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Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town
Come on a journey across the rural American West...
Meet the teenagers who live in the small towns across these states, separated by distance, but whose stories are woven together in the most unexpected of ways.
Whether they are brought together by the spread of wildfire, by the abusive priest who's moved from state to state or by the hunt for a missing child, these incredible tales blaze with secrets, rage and love.
A novel like no other, this intricate, intense and beautiful book will take your breath away.
Meet the teenagers who live in the small towns across these states, separated by distance, but whose stories are woven together in the most unexpected of ways.
Whether they are brought together by the spread of wildfire, by the abusive priest who's moved from state to state or by the hunt for a missing child, these incredible tales blaze with secrets, rage and love.
A novel like no other, this intricate, intense and beautiful book will take your breath away.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
About the author
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
2 books330 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 723 reviews
June 2, 2021
Oh my goodness! Traveling between Alaskan woods to isolated, beautiful Pacific beaches and being introduced to vivid, original, quirky characters, diving into interesting, varied topics including wildfires, a mermaid, basketball bears gave me quality time . This was one of the reading experiences I’ve ever had!
It’s brilliant, unique, mind numbing! All those stories are missing pieces of the puzzle. You can read and enjoy them separately but as you realize the connections of them by catching the small details, you feel more satisfied and you adore the witty writing style of the author!
I’m telling you my friends, this book is precious gem! You cannot put it down, getting lost in the creative world building and rich characters and after finishing it you feel the ache deeply because you crave more, you need more stories! Best solution is retreading this beautiful journey!
I have amazing reading time and proudly grading this book with five creative, impressive, addictive, original stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Wendy Lamb Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
It’s brilliant, unique, mind numbing! All those stories are missing pieces of the puzzle. You can read and enjoy them separately but as you realize the connections of them by catching the small details, you feel more satisfied and you adore the witty writing style of the author!
I’m telling you my friends, this book is precious gem! You cannot put it down, getting lost in the creative world building and rich characters and after finishing it you feel the ache deeply because you crave more, you need more stories! Best solution is retreading this beautiful journey!
I have amazing reading time and proudly grading this book with five creative, impressive, addictive, original stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Wendy Lamb Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 4, 2021
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock's beautifully written short story collection is a revelation, set in American small towns and communities of Alaska and the American west, focusing on young people, with characters and events that connect, and reverberate across the stories. Gina is still grieving the loss of her mother, and enraged at how easily her father seems to have forgotten her with his new girlfriend, Libby and her young daughter, Poppy, with her invisible friend, Elizabeth, a mermaid. Two girls who grow up together, are 'home schooled', in the Sea-Shaken Houses on a remote coast, wonder about the identity of their fathers, with a Jane dedicated to learning about molluscs, knowledge that helps diagnose the amnesiac Conrad making his way to a Canadian uncle living with a man, to seek advice, to ask whether it is possible to love whoever you want to in this world.
These are stories of secrets, memories, betrayal, sexuality, sexual abuse by Catholic priests who never face justice, who just keep being moved, only to perpetrate their crimes on other young people, of families that are more concerned about mixing with the right people rather than addressing a daughter being abused, blaming her instead, a daughter for whom making a chain from gum wrappers becomes a obsessive meditation. Her broken brother becomes a rodeo star, a route to disguising his inner despair. There is rage, retribution, abduction and murder of a 6 year old girl, and wildfires that mean evacuation, small communities that trust their own above any experts, particularly if they are well qualified, a backbone trust that is to unravel in a nightmarish way. Lared in Montana is a town drunk on basketball, with only Lilian as the exception. And sisters should never leave their sisters.
Hitchcock's short vibrant stories are impressive and unforgettable, generating a rollercoaster of emotions, with their wide cast of characters, portraying the universal commonalities of young peoples' experiences, the best and the very worst, their families, and the small town American communities in which they live. I found the stories utterly engaging, compulsive and riveting reading, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Many thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
These are stories of secrets, memories, betrayal, sexuality, sexual abuse by Catholic priests who never face justice, who just keep being moved, only to perpetrate their crimes on other young people, of families that are more concerned about mixing with the right people rather than addressing a daughter being abused, blaming her instead, a daughter for whom making a chain from gum wrappers becomes a obsessive meditation. Her broken brother becomes a rodeo star, a route to disguising his inner despair. There is rage, retribution, abduction and murder of a 6 year old girl, and wildfires that mean evacuation, small communities that trust their own above any experts, particularly if they are well qualified, a backbone trust that is to unravel in a nightmarish way. Lared in Montana is a town drunk on basketball, with only Lilian as the exception. And sisters should never leave their sisters.
Hitchcock's short vibrant stories are impressive and unforgettable, generating a rollercoaster of emotions, with their wide cast of characters, portraying the universal commonalities of young peoples' experiences, the best and the very worst, their families, and the small town American communities in which they live. I found the stories utterly engaging, compulsive and riveting reading, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Many thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
July 23, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Thought I’d love this and I was not disappointed!
A collection of short stories set around Alaska and the Midwest (please correct me if I’m wrong 😆)
The characters in each story interlink and connect with others in different way which I found so interesting. There’s even a little map in the front showing which characters are linked.
Covering everything from sibling relationships and romantic relationships to heavier issues such as alcoholism and sexual abuse.
The writing is just so immersive I’ve read both books by this author and I will read everything she writes from now on!
****************************
Library copy available for pick up
Really enjoyed The Smell of Other Peoples Houses so I’m excited to try something else by this author.
Thought I’d love this and I was not disappointed!
A collection of short stories set around Alaska and the Midwest (please correct me if I’m wrong 😆)
The characters in each story interlink and connect with others in different way which I found so interesting. There’s even a little map in the front showing which characters are linked.
Covering everything from sibling relationships and romantic relationships to heavier issues such as alcoholism and sexual abuse.
The writing is just so immersive I’ve read both books by this author and I will read everything she writes from now on!
****************************
Library copy available for pick up
Really enjoyed The Smell of Other Peoples Houses so I’m excited to try something else by this author.
August 12, 2021
Full review to come.
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Am half way through and I can say I am enjoying these stories more then ones in Hitchcock's previous book.
Second one really stood out to me.
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Am half way through and I can say I am enjoying these stories more then ones in Hitchcock's previous book.
Second one really stood out to me.
October 30, 2023
I really enjoyed these short stories and read them within 24 hours. Each story became stronger than the next with the interconnectedness making them become a whole
September 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Wendy Lamb Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(actual rating: 2.5/5)
'Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town' is a series of short stories about how different small towns are connected in ways that you would never imagine, told through the perspectives of different characters, each dealing with their own issues and lives, and unknowingly affecting many others'.
I'm going to be honest here and say that as well-written as this was, it was quite boring. Yes, I went into this book knowing that there wouldn't be a set plot and that I shouldn't anticipate much action because it's largely character-based. But at the same time, I didn't realize just how boring it actually would be, especially because the synposis I read seemed to hype this book up a lot more than I think it needed to.
I really do think that this book was well-written. It managed to connect the characters who mostly had nothing to do with one another in really creative ways, while also weaving in various social issues in a way that never felt blatantly intrusive.
That being said, I think that the reason this book is rather dull is because of the sheer amount of stories that were being presented. Each of the characters were individual and almost completely different from the others, living in different circumstances and experiencing different things. As a result, not one of the stories or characters was extremely developed, making the book and its individual characters rather forgettable. It also made the book feel like it was dragging on, despite how short it is.
The best thing that this book does is weave all of the stories together. I enjoyed getting to the end of the chapter and seeing how it was connected to the overarching story, as well as the resonant themes of family and teenage emotion.
Overall, this wasn't as enjoyable as I was hoping it would be, but it did make for an interesting read. I would probably only recommend this if you're interested in this style of storytelling, because while the concept is intriguing, it can become a bit tedious if not boring.
(actual rating: 2.5/5)
'Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town' is a series of short stories about how different small towns are connected in ways that you would never imagine, told through the perspectives of different characters, each dealing with their own issues and lives, and unknowingly affecting many others'.
I'm going to be honest here and say that as well-written as this was, it was quite boring. Yes, I went into this book knowing that there wouldn't be a set plot and that I shouldn't anticipate much action because it's largely character-based. But at the same time, I didn't realize just how boring it actually would be, especially because the synposis I read seemed to hype this book up a lot more than I think it needed to.
I really do think that this book was well-written. It managed to connect the characters who mostly had nothing to do with one another in really creative ways, while also weaving in various social issues in a way that never felt blatantly intrusive.
That being said, I think that the reason this book is rather dull is because of the sheer amount of stories that were being presented. Each of the characters were individual and almost completely different from the others, living in different circumstances and experiencing different things. As a result, not one of the stories or characters was extremely developed, making the book and its individual characters rather forgettable. It also made the book feel like it was dragging on, despite how short it is.
The best thing that this book does is weave all of the stories together. I enjoyed getting to the end of the chapter and seeing how it was connected to the overarching story, as well as the resonant themes of family and teenage emotion.
Overall, this wasn't as enjoyable as I was hoping it would be, but it did make for an interesting read. I would probably only recommend this if you're interested in this style of storytelling, because while the concept is intriguing, it can become a bit tedious if not boring.
Want to read
January 4, 2021for some reason i gravitate towards books set in small towns and they have yet to fail me
March 16, 2023
The legend says I’m still looking for the purpose of this book 👀
June 24, 2021
A slow but really rewarding reading experience. This is a really beautifully written collection of interwoven short stories that kind of work backwards and forwards at the same time with recurring characters throughout several small town settings across Western America and Alaska. It naturally took a little bit to get into each short story, but once you were in these were fantastic. Some of the best YA short stories I've read.
March 7, 2022
"In a small town, you are forever defined by the worst thing that ever happened to you."
I came across this book on Goodreads over a year ago and couldn't erase the title nor the cover from my mind.
Don't think I ever even checked what Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town is about—I was simply mesmerized by the loneliness-on-a-quiet-summer-night vibe they gave me.
Then, finally, a few days ago, I dove into it without any expectations and now I'm lost for words.
This book was magical. I felt like I lived thousand lives with its characters. So simple yet so breathtaking.
And I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook!
I came across this book on Goodreads over a year ago and couldn't erase the title nor the cover from my mind.
Don't think I ever even checked what Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town is about—I was simply mesmerized by the loneliness-on-a-quiet-summer-night vibe they gave me.
Then, finally, a few days ago, I dove into it without any expectations and now I'm lost for words.
This book was magical. I felt like I lived thousand lives with its characters. So simple yet so breathtaking.
And I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook!
April 27, 2021
“In a small town, you are forever defined by the worst thing that ever happened to you.”
I’ve said this before and I will say it again - I absolutely hate character driven novels most of the time but THIS works out so well. Each story is connected with the next and I love that you hear both sides to characters story. Some of these were so sad and hits you right in the heart. The author does hit on a mix of topics and themes. Some stories are about camp counseling and playing basketball but then other stories will tap into childhood abuse, grief, and homophobia. I do have to admit some of them were a bit boring but overall, I really did like this and thought it worked well. I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve said this before and I will say it again - I absolutely hate character driven novels most of the time but THIS works out so well. Each story is connected with the next and I love that you hear both sides to characters story. Some of these were so sad and hits you right in the heart. The author does hit on a mix of topics and themes. Some stories are about camp counseling and playing basketball but then other stories will tap into childhood abuse, grief, and homophobia. I do have to admit some of them were a bit boring but overall, I really did like this and thought it worked well. I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Ik kon niet echt een band opbouwen met de karakters uit het boek, omdat het korte verhaaltjes waren. Er zaten wel verhalen in het boek waar ik makkelijk een heel boek over had willen lezen. Wat juist weer heel positief is!
April 23, 2021
In this collection of interconnected short stories, a varied group of teen characters each face the challenges and rewards of small-town life. Through ordinary events, showing brief moments in the characters’ lives, we see their inner struggles, how they deal with pain or boredom or being left behind, and how they find new paths and moments of healing.
Set in the mid-1990s, the stories are set in Alaska and in small towns scattered across the American west. We meet hitchhikers, kids with reputations, girls who grew up wild and free, siblings who’ve suffered loss. Some common threads are apparent across multiple stories — the early warnings of a wildfire in one story turn into an out-of-control inferno in another; the aftermath of certain events are sprinkled throughout several characters’ lives, but we only get the full picture in a seemingly unrelated story later on.
I loved seeing the way the characters’ lives intersect and have impacts big and small on other characters’ lives, even when there’s no obvious connection. In fact, these characters for the most part will never know the threads that connect them, even though we as readers are treated to the bigger picture and have the pleasure of seeing where all theses lives overlap.
The author’s first novel, The Smell of Other People’s Houses, is one of my favorite books, and is a must-read. In Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town, we’re once again treated to her simple yet affecting approach to language, the realistic-feeling dialogue, and the tour of the inner workings of teen minds and hearts.
I wouldn’t normally be drawn to a short story collection, but I picked this one up because of the author, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a slim, lovely book, and I’m sure I’ll read it again to gain new appreciation now that I know how the very different pieces all fit together.
Highly recommended.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
Set in the mid-1990s, the stories are set in Alaska and in small towns scattered across the American west. We meet hitchhikers, kids with reputations, girls who grew up wild and free, siblings who’ve suffered loss. Some common threads are apparent across multiple stories — the early warnings of a wildfire in one story turn into an out-of-control inferno in another; the aftermath of certain events are sprinkled throughout several characters’ lives, but we only get the full picture in a seemingly unrelated story later on.
I loved seeing the way the characters’ lives intersect and have impacts big and small on other characters’ lives, even when there’s no obvious connection. In fact, these characters for the most part will never know the threads that connect them, even though we as readers are treated to the bigger picture and have the pleasure of seeing where all theses lives overlap.
The author’s first novel, The Smell of Other People’s Houses, is one of my favorite books, and is a must-read. In Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town, we’re once again treated to her simple yet affecting approach to language, the realistic-feeling dialogue, and the tour of the inner workings of teen minds and hearts.
I wouldn’t normally be drawn to a short story collection, but I picked this one up because of the author, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a slim, lovely book, and I’m sure I’ll read it again to gain new appreciation now that I know how the very different pieces all fit together.
Highly recommended.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
February 16, 2021
(Gifted from the publisher via Netgalley)
A few years back, I narrated the audiobook for Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s The Smell of Other People’s Houses. So when I saw that she had a new book coming out I was so excited and ready to get my hands on it!! I didn’t read too deeply into the synopsis before diving in. All I knew was that it was a short story collection and the title... which gave me some idea. I was pleasantly surprised that all the stories ended up being connected to each other in some way and built off of each one. It reminded me of Bonnie-Sue’s first book with the multiple perspectives and seeing how they all connected. It’s something I really enjoy about her storytelling style!
The stories themselves felt like an ode to small towns and the communities they hold. Small towns get a reputation for being places where nothing happens, life stands still. But these stories are bursting with life, love, heartbreak, tragedy, and more. The characters were great and I especially loved seeing them through new perspectives when they popped up in different stories. I most related to 2 characters in one of the stories who are not outdoorsy camping types, but because they’re Alaskan people expect them to be experts. Very relatable. I flew through the book and think many of you would enjoy it as well. Releases in April!
CW: trauma, sexual abuse, pedophilia, child death, murder, grief, drug use, car crash, wildfire, cheating
A few years back, I narrated the audiobook for Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s The Smell of Other People’s Houses. So when I saw that she had a new book coming out I was so excited and ready to get my hands on it!! I didn’t read too deeply into the synopsis before diving in. All I knew was that it was a short story collection and the title... which gave me some idea. I was pleasantly surprised that all the stories ended up being connected to each other in some way and built off of each one. It reminded me of Bonnie-Sue’s first book with the multiple perspectives and seeing how they all connected. It’s something I really enjoy about her storytelling style!
The stories themselves felt like an ode to small towns and the communities they hold. Small towns get a reputation for being places where nothing happens, life stands still. But these stories are bursting with life, love, heartbreak, tragedy, and more. The characters were great and I especially loved seeing them through new perspectives when they popped up in different stories. I most related to 2 characters in one of the stories who are not outdoorsy camping types, but because they’re Alaskan people expect them to be experts. Very relatable. I flew through the book and think many of you would enjoy it as well. Releases in April!
CW: trauma, sexual abuse, pedophilia, child death, murder, grief, drug use, car crash, wildfire, cheating
May 27, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town started off on an interesting note for me. I liked how the stories flowed throughout this as well because it tied all the characters into a nice bow. I wouldn't necessarily say a pretty one because some of the stories were pretty sad. So, yeah, I felt some emotions but there's one story that just really pissed me off and I'm so happy with how it ended too.
Other than that, the topics were pretty interesting and it definitely made this book a page turner. I don't think I necessarily had a favorite one out of all of them but I am glad that I finally had the time to dive into this book. Even if I found myself being a bit bored with some of the characters or the story that I was reading. Still interesting though.
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town started off on an interesting note for me. I liked how the stories flowed throughout this as well because it tied all the characters into a nice bow. I wouldn't necessarily say a pretty one because some of the stories were pretty sad. So, yeah, I felt some emotions but there's one story that just really pissed me off and I'm so happy with how it ended too.
Other than that, the topics were pretty interesting and it definitely made this book a page turner. I don't think I necessarily had a favorite one out of all of them but I am glad that I finally had the time to dive into this book. Even if I found myself being a bit bored with some of the characters or the story that I was reading. Still interesting though.
Want to read
September 1, 2020(Thursday 26th March 2020)
OMG OMG OMG!!!
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock is back! I’m going to scream. THE SMELL (as I fondly refer to it) is my favourite book of all time. I love everything about that book and I have been craving more work from this wonderful author. Give me this book now. NOW NOW NOW! AHHHHH! Can you tell how excited I am? Because I AM EXCITED!!! THE TITLE SOUNDS WONDERFUL. I NEED NEED NEED THIS NOW!!!
(Thursday 28th May 2020)
I’m sorry... the American West??? Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, you’ve done it again!
(Tuesday 1st September 2020)
How am I only now seeing this cover?!?!? It’s gorgeous! Oh wow, I love it! And also, considering the publisher is still F&F, it will hopefully be the same height as “The Smell”!
OMG OMG OMG!!!
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock is back! I’m going to scream. THE SMELL (as I fondly refer to it) is my favourite book of all time. I love everything about that book and I have been craving more work from this wonderful author. Give me this book now. NOW NOW NOW! AHHHHH! Can you tell how excited I am? Because I AM EXCITED!!! THE TITLE SOUNDS WONDERFUL. I NEED NEED NEED THIS NOW!!!
(Thursday 28th May 2020)
I’m sorry... the American West??? Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, you’ve done it again!
(Tuesday 1st September 2020)
How am I only now seeing this cover?!?!? It’s gorgeous! Oh wow, I love it! And also, considering the publisher is still F&F, it will hopefully be the same height as “The Smell”!
November 29, 2021
the title? Mwah mwah, it had me wrapped up, everytime I walked past the book I was intrigued. I got more interested as time went on and ended up picking up the book
Which was pointless,
Nothing happens in the book, if you’re looking for a coherent plot like with characters you can fall in love with - this is not the book
Everything that happened in this book is mostly filler and anything plot related can be put in 5 pages,
Not to mention, there are way too many characters of which you NEVER REVISIT. It tells you about their wants, their problems, etc, and you literally never hear about them again
It just,, was not worth it
Which was pointless,
Nothing happens in the book, if you’re looking for a coherent plot like with characters you can fall in love with - this is not the book
Everything that happened in this book is mostly filler and anything plot related can be put in 5 pages,
Not to mention, there are way too many characters of which you NEVER REVISIT. It tells you about their wants, their problems, etc, and you literally never hear about them again
It just,, was not worth it
May 24, 2021
I picked up this book solely because of the title and I was even more sold when I saw it was short stories. Once I started reading it I was excited when I realized that all the stories are interconnected in one way or another. Living in a small town can be stifling - it's all you've ever known, it's hard to imagine life elsewhere, and you are forever defined by the worst thing that ever happened to you. From wildfires, to cheating boyfriends, to invisible friends, to basketball, to gum wrappers and suspect priests - this book covers a variety of issues that plague teens in small Colorado towns, in Alaska, and on the coast. Compelling, dark, and yet ultimately uplifting and emotional - I was very impressed with this short story collection.
November 28, 2021
2.5 Stars
This story felt so disjointed and clunky. I never really connected with any of the characters and kind of struggled to get through this. Bonnie Sue Hitchcock can definitely write atmosphere, and even with it just being short stories, you could still feel the cold northern settings and small Alaskan town.
If you're a fan of short stories, I think you would enjoy this, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
This story felt so disjointed and clunky. I never really connected with any of the characters and kind of struggled to get through this. Bonnie Sue Hitchcock can definitely write atmosphere, and even with it just being short stories, you could still feel the cold northern settings and small Alaskan town.
If you're a fan of short stories, I think you would enjoy this, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
September 2, 2021
The concept is really good and I enjoyed how all the stories were interconnected but I think they all needed to be lengthened and deepened - they felt like they were only skimming the surface of the stories they were trying to tell. I'm curious to read Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock's novel to see how that compares.
February 12, 2021
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a bit more from this anthology, in the end it was just an okay read for me.
I enjoyed how the stories were all connected one way or another, not only because of their setting, but also thanks to some recurring characters that made an appearance in two stories or more. It was definitely a nice touch.
Overall the stories were okay, my favourites out of the nine short stories included in this anthology were probably Parking-lot Flowers and The Right Kind of People. I really appreciated the fact that the author decided to focus on a variety of different themes, when starting a story I never knew what I was going into, which is something that definitely made the reading experience more interesting. I must say that some of the stories were a bit boring and I didn't really enjoy them.
If you're looking for an anthology with a variety of themes, this might be the read for you!
I was expecting a bit more from this anthology, in the end it was just an okay read for me.
I enjoyed how the stories were all connected one way or another, not only because of their setting, but also thanks to some recurring characters that made an appearance in two stories or more. It was definitely a nice touch.
Overall the stories were okay, my favourites out of the nine short stories included in this anthology were probably Parking-lot Flowers and The Right Kind of People. I really appreciated the fact that the author decided to focus on a variety of different themes, when starting a story I never knew what I was going into, which is something that definitely made the reading experience more interesting. I must say that some of the stories were a bit boring and I didn't really enjoy them.
If you're looking for an anthology with a variety of themes, this might be the read for you!
April 21, 2021
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
4.5*
Can we, as a community, agree to stop sleeping on Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock please? Her books are wonderfully quirky and thoughtful, and no one can title better. This book is more an anthology, and how I was able to care so deeply about every last character (so much that the mentions in later stories made me squeal with delight) is beyond impressive, frankly. (Also, she lives in a yurt, and if that isn't the coolest thing ever, Idk what is.)
(Sidenote: I'd probably look up trigger warnings more in depth, but I will say that there is sexual abuse involved, among other things)
So, yes it's an anthology, but it's a connected anthology, so all the stories have at least one tie to one of the other stories. Which is kind of brilliant. Also, we get introduced to so many different people in so many small towns in America. And some of these stories are straight up heartbreaking, no question. A lot of them are attempts to rebuild after said heartbreak. It's definitely an emotive book, but also really charming and thoughtful, so you won't be drowning in misery. Yes, there are dark situations, but there is also tons of light.
Bottom Line: I loved how the stories connected to each other, and how the characters often had impacts on each other without always knowing. It's thoughtful, it's lovely, and it's definitely worth reading.
4.5*
Can we, as a community, agree to stop sleeping on Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock please? Her books are wonderfully quirky and thoughtful, and no one can title better. This book is more an anthology, and how I was able to care so deeply about every last character (so much that the mentions in later stories made me squeal with delight) is beyond impressive, frankly. (Also, she lives in a yurt, and if that isn't the coolest thing ever, Idk what is.)
(Sidenote: I'd probably look up trigger warnings more in depth, but I will say that there is sexual abuse involved, among other things)
So, yes it's an anthology, but it's a connected anthology, so all the stories have at least one tie to one of the other stories. Which is kind of brilliant. Also, we get introduced to so many different people in so many small towns in America. And some of these stories are straight up heartbreaking, no question. A lot of them are attempts to rebuild after said heartbreak. It's definitely an emotive book, but also really charming and thoughtful, so you won't be drowning in misery. Yes, there are dark situations, but there is also tons of light.
Bottom Line: I loved how the stories connected to each other, and how the characters often had impacts on each other without always knowing. It's thoughtful, it's lovely, and it's definitely worth reading.
December 4, 2020
'Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town' is my first Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock novel and it took my breath away. Not only has Hitchcock woven an intricate array of characters but she manages to ensure the reader has quick emotional insight formed during each character's short appearance. The structure of the novel is a series of vignettes, the ending of the last character's story leading into the next one, dealing with plots as simple as working at a summer camp and playing basketball to heavy storylines such as a raging forest fire, a childhood abduction and a quest for vengeance against childhood abuse. The connections between characters are sometimes subtle but are satisfying when revealed, aptly demonstrating the complex connections from one human being to another (even when small town communities are the primary setting).
Hitchcock does not shy away from the characters experiencing some raw and brutal events. The most affecting for me was Delia's storyline. Hitchcock introduces her as a girl from privilege whose parents could buy her anything she wanted. When the true darkness in her life is revealed, it is almost casually dropped in, an absolute gut punch by how normalised such awful childhood experiences became in communities like hers. This is characteristic of each story - the horrors of human nature are laid bare, trustworthy figures' reputations torn down and others built up again.
This is a short, dark and heartbreaking read but beautifully written. There are many characters - even if you do not notice every connection instantly, each story acts as an important lesson for the reader. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hitchcock does not shy away from the characters experiencing some raw and brutal events. The most affecting for me was Delia's storyline. Hitchcock introduces her as a girl from privilege whose parents could buy her anything she wanted. When the true darkness in her life is revealed, it is almost casually dropped in, an absolute gut punch by how normalised such awful childhood experiences became in communities like hers. This is characteristic of each story - the horrors of human nature are laid bare, trustworthy figures' reputations torn down and others built up again.
This is a short, dark and heartbreaking read but beautifully written. There are many characters - even if you do not notice every connection instantly, each story acts as an important lesson for the reader. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2021
As Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s second novel, I was so incredibly excited to be transported back to Alaska.
Hitchcock has such an amazing way with words which doesn’t just paint a picture of the story, it brings the story directly to you; you can touch, taste, smell every part of it.
I honestly can’t express how much joy reading more from Hitchcock brought me; both Everyone Does Famous in a Small Town and her debut - The Smell of Other People’s Houses - will be definite rereads for me.
The novel, much like her first, is written from a multi narrative perspective and maintains a strong sense of mystery throughout.
The reader is left to piece to puzzle of the story together, right until the very end.
Hitchcock ingeniously creates stand alone stories, which slowly weave themselves into a complete narrative.
This book left me feeling like I’d received an all encompassing, warm hug which I never want to be released from.
Suffice to say, I am going to wait in eager anticipation for more from Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock.
Hitchcock has such an amazing way with words which doesn’t just paint a picture of the story, it brings the story directly to you; you can touch, taste, smell every part of it.
I honestly can’t express how much joy reading more from Hitchcock brought me; both Everyone Does Famous in a Small Town and her debut - The Smell of Other People’s Houses - will be definite rereads for me.
The novel, much like her first, is written from a multi narrative perspective and maintains a strong sense of mystery throughout.
The reader is left to piece to puzzle of the story together, right until the very end.
Hitchcock ingeniously creates stand alone stories, which slowly weave themselves into a complete narrative.
This book left me feeling like I’d received an all encompassing, warm hug which I never want to be released from.
Suffice to say, I am going to wait in eager anticipation for more from Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock.
June 28, 2021
The cover’s absolutely beautiful and the title intrigued me. Unfortunately, it’s missing that spark that makes a book incredible.
I kept waiting for that moment when I’d go like “OMG” but it never came. And while at first it was interesting to see how the characters of each story were connected to those of the other stories, I still found it kinda boring. Unfortunately this wasn’t as great as I expected and wanted it to be, and while I read it fairly quickly, I couldn’t wait until it was over.
Additionally, because of the nature of the book, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. We barely got a chapter where characters were in. It would have been better in my opinion if we got more chapters or something, in order to allow the reader to bond and connect with the characters.
In conclusion, this is a quick and fairly interesting read, but it’s just missing that extra spark that elevates a book from “ok, good I guess” to “wow, that’s incredible”.
Rating: 3/5⭐️s
I kept waiting for that moment when I’d go like “OMG” but it never came. And while at first it was interesting to see how the characters of each story were connected to those of the other stories, I still found it kinda boring. Unfortunately this wasn’t as great as I expected and wanted it to be, and while I read it fairly quickly, I couldn’t wait until it was over.
Additionally, because of the nature of the book, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. We barely got a chapter where characters were in. It would have been better in my opinion if we got more chapters or something, in order to allow the reader to bond and connect with the characters.
In conclusion, this is a quick and fairly interesting read, but it’s just missing that extra spark that elevates a book from “ok, good I guess” to “wow, that’s incredible”.
Rating: 3/5⭐️s
April 16, 2021
More reviews up on my blog Inside My Library Mind
I definitely feel like the small town feeling was captured well, and I did enjoy how the stories interconnected, but overall, this just did nothing for me sadly.
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I definitely feel like the small town feeling was captured well, and I did enjoy how the stories interconnected, but overall, this just did nothing for me sadly.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Storygraph ccm
November 29, 2020
Everyone Dies Famous In Small Town is an intimate multi faceted portrait piece, a series of interconnected stories and characters where the mundane actions of day to day life unveils deeper and darker personalities and actions.
The author is an insightful writer with an eye for building a story within a story, all of the people you meet within this novel will stay with you for different reasons and in different ways. Their commonality is within their differences and the backdrop of small town life everywhere is cleverly abx beautifully described.
I'm a fan. Recommended.
The author is an insightful writer with an eye for building a story within a story, all of the people you meet within this novel will stay with you for different reasons and in different ways. Their commonality is within their differences and the backdrop of small town life everywhere is cleverly abx beautifully described.
I'm a fan. Recommended.
October 16, 2021
The beauty of this book lies in the nuances. The writing is stunning.
January 4, 2023
this book is unassuming in its own brilliance in a way that it wouldn't be a complete understatement to say how much the blurb undersells the book - if i am being completely honest, i picked up the book because of the beautiful cover but the very first story was enough to hook me in. set in different parts of the US from Alaska to Pigeon Creek to Granville, each story holds center to itself a small town and characters linked to every other story in one way or another, in a way that's so beautiful and lyrical while still being completely accessible to anyone new to bonnie-sue's writing.
with pivotal themes centered around grief, memories, secrets and the mundanities of life, this book made for a very quiet heartwarming read, often reminding me of fredrick backman's style of observing characters and capturing their emotions. i loved how poppy was central to all of this despite her secondary role in the first story, something which i think is reflective of the whole book. stories of angry teenagers finding the empathy within in difficult situations and accepting a new family, of first loves and the way they're lost bringing everything else into perspective, of very popular girls with shaky histories and an ambition that outdoes the quiet seaside they come by and how it manifests in ugly ways, young queer love and accepting yourself when placed in a town that views you as wholly different, of catholic priests who get away with abuse for far too long and young children unable to express what happened with parents who don't listen close enough because the truth isn't clean-cut and young girls who find the strength within themselves to put an end to it all leaving fires in their wake, of a town quite like beartown and an obsession with a sport where you're never given a choice of if to play or not but you're always an outsider if you don't and questioning whether being good at something is the same as liking it, of friendships and a camp with children like no other, the eventual downfall of a man more trusted than entire departments, the wildfire that creeps into our lives blowing everything wide open and unexpected token of kindness by strangers often become becaons of hope.
god, i loved this book. my favorites were probably the right kind of people and there's gas in the tank, louise!
with pivotal themes centered around grief, memories, secrets and the mundanities of life, this book made for a very quiet heartwarming read, often reminding me of fredrick backman's style of observing characters and capturing their emotions. i loved how poppy was central to all of this despite her secondary role in the first story, something which i think is reflective of the whole book. stories of angry teenagers finding the empathy within in difficult situations and accepting a new family, of first loves and the way they're lost bringing everything else into perspective, of very popular girls with shaky histories and an ambition that outdoes the quiet seaside they come by and how it manifests in ugly ways, young queer love and accepting yourself when placed in a town that views you as wholly different, of catholic priests who get away with abuse for far too long and young children unable to express what happened with parents who don't listen close enough because the truth isn't clean-cut and young girls who find the strength within themselves to put an end to it all leaving fires in their wake, of a town quite like beartown and an obsession with a sport where you're never given a choice of if to play or not but you're always an outsider if you don't and questioning whether being good at something is the same as liking it, of friendships and a camp with children like no other, the eventual downfall of a man more trusted than entire departments, the wildfire that creeps into our lives blowing everything wide open and unexpected token of kindness by strangers often become becaons of hope.
god, i loved this book. my favorites were probably the right kind of people and there's gas in the tank, louise!
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