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nixusiai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Confinement, Child abuse, and Bullying
yellowcape's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I struggle to write a review if not to just use words in a list. Heartwarming, wholesome, paternal, funny, beautiful, fantastic, clear, honest.
I think the subject of discrimination is handled delicately and is well executed. I loved our main character Linus from the first page, J-Bone is also a personal favourite along with Talia.
My sole criticism is that the first half of the book was paced a little too slowly for me but I am SO glad I picked it back up after a break - which I cannot state how rare that is once I put a book back on the shelf usually it is doomed to be ignored. However the characters were just so loveable (calliope I’m looking at you) that I was convinced.
P L E A S E read it. There were so many times I was giddy, grinning at the pages - honestly all but kicking my legs. The positive 2SLGBTQ+ representation is incredible and it’s so nice to read a book with queer characters where the relationship is so realistic and wholesome but not the main focus of the plot nor the characters.
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Hate crime, Racism, Bullying, Confinement, Fatphobia, and Physical abuse
elliereadsthings's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
”You’re made of strong stuff on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside the counts.”
Moderate: Child abuse and Hate crime
Minor: Hate crime, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
nevermoregothic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This question is asked several times throughout the book and each time its asked it becomes more important and the answer becomes stronger. And my answer, every single time it's asked, is yes, more than anything.
I don't exactly know what I was expecting when I started reading The House in the Cerulean Sea, I certainly wasn't expecting to fall in love with it and the characters the way that I have.
Cerulean Sea is an incredibly important narrative. It's not a story about prejudice, and discrimination, and fear, and hate though those are powerful themes within the story. No, it's a story about overcoming all of that, it's a story about strength and how it only takes a few voices at the start to make a real change and difference. This is a story about compassion, empathy, understanding, and most of all, love.
It's a shame that we still live in a time where people can relate to the characters in this book but it's because we live in such times that this story is so vital. Linus, Arthur, Zoe, and the children are symbols of hope when things feel impossible. The world is changing for the better though it can be hard to see that at times.
The story delves into themes that have faced the human race for a very long time. Institutional discrimination, the phrase "See Something, Say Something" a rather stark reminder of the way certain groups have been treated by society for many years, even today. Hatred and fear spurned on by a lack of understanding and a refusal to learn. It even delves into how children are often failed by societies that don't truly accept them, the dangers of treating children like numbers in a system rather than human beings. Yet despite all the hardships, there is hope, because a single, tiny flame can spread. A single person raising their voice can make a huge difference in the long run.
Cerulean Sea, at its core, is a love story. Though romance is part of it, it's more than a romance story. It's love in so many forms. Acceptance, self acceptance, family, compassion, understanding. It's all so important.
Love and education are stronger than prejudice, regardless of how stubborn hate may be. Linus and Arthur are symbols of that in so many ways.
I also admire the representation in this story. A realistic depiction of middle aged gay men as more than just middle aged gay men is fantastic to read about.
We are more than what others think of us and we are more than the factors that make us up. I absolutely adore this book, so deeply.
Moderate: Confinement and Bullying
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Body shaming, and Religious bigotry
natashaball's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Bullying
augustar14's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Xenophobia and Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Bullying, and Child abuse
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Fatphobia, Grief, Bullying, Confinement, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Forced institutionalization
arrowlyn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Bullying and Xenophobia
madelynfrank's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Truly funny, heartwarming, interesting world building, great imagery, cool characters. Felt very idealistic/wish fulfillment- which I absolutely loved. Do you want to go to a perfect island and have supportive dads that will stand up for u.
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Classism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, and Hate crime
violetaalseide's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Minor: Bullying and Child abuse