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An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze, recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, finalist in CIBA's Hemingway Book Awards, and runner-up winner of the PenCraft Book Award, renders life on the home front through the watchful eyes of 15-year-old Scotty Johannsen as WWII rages across the globe. Against the backdrop of blackouts, bomb shelters, rationing, and victory gardens, Scotty and his friends follow the rhythms of yesteryear, weaving their wartime worries through the “wilds” of Seattle’s Ravenna Park, where their imaginations run free.

Into this fragile balance a neighborhood threat emerges: Someone is lighting fires during the mandatory blackouts. Scotty, whose father is an air raid warden, is soon caught up in the firebug mystery and tries to smoke the arsonist out. When the local bully throws suspicion on Scotty’s draft-age brother, and when even his best friend’s actions don’t seem to add up, Scotty must navigate a moral and ethical thicket while treading a path toward maturity. Even as scarcity slips into every nook and cranny,
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze celebrates a youthful spirit and hearkens to simple pleasures, where free time and family abound.

David Scott Richardson’s
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is a work of historical fiction set in 1943 in the Pacific Northwest. A heartwarming and playful coming-of-age adventure, this novel is suitable for MG/YA and the young at heart. It contains no gratuitous language, but there are a few slurs that are true to the historical setting and swear words—in keeping with the characters and story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Richardson's characters leap off the page and will capture the hearts of all who enjoy a fast-paced historical war story about a struggling family and the boy who helps save his neighborhood."—Chanticleer Book Reviews

"I would highly recommend
An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze to readers aged twelve and up who are interested in historical fiction, particularly those curious about the personal and emotional effects of war on young people."—Kids' BookBuzz

"...ideal for ten+ aged boys who enjoy wartime novels."—
Seattle Book Review

"Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era."—
Literary Titan

"Richardson has a knack for just the right word."—
Kirkus Reviews

"An adorable little romp...up all night until I finished..."—
Virginia Adair

"...most remarkable are the novel's nuanced responses to the war, from heroic to pacifist, delivered in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, providing its intended young audience with a means of forming their own opinions."—
BookLife

"Richardson vividly delivers a stirring coming-of-age tale set in a time period preserved only in history books, handed-down family stories, and fictional tales. Family dynamics feel authentic, capturing a slice of life in all its mundane glory."—
R.C. Gibson for Indies Today

"...an absolute must-read for all who cherish nostalgia of ancient times and historical fiction..."—
Wajeeha Bashir for Book Nerdection

"...Richardson skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral complexities faced by adolescents thrust into adult dilemmas..."—
Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

"...filled with both danger and self-discovery...a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of war and how it can tear apart communities and individuals in unexpected ways. But ultimately, it is a story about hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light and goodness to be found."—
James B. for Authors Reading

"A well-researched novel that captures an era really well...emotional enough to bring tears..."—
DJ McCready

From the Back Cover

Fifteen-year-old Scotty Johannsen comes of age in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood during WWII, when bomb shelters have become a way of life and air sirens regularly blare, reminding him that everyone he loves might be obliterated at any moment. As if that wasn't enough, a firebug soon rocks the neighborhood, setting fires during the mandatory blackouts. Scotty is swept up in the mystery, risks betrayal of his draft-age brother, and becomes mired in an ethical thicket while playing detective with his friends.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D7JYK4MQ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 3, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4431 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 356 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0D7M8BGJ7
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

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David Scott Richardson
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Award-winning author David Scott Richardson’s new work of MG/YA historical fiction, An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze, explores life on the home front during WWII. Drawing from two decades as a sixth-grade teacher, Richardson recognizes history as the keel that keeps us upright in heavy seas and aims to forge a connection with those who were more than a generation unborn when the world went to war.

Richardson’s characters convey nuanced and diverse perspectives as they work to unravel ethical knots—from the origins of war to the meaning of a promise—and shed light on how beliefs and fears influence one’s choices. His themes probe father-son conflicts, grief, and ethical dilemmas, all while invoking an innate connection with nature, compelling the heart as much as the mind.

Richardson’s first MG/YA historical novel, River’s Reach: Coming of Age Amid the Fish War, was published in September 2023.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

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4 out of 5 stars
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This book was slow to get started but picks up with each chapter. I have never been interested in dooms day prepping, but the book became interesting when fires are started while the families are on lockdown. The family has an uncle who is in the war but missing in action. The family has no knowledge of his location but keeps praying for him to return.The writer gives a little mystery to who might be starting the fires. The writer leads readers to assume it’s the main character’s brother who seems to disappear a lot but then other clues point to a school buddy. You will love having your mind twisting in trying to figure out who the arsonist is. I really liked the relationships the characters have within each other as well. I give four stars.Received book via Niche Readers
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    SUMMARY

    In a literary landscape saturated with World War II narratives, David Scott Richardson’s An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze offers a refreshingly unique perspective. Set in 1943 Seattle, this novel invites readers to experience the war through the eyes of 15-year-old Scotty Johannsen, far from the frontlines but not immune to the conflict’s far-reaching effects. As I turned the pages, I found myself drawn into a world where air raid sirens and blackouts coexist with the timeless struggles of adolescence, creating a tapestry of both historical significance and coming-of-age charm.

    The story follows Scotty as he navigates life during wartime, grappling with blackouts, rationing and the ever-present fear of loss. While he doesn’t directly confront the horrors of war, its influence permeates his everyday life—whether through the absence of loved ones or the uncertainty that shadows his childhood. The looming threat of an arsonist igniting fires during mandatory blackouts adds tension to an already precarious environment.

    As suspicion falls on Scotty’s older brother, who is draft-age, the narrative deepens, exploring themes of loyalty and moral complexity. Throughout this journey, Richardson effectively balances light-hearted moments with poignant reflections on friendship, sacrifice and the innocence of youth.

    MY THOUGHTS

    Reading this book was a nostalgic journey that transported me back to a time filled with both innocence and uncertainty. Richardson’s portrayal of Scotty is relatable; he embodies the struggles of adolescence while grappling with the realities of a world at war. The setting in Seattle provides a fresh perspective on WWII narratives often dominated by more conventional battlefront stories.

    The character development is commendable, particularly Scotty’s interactions with his siblings and friends. Their playful banter and innocent explorations contrast sharply with the serious undertones of their environment. I appreciated how Richardson skilfully interwove humour into the narrative, making it an engaging read despite its somber themes. Moments where Scotty and his friends engage in whimsical discussions about girls or their fishing adventures add levity to an otherwise heavy context.

    However, I found the pacing a bit slow initially as the author took time to establish the setting and characters. While this approach effectively builds tension and immerses readers in wartime life, it may challenge some readers seeking immediate action. Nevertheless, these early chapters are among the most enriching as they lay a solid foundation for understanding the characters’ emotional landscapes.

    The writing is mostly engaging and easy to read, but there are moments—especially in conversations involving Scotty’s parents—where the dialogue lacks some vibrancy. These instances felt less authentic compared to interactions among Scotty and his peers. However, these moments are infrequent and do not significantly impact overall enjoyment.

    Overall, An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with readers of all ages. It successfully blends historical context with personal growth, making it an excellent choice for those interested in World War II narratives or young adult fiction. I would definitely recommend this novel for its unique perspective and engaging storytelling.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    We’ll written fictional mystery told from a young teenager’s point of view woven within the context of actual events surrounding life in the Pacific Northwest during World War Two. Fascinating little known facts and a fun read. Keep’em coming David.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Even hard times can have some good in them.

    I was impressed by the character development. Mr. Richardson had well over 300 pages to explore the personalities and growth of both major and minor characters, and he used them to dig deeply into their lives and showcase both their flaws and their strengths. Sometimes I had to remind myself that this wasn’t actually a memoir because of how well-rounded and realistic nearly everyone was. Even the characters I would not necessarily want to live with due to certain habits they’d developed over time that I find irritating were still interesting to read about because their best moments were also given a chance to shine.

    The pacing was a little slow at times, especially in the beginning as the characters were being introduced and the mystery was being set up. This is something that paid off beautifully later on as character development deepened and more clues about who was starting the fire began to emerge, but it does ask the reader for some patience upfront as certain aspects of the plot are being assembled behind the scenes. I tend to prefer a faster pacing in most cases, but that is a subjective topic and I was glad I hung out to see where this tale was going.

    The world building couldn’t have been better. I appreciated how much effort the author put into describing what daily life was like during World War II for children and teens in the Pacific Northwest. Everything important was included, from the homemade meals they enjoyed – or in some cases complained about – to homework to the games they improvised when the radio didn’t have anything interesting playing on it. It truly felt as though I’d slipped back 80 years into the past as I read this which is exactly what I was hoping to find.

    An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze was well worth the effort I put into reading it.

    originally posted at long and short reviews
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    This is a beautiful, heartfelt novel that explores the complexity of growing up in the shadow of WWII through the eyes of 15-year-old Scotty Johannsen. Set in 1940s Seattle, AN EMPTY HOUSE DOESN'T SNEEZE is richly imagined and woven with authentic historical detail that pulls the reader into the past. Scotty and his friends are not at the center of the war by any means, yet are profoundly impacted by it. We see how his friends and family cope with a new reality of rationing, bomb shelters, and blackouts, while also grappling with the suspicion and fear war generates. When a firebug starts defying the blackouts, and as Scotty's brother's draft registration date looms, Scotty and his family must reckon with even greater challenges. Through the lens of one boy's everyday life, AN EMPTY HOUSE DOESN'T SNEEZE contemplates war and all the ways it changes us, even when we're far from the front lines. An important and powerful book. Highly recommend.

Top reviews from other countries

  • @letmegotomymindpalace
    5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air
    Reviewed in India on September 20, 2024
    There are perhaps more novels set in the World War II period than in any period of history. Is there any area of that period that has not yet been exhausted by novels to the last excruciating detail? Yet, David Scott Richardson's "An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze" has found a relatively unexplored space of that period that most of us won't know much about. Set in Seattle in 1943, the historical novel is centered on a fifteen-year-old boy Scotty, whose family is to be seen living a life during blackouts. While he doesn't directly come in touch with war, his life is affected by it in all sorts of ways from blackouts to losing an uncle to war and from shortages and rationing to dealing with all sorts of rumors.

    The blackout situation is made worse by an arsonist 'firebug' starting a series of fires during blackouts. Apart from the usual uncertainties of war, the characters must also deal with the uncertainty of knowledge that one of them might be the arsonist and with the mutual suspicion that results thereof. Scotty's attempts to catch the arsonist are the key driving force in this novel.

    Like any other good novel of this size, the novel wonders around and explores several other themes as well. It is also, for example, a coming-of-age novel with a protagonist's adolescent experiences getting a good amount of space in the book - from his fishing adventures to his interest in girls:

    "During the blackouts, I sometimes met up with my friends after sunset and we’d discuss important teenage matters. We fancied ourselves as authorities in the art of talking with girls who weren’t our sisters. Some of us even thought we understood what kissing was all about, although reliable information from experienced participants was hard to come by. In the absence of actual data and in the interest of science, we planned kissing experiments to test our hypotheses. But even the most brilliant scientists among us never carried them out."

    The novel also manages to explore several other themes like friendship, love, sacrifice, etc.

    The prose is generally light and easy on the eye, making it a quick read. The first-person narration by Scotty leaves an impression that one should read it as reminiscences of an older man remembering his childhood. This impression is helped by some historical details mentioned by Scotty that he couldn't have known as a fifteen-year-old.

    Despite the somber setting, the novel is generally light in tone with wit frequently visible in both narration and dialogues.

    "The startling snap of a mousetrap would send Greta into a tirade about how all animals had a right to live. But when fresh signs of rodenthood appeared, she agreed to limit their rights to the outdoors."

    or

    “Now that we’ve had our excitement and seen the first yeti on this side of the Atlantic, let’s go home,” Burr said with a sigh.
    “Not funny,” Marty complained.
    “Right, I just forgot to be funny there for a moment.”
    “Well, try not to forget again, OK..."

    Scotty's and Greta's characters are well-developed, and other characters also get some decent development as well. An excellent job has also been done with the portrayal of relations between adolescents and children.

    The plot development is a little slow in the beginning - with the author taking his time setting the scene and introducing the characters. Yet, these are also among the best chapters of the book as we learn about life under blackouts - the uncertainty and fear they bring:

    "As often as the air raid siren went off, we still hadn’t completely adjusted. How do you get used to the blaring reminder that everyone you love might be obliterated any time, day or night? Even after more than a year, that shrieking siren still gave me goose bumps—the sand-papery kind that don’t go away when you rub them. Uncertainty wedged itself into every corner of our lives. In a split second, the siren call could be the real thing. What if we weren’t all together in the basement’s safe harbor when uncertainty made up its mind to come get us?"

    As well as how they may appear to a teenager: "Greta said that the person who invented board games must’ve been thinking of life in a bomb shelter. Just how many times can you play Chinese checkers and still care about winning?"

    Occasionally, the prose felt a little flat here and there; particularly when the narrator talks of his parents. Consider this: "My parents always cautioned me not to go off half-cocked about things. “Look for evidence and base things on the facts,” they’d say." It seems a strange thing for parents to say to their children, right? However, such instances are rare enough.

    The novel is recommended to anyone who wants to read a World War II novel, a coming-of-age novel, a YA-ish novel, or all of them rolled into one. It is a well-researched novel that reads like a breath of fresh air and you realize very early that you are up for an enjoyable ride.

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