
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling isolated by their own circumstances or struggling with the weight of family secrets and intergenerational expectations. It is a profoundly moving collection of four interconnected stories set in 1970s Alaska, focusing on young people navigating grief, poverty, and the search for belonging in a beautiful but unforgiving landscape. The narrative explores how the 'smell' of other people's homes can represent a yearning for a different life, ultimately showing how disparate lives can weave together into a support system. It is a sophisticated, realistic choice for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers that validates the difficulty of growing up while offering a hopeful glimpse at the power of chosen family.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA significant character dies in a fishing accident.
Depicts systemic struggles and prejudice faced by Indigenous communities.
The book handles heavy themes like teen pregnancy, domestic abuse, alcoholism, and death. The approach is direct and gritty yet poetic. It remains secular, though it deeply honors Indigenous Alaskan spiritual connections to the land. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet rather than a perfect 'happily ever after,' but it is firmly grounded in hope.
A thoughtful 14-year-old who feels like an outsider or who is dealing with complex family dynamics. It is perfect for the reader who prefers 'literary' voices and atmospheric settings over fast-paced action.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a traumatic accident at sea and the frank discussion of teen pregnancy. The book is best read by teens who can handle non-linear storytelling, but it doesn't require specific prior historical knowledge of Alaska. A parent might notice their child withdrawing, expressing frustration that their home life isn't as 'perfect' as their peers', or showing an interest in stories about survival and independence.
Younger teens (12-13) will focus on the survival elements and the friendships. Older teens (16-18) will better grasp the nuances of the intergenerational trauma and the metaphors regarding class and smell.
Unlike many YA novels, this is a true ensemble piece where the setting of Alaska is as much a character as the people. It avoids the 'cliches' of the North by focusing on the domestic and internal lives of its inhabitants.
Set in 1970 Fairbanks, Alaska, the story follows four teenagers: Ruth, who is hiding a pregnancy; Dora, who lives with a friend to escape her abusive father; Alyce, who is torn between her love for dance and her father's fishing boat; and Hank, who escapes with his brothers to find safety. Their paths cross in unexpected ways as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.