Bexley, Ohio

Bexley, Ohio is the suburban town where Smith has lived her entire life. She grew up in the midwestern town and later chose to raise her family there. While she loves Ohio, and the community she has in Bexley, the town continually reminds her of her past experiences. On the way to pick up her children or drive to the NPR station, she passes her wedding venue, the couples counselor’s office, and the restaurant where she had her rehearsal dinner. Throughout her memoir, Smith contends with living in a space that is filled with physical reminders of her past, as she attempts to rebuild her life after the divorce.

The House

Throughout You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Smith lives in the house she purchased with her ex-husband. Shortly before the birth of her second child, the author quit her job to pursue freelance writing...