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The Smell of Other People's Houses  By  cover art

The Smell of Other People's Houses

By: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, Robbie Daymond
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Publisher's summary

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 audiobook 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
©2016 Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"...this is 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)
"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. The gutsiness of these four teens who, at heart, are trying to find their places in the world and survive against challenging odds, will resonate with readers of all ages." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Smell of Other People's Houses

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Could not put it down

Wonderful compelling story weaving. I enjoyed the intensity of the characters emotional lives and how it ended.

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3 people found this helpful

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Best 5 hours I've spent all summer

Beautiful story. Lovely characters. Highly recommend. My sincere thanks to the author and performers. Bravo.

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3 people found this helpful

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Beautiful

This story captures growing up in Alaska in the '70's. The freedom, the fishing, the trauma and the love.

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1 person found this helpful

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Beautiful Story

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

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Great story

I love the story of Ruth and Dora. Actually, I love all of them the book was well written and I’ve listen to it several times.

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❤️❤️

Absolutely lovely book! This book was heartfelt and endearing and was a very enjoyable read!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
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Love, Alaska, Family is Everywhere

An incredible cast reads a story of strength, love, and Alaska life. Hearing the familiar words of fish camp and statehood struggles were a delight and emotional. Even if you're from Outside you will identify with struggles and redemption.

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Loved this!

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and learning a little about fishing and Alaska in the process. Great character development.

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superb

ha sido una gran experiencia compartir mi lectura con una lectura en voz alta c

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