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56 pages 1 hour read

The Smell Of Other People's Houses

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

The Smell Of Other People's Houses

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alaska • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

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Super Short Summary

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock explores the interconnected lives of four adolescents in Alaska during the 1970s. The narrative addresses themes of family, identity, and survival as the characters navigate personal challenges and the impact of their pasts on their futures.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

17,705 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock is praised for its poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of 1970s Alaska. Critics commend its rich atmospheric detail and deep character exploration. Some find the narrative structure complex due to multiple perspectives, but overall, it captivates with emotional depth and a strong sense of place.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Smell Of Other People's Houses?

A reader who enjoys The Smell of Other People's Houses likely appreciates intricately woven narratives, coming-of-age stories, and evocative settings. Fans of Louise Erdrich's The Round House or Jandy Nelson's I'll Give You the Sun would find the novel's exploration of interconnected lives in 1970s Alaska appealing.

4.1

17,705 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Ruth

A teenage girl nearing 17, who begins the story dealing with her stern Catholic grandmother's household, reflecting on family loss and the restrictive values imposed on her.

A 16-year-old Inupiat girl navigating familial disruption and trauma, living with her friend's family while dealing with her complex emotions related to her past experiences.

A 16-year-old who dreams of going to dance school, torn between her aspirations and helping her father with commercial fishing, a conflict reflecting her journey to self-discovery.

A 17-year-old boy traveling with his brothers as they escape a turbulent home life, developing an empathetic connection with another character while coping with familial loss.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alaska • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

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