stops me, but somehow in my brain this was going to go all after school special and I was going to hate it). Per usual, my brain was a liar because I never should have avoided this. Set in 1970s Alaska (can I just take a minute to say 2019 is obviously the year of Alaska for Kelly and Mitchell as this is our THIRD book set there), The Smell of Other People’s Houses tells the interconnected stories of three young women – Ruth, Dora and Alyce – as well as one young man. This is the type of book John Green only wishes he could write (and I’m saying that as kind of a Green fangirl). It’s like Green had a baby with The Secret Life of Bees and it is wonderful. Truly YA that grown-ups can appreciate – complete with all the feels. 5 Stars.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
I was going to be real funny and say something along the lines of “why didn’t anyone ever tell me I should read this book,” but then I remembered the last time I did that about a book Shelby had told me about ages before I ever got around to reading it . . . .
You know the old saying: “Shoe me once, shame on you. Shoe me twice, I got your shoes.”
I’m pretty sure I got the ARC of this book 3 ½ years ago. Now if that doesn’t show a commitment to the procrastinator lifestyle, I don’t know what does. I also don’t know why I put it off. I think I thought it was going to be very child abusey or something (‘cause once again, homegirl don’t read blurbs) and disturbing (not like that usually stops me, but somehow in my brain this was going to go all after school special and I was going to hate it). Per usual, my brain was a liar because I never should have avoided this. Set in 1970s Alaska (can I just take a minute to say 2019 is obviously the year of Alaska for Kelly and Mitchell as this is our THIRD book set there), The Smell of Other People’s Houses tells the interconnected stories of three young women – Ruth, Dora and Alyce – as well as one young man. This is the type of book John Green only wishes he could write (and I’m saying that as kind of a Green fangirl). It’s like Green had a baby with The Secret Life of Bees and it is wonderful. Truly YA that grown-ups can appreciate – complete with all the feels. 5 Stars.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
January 1, 2016
'. . . houses with moms in them do tend to smell better.'
I am totally taken with the title of this book. It reminds me of the redolence of potpourri and furniture polish that lingered in the air at my in-law's house back when they were still living. More recently, it calls to mind how the house of my parents has taken on the smell of old people during the past several years. I wonder what my house smells like to other people.
This is story of teenagers trying to find their way in life, learning how to cope and take responsibility when things get all skewed, as things inevitably do. Loved the backdrop of Alaska in 1970, and the sections that took place on the fishing boat. There is a certain sadness to it, such a shame when a kid can't be happy and at ease in his/her own home.
I am totally taken with the title of this book. It reminds me of the redolence of potpourri and furniture polish that lingered in the air at my in-law's house back when they were still living. More recently, it calls to mind how the house of my parents has taken on the smell of old people during the past several years. I wonder what my house smells like to other people.
This is story of teenagers trying to find their way in life, learning how to cope and take responsibility when things get all skewed, as things inevitably do. Loved the backdrop of Alaska in 1970, and the sections that took place on the fishing boat. There is a certain sadness to it, such a shame when a kid can't be happy and at ease in his/her own home.
March 15, 2016
4-1/2 stars, rounded up.
"Did you save him?"This exchange sums up this short but beautifully moving book, which tells the intertwining stories of four teens in Alaska in 1970, all of whom have reasons to fantasize about other people's homes. Ruth and her sister live with their chilly, upright, very Catholic grandmother; Dora's mother is an alcoholic and her father sexually abuses her; Alyce feels obligated to help her father fish even at the expense of the dance career she desperately wants for herself; and Hank and his two younger brothers flee from an abusive stepfather.
"I tried. Maybe he saved me?"
"Yeah, that's what we do, isn't it? We save each other."
The author illustrates the characters' situations and relationships in few but vivid words. All four narrators have distinct voices which made me love each of them as an individual. And while some of the story is pretty gritty, it never feels grim, because of the hope which keeps each of these kids going, and which lights every page of this book. I can hardly believe this is a debut novel, it's so well-written, tightly paced, and cleverly plotted.
I don't want to say too much about what happens, because the stories are so short that virtually any detail about them becomes spoilery. My one quibble is that maybe everything works out just a teensy bit too perfectly, bordering on a sort of magical realism to bring it all about. But the book is so sweet and insightful and left me so damp-eyed and sniffling that I really can't complain about anything.
Highly recommended!
And thanks to Carole and Shelby, whose glowing reviews brought this book to my attention! I'm not sure I would have picked it off the shelf myself, but I'm so glad to have experienced this story.
August 25, 2020
What you need to know about this book:
- The Smell of Other People's Houses is a novel that came into existence from four different short stories.
- It follows four different perspectives, all written in first person, all points of view are teenager's.
- This book takes place in Alaska in 1970.
- Four characters of this book are telling us different stories, but they are all intertwined at some point.
- Even thugh this is a novel, you can read this book in two different ways:
1. From first page to last, like every other novel;
2. You can read only a certain POV and you will still have the complete story about the character who's POV you're reading.
- I think Ruth's story was the most interesting one, but Alyce's story was the most enjoyable to read.
What you should be warned about:
- There is some strong violence described in this book.
- Not every POV is an interesting one (at least I found Hank's story to be dull).
- This is a literally fiction that follows four teenagers, and it does not follow the pace most ya novels have.
What I liked about this book:
- Writing style is great and poetic.
- This book covers some serious topics in a realistic way and the writer did a great job describing those situations (violence, teen pregnancy, suicide attempt).
- The cover is so pretty and the title is also beautiful.
- The writer presented us a story she wanted to tell in a bit more then 200 pages and didn't write about unnecessary situations just to make her piece longer.
What I'd like to change in this piece of work:
- Even though I knew this book was taking place in Alaska, I didn't have a strong feeling I was reading about Alaska so I guess I'd like it if it was described in a stronger way.
Overall, this was a quick read and different from books that I usually read.
Even though I wasn't fully satisfied with it I think many people will enjoy reading this book.
I would still recommend it to readers who'd like to read something that is taking place somewhere different then most books do and to readers of ya who'd like to start reading something out of their comfort zone, since this is a (historical) literally fiction that follows teenagers.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Faber and Faber Ltd.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
- The Smell of Other People's Houses is a novel that came into existence from four different short stories.
- It follows four different perspectives, all written in first person, all points of view are teenager's.
- This book takes place in Alaska in 1970.
- Four characters of this book are telling us different stories, but they are all intertwined at some point.
- Even thugh this is a novel, you can read this book in two different ways:
1. From first page to last, like every other novel;
2. You can read only a certain POV and you will still have the complete story about the character who's POV you're reading.
- I think Ruth's story was the most interesting one, but Alyce's story was the most enjoyable to read.
What you should be warned about:
- There is some strong violence described in this book.
- Not every POV is an interesting one (at least I found Hank's story to be dull).
- This is a literally fiction that follows four teenagers, and it does not follow the pace most ya novels have.
What I liked about this book:
- Writing style is great and poetic.
- This book covers some serious topics in a realistic way and the writer did a great job describing those situations (violence, teen pregnancy, suicide attempt).
- The cover is so pretty and the title is also beautiful.
- The writer presented us a story she wanted to tell in a bit more then 200 pages and didn't write about unnecessary situations just to make her piece longer.
What I'd like to change in this piece of work:
- Even though I knew this book was taking place in Alaska, I didn't have a strong feeling I was reading about Alaska so I guess I'd like it if it was described in a stronger way.
Overall, this was a quick read and different from books that I usually read.
Even though I wasn't fully satisfied with it I think many people will enjoy reading this book.
I would still recommend it to readers who'd like to read something that is taking place somewhere different then most books do and to readers of ya who'd like to start reading something out of their comfort zone, since this is a (historical) literally fiction that follows teenagers.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Faber and Faber Ltd.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
February 12, 2016
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
I really enjoyed reading this short little book. This book first grabbed my attention with its title. I loved the title and the purple cover is just beautiful. The story inside the cover was equally wonderful. I haven't read a lot of books set in Alaska so the setting was a big draw for me. This was one of those books that I didn't want to put down and I read most of it within a day.
This book is told from multiple points of view. I really enjoyed each character's voice almost equally in this book. I think that the way the book was put together really built up my need to know what was going to happen to everyone. I loved the fact that this was not just another teen romance. In fact, there really isn't any romance in this book at all but it full of emotion.
One of the main strengths of this book is the descriptions. I love that scents are included in some of the descriptions. The book isn't packed with description of different smells but they are occasionally mentioned and help give a nicely rounded complete picture of the environment. I did find myself wishing that the time period would have had a stronger feel in the story. There were moments that the 1970's setting of the book was clearly illustrated. There were other times that I almost forgot that the events take place during a different time period.
I really liked that this book wasn't afraid to deal with very difficult topics. I am actually quite surprised that this one little book decided to focus on so many issues and that it ended up working so well. Poverty, teen pregnancy, and abuse all have a place in this book but I was still able to find hope in the story. It is really quite amazing that this story could have such a positive ending.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It was a really engrossing story that I found hard to put down. This is the first book by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock that I have read but I would not hesitate to pick up her work in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Children's - Wendy Lamb Books via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I admit that the title of this book is what really got my attention and paired with the pretty purple cover...I just had to have this book. This was good. It took me some time to really get pulled into the story but the ending was spectacular. I loved the descriptions and thought that the characters were very easy to like. I am going to think about this one for a few days before I try to put my thoughts together for a review.
I really enjoyed reading this short little book. This book first grabbed my attention with its title. I loved the title and the purple cover is just beautiful. The story inside the cover was equally wonderful. I haven't read a lot of books set in Alaska so the setting was a big draw for me. This was one of those books that I didn't want to put down and I read most of it within a day.
This book is told from multiple points of view. I really enjoyed each character's voice almost equally in this book. I think that the way the book was put together really built up my need to know what was going to happen to everyone. I loved the fact that this was not just another teen romance. In fact, there really isn't any romance in this book at all but it full of emotion.
One of the main strengths of this book is the descriptions. I love that scents are included in some of the descriptions. The book isn't packed with description of different smells but they are occasionally mentioned and help give a nicely rounded complete picture of the environment. I did find myself wishing that the time period would have had a stronger feel in the story. There were moments that the 1970's setting of the book was clearly illustrated. There were other times that I almost forgot that the events take place during a different time period.
I really liked that this book wasn't afraid to deal with very difficult topics. I am actually quite surprised that this one little book decided to focus on so many issues and that it ended up working so well. Poverty, teen pregnancy, and abuse all have a place in this book but I was still able to find hope in the story. It is really quite amazing that this story could have such a positive ending.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It was a really engrossing story that I found hard to put down. This is the first book by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock that I have read but I would not hesitate to pick up her work in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Children's - Wendy Lamb Books via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I admit that the title of this book is what really got my attention and paired with the pretty purple cover...I just had to have this book. This was good. It took me some time to really get pulled into the story but the ending was spectacular. I loved the descriptions and thought that the characters were very easy to like. I am going to think about this one for a few days before I try to put my thoughts together for a review.
September 3, 2016
"We don't have to be blood to be family."
What an interesting, quite funny and weird title we've got here, right? I mean, that title alone made me read this heartfelt, coming-of-age novel which is set in Alaska during its early statehood. And add that breath-taking cover. I, absolutely, can't say no.
Frankly speaking, I almost gave up reading this novel and save it for another day but I'm happy I didn't. The Smell of Other People's Houses might not work its magic immediately upon reading it but as you read, read and read, you will eventually smell (pun intended) the aroma of a good story.
A story of four teens and their personal struggles with life and the people around them.
A story that tackles teen pregnancy, abuse, reconciliation, running away, and the consequences of a decision, either a right or a wrong one.
A story that lingers and characters that clings to your heart and soul without your permission.
And a story of family and community with a writing that is truly connecting and giving the extra aroma to this kind of book.
Totally worth it!
dnf
June 15, 2021DNF at unknown %
I restarted this book 5 times and still can't remember any of the characters names. Time to shuffle on outta here I reckon.
I restarted this book 5 times and still can't remember any of the characters names. Time to shuffle on outta here I reckon.
April 17, 2018
2 stars.
My expectations for this book was high but it didn't deliver on any of what I was expecting. Which is really disappointing because I liked the premise of it and the title. I mean, The Smell of Other People's Houses, that's an interesting title.
Unfortunately, a pretty cover and interesting title didn't help in regards to the plot and characters.
The book takes place in America's last frontier, Alaska, in 1970. We follow four teenagers as they try to navigate through life. Ruth is trying to keep a secret she can't hide, Alyce wants more for her life than being on a fishing boat, Dora is pondering if she can truly leave where's she's from, and Hank and his two brothers are running away from home.
The end result was I wasn't fully captivated by the characters or the setting.
When I found out that the book would be taking place in Alaska in 1970, I was excited to get my hands on it. I've been wanting to read more historical fiction as you can see in my to-read library. So I jumped at the opportunity when I saw the book at a used bookstore in good condition. (It was even signed!) I'm now starting to understand why it was in a used bookstore.
Let me begin with what I didn't like about the book.
1) The Setting.
The setting for a book is important to the reader so we know where and when the book takes place in. And usually, we get signs of where and when. Like reading a book in the Victorian era, America/Europe in WWI, New York City in the Roaring 20s, etc.
The Smell of Other People's Houses didn't have that. Does the book take place in Alaska? Yes. Does it take place in 1970? Yes. But it didn't feel that way.
Not once did the book make it seem like it was in Alaska or 1970. The reading experience felt like I was reading a book taking place right now, 2017. If it weren't for a few things that screamed 1970, I would've thought the book took place in 2017. The setting is important, I cannot stress that enough. It makes the reader feel like they're there in that place and time. But it didn't deliver.
2) The Characters.
We have four characters and I did not care for either of them. Ruth was probably the only one I was genuinely interested in but other than that, they were plain as cardboard. They were about at interesting as watching paint dry. I get they have motivations but I was never fully invested in their journey because of how boring they were.
Had they been interesting, or at the very least, had their story been interesting, I might've liked them more. Oh well.
3) Misconception
There's also something that's bugging me. The title of the book. At first, I thought it would be about how other people's houses smell and how that plays into each of the characters. Like if they didn't feel at home in their own home or in anyone else's. For a few of the characters, they aren't even in a home. Had the title been different, maybe the plot would make sense.
For the positives, there weren't much. I will say this, the book does talk about certain themes that we can relate to or understand. I get that. For the most part, I did sympathize with the characters. To an extent. But I wasn't fully invested in them.
That's about it for the positives.
Verdit
Overall, a disappointment. I really did want to enjoy this. It's historical fiction and it takes place in Alaska. ALASKA! Sadly, that did not happen.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
My expectations for this book was high but it didn't deliver on any of what I was expecting. Which is really disappointing because I liked the premise of it and the title. I mean, The Smell of Other People's Houses, that's an interesting title.
Unfortunately, a pretty cover and interesting title didn't help in regards to the plot and characters.
The book takes place in America's last frontier, Alaska, in 1970. We follow four teenagers as they try to navigate through life. Ruth is trying to keep a secret she can't hide, Alyce wants more for her life than being on a fishing boat, Dora is pondering if she can truly leave where's she's from, and Hank and his two brothers are running away from home.
The end result was I wasn't fully captivated by the characters or the setting.
When I found out that the book would be taking place in Alaska in 1970, I was excited to get my hands on it. I've been wanting to read more historical fiction as you can see in my to-read library. So I jumped at the opportunity when I saw the book at a used bookstore in good condition. (It was even signed!) I'm now starting to understand why it was in a used bookstore.
Let me begin with what I didn't like about the book.
1) The Setting.
The setting for a book is important to the reader so we know where and when the book takes place in. And usually, we get signs of where and when. Like reading a book in the Victorian era, America/Europe in WWI, New York City in the Roaring 20s, etc.
The Smell of Other People's Houses didn't have that. Does the book take place in Alaska? Yes. Does it take place in 1970? Yes. But it didn't feel that way.
Not once did the book make it seem like it was in Alaska or 1970. The reading experience felt like I was reading a book taking place right now, 2017. If it weren't for a few things that screamed 1970, I would've thought the book took place in 2017. The setting is important, I cannot stress that enough. It makes the reader feel like they're there in that place and time. But it didn't deliver.
2) The Characters.
We have four characters and I did not care for either of them. Ruth was probably the only one I was genuinely interested in but other than that, they were plain as cardboard. They were about at interesting as watching paint dry. I get they have motivations but I was never fully invested in their journey because of how boring they were.
Had they been interesting, or at the very least, had their story been interesting, I might've liked them more. Oh well.
3) Misconception
There's also something that's bugging me. The title of the book. At first, I thought it would be about how other people's houses smell and how that plays into each of the characters. Like if they didn't feel at home in their own home or in anyone else's. For a few of the characters, they aren't even in a home. Had the title been different, maybe the plot would make sense.
For the positives, there weren't much. I will say this, the book does talk about certain themes that we can relate to or understand. I get that. For the most part, I did sympathize with the characters. To an extent. But I wasn't fully invested in them.
That's about it for the positives.
Verdit
Overall, a disappointment. I really did want to enjoy this. It's historical fiction and it takes place in Alaska. ALASKA! Sadly, that did not happen.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
November 30, 2015
Reasons why I read the book: Title + cover + setting + time period.
Reasons why I loved the book: Feels + characters + great relationships + diversity
The Smell of Other People’s Houses is actually not about some weird person that goes around sniffing other people's houses. It is a profound book about families, relationships and the interconnectedness of a community.
I don’t usually like multiple point of views and while I think some of the transitions between them could have been neater, I actually liked all of the characters and enjoyed being inside their minds. The characters don’t have much in common besides the community they are part of/will become a part of and don’t even really hang out with each other, but the way their stories interwine is amazing.
This may seem like a feel-good book but it really isn’t. It’s heartbreaking. 3 out of 4 of the main characters come from heartbreaking backgrounds and their journey to finding a place within this community isn’t easy.
Ruth has to deal with teen pregnancy and this constant feeling of not being loved. Dora is trying to escape from her awful home and although she has found a new, loving family, she cannot embrace them because she still thinks it’s too good to be true. Hank runs away from home with his brothers to give them a new beginning, but he loses one of his brothers. Alyce on the other hand is just trying to find a place in her own family. Her parents got divorced and summer is the only time she gets to see her father so she is torn between wanting to stay with him and following her dreams.
Things do wrap up a little too easily at the end of the book but it did not keep me from enjoying the nice warmness this book brings about when these characters find their place and begin to understand the world in a way they hadn’t before.
I would recommend this book to everyone that wants to cuddle up with a book on a cold winter night that will warm them up as much as any cup of hot cocoa.
Shout out to my Public Library for lending me this copy for review purposes!
Reasons why I loved the book: Feels + characters + great relationships + diversity
The Smell of Other People’s Houses is actually not about some weird person that goes around sniffing other people's houses. It is a profound book about families, relationships and the interconnectedness of a community.
I don’t usually like multiple point of views and while I think some of the transitions between them could have been neater, I actually liked all of the characters and enjoyed being inside their minds. The characters don’t have much in common besides the community they are part of/will become a part of and don’t even really hang out with each other, but the way their stories interwine is amazing.
This may seem like a feel-good book but it really isn’t. It’s heartbreaking. 3 out of 4 of the main characters come from heartbreaking backgrounds and their journey to finding a place within this community isn’t easy.
Ruth has to deal with teen pregnancy and this constant feeling of not being loved. Dora is trying to escape from her awful home and although she has found a new, loving family, she cannot embrace them because she still thinks it’s too good to be true. Hank runs away from home with his brothers to give them a new beginning, but he loses one of his brothers. Alyce on the other hand is just trying to find a place in her own family. Her parents got divorced and summer is the only time she gets to see her father so she is torn between wanting to stay with him and following her dreams.
Things do wrap up a little too easily at the end of the book but it did not keep me from enjoying the nice warmness this book brings about when these characters find their place and begin to understand the world in a way they hadn’t before.
I would recommend this book to everyone that wants to cuddle up with a book on a cold winter night that will warm them up as much as any cup of hot cocoa.
Shout out to my Public Library for lending me this copy for review purposes!
January 10, 2020
2.5 stars
Want to read
January 2, 2021Not me looking for every book out there set in Alaska after reading The Great Alone
March 21, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 because I liked it more than I loved it
The Smell of Other People's Houses has been on my "want to read" list since I first read the description 2 years ago.
I absolutely love how all the characters' stories intersected, but overall it was just pretty good, not great for me. I definitely could have used more background, more descriptions, more everything about each one of the story lines... what happened to Ruth's boyfriend? Why did the boys runaway? What caused the big scene with Dora's dad? Gimme the skinny on all of it. It was a fairly short book (227 pages) so it all could have been flushed out more.
The Smell of Other People's Houses has been on my "want to read" list since I first read the description 2 years ago.
I absolutely love how all the characters' stories intersected, but overall it was just pretty good, not great for me. I definitely could have used more background, more descriptions, more everything about each one of the story lines... what happened to Ruth's boyfriend? Why did the boys runaway? What caused the big scene with Dora's dad? Gimme the skinny on all of it. It was a fairly short book (227 pages) so it all could have been flushed out more.
December 20, 2018
I cannot put into words my feelings about this book. It is so beautifully written. Please read it. Please please read it.
May 14, 2018
What an intriguing book with interesting characters and backstories. I actually found this little book to be an entertaining short read. I find books that take place in Alaska interesting because of the building of the surroundings and lifestyle of that location. This was a really entertaining few hours.
My quick and simple overall: interesting but the characters and their backstories make it more incredible.
My quick and simple overall: interesting but the characters and their backstories make it more incredible.
November 18, 2019
This novel, told through interlocking stories of young lives in 1970s Alaska, is beautifully written. It's gritty and sharp, with an emotional power and a unique worldview. The setting adds urgency and a taste of wildness to the experiences of the characters. It's a short but compelling read, and shouldn't be missed.
December 18, 2019
This book was soft and good and quiet and i loved every minute of it. My favourite part is how all the characters that are seemingly not linked in any big way are brought together and how deeply it explores the bonds of family both blood and found. SO GOOD.
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