This debut young adult novel by Alaskan author Bonnie Sue Hitchcock first caught our attention because of – you guessed it- the very unique title. But beyond that, The Smell of Other People’s Houses is a coming of age story like few we’ve read.
The intertwined stories and lives of teens in early 70’s Alaska take on typical YA topics like teen pregnancy, abuse, and runaways, but the way in which the characters relate to and ultimately redeem each other will stay with you long after you put the book down. If you are a fan of good YA lit or stories with a very strong sense of place, this book is for you.