You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I loved this book so much. Many tears were shed while reading it. I thought of my dad so much while reading it, and it was wonderful to spend that time thinking about him. Sometimes I even felt like he was sitting next to me. ❤️
Wow. Just wow. The journey this book took me on, was seriously one of TJ's best.
"He leans over and his grin widens. So many teeth. 'Benji,' he says, and he sounds so fucking happy that I ache down to my bones, causing me to shudder. He reaches out and touches my right hand, a look of wonder on his face, his dark eyes flashing. I follow his gaze and see the feather still in my hand, bent oddly and ruffled, but still there, somehow."
"Sometime later, I awaken to a gentle voice. 'Benji. Benji. Open your eyes. Open your eyes and see.' I do. He's staring down at me, cradling me in his arms, a small smile on his face. 'The sun is about to rise. You must see this. It is a beautiful thing.' He looks toward the horizon. But all I can see is him."
" 'This man. This...angel. Cal. Calliel. Is he...do you care for him?' I know what he's asking. I can't lie to him. I won't. 'Yes.' 'And does he feel the same?' Yes, Benji. God help me, yes. I don't want anything more than you. I want nothing less than you. 'Yes,' I whisper. 'More than I probably know. He's...watched me. For a long time.'"
" 'Benji, you have to remember that even though you've been sad, he's been the same. You think you've been alone, and so has he. But it may have been harder for him. You didn't know he was there, not really. He knew you were there. And he did what he could, but it wasn't enough for him. You might have called him, Benji, but he didn't have to come. I felt what he felt. He showed me. There was despair. There was sorrow. And then there was you, so bright within him.' "
" 'If we were ever apart, I'd miss you every day until we were together again...because there is no one such as you in the world, and you belong to me. I'll believe in you always because you are my son. You're going to be strong and brave, and one day, you're going to be a great man and you will stand for what you believe in. I have faith that you will stand and be true.'"
"There is hope. There is faith. There is belief that maybe, just maybe, everything will be as it was and as it should be. It's a thread that wraps itself around my heart and soul and tugs on them gently. It calls for one who can be strong. And brave. It calls for one who can stand true."
"This is at once the end and the beginning. This is the story of my love of two men. One is my father. The other is a man who fell from the sky."
"He leans over and his grin widens. So many teeth. 'Benji,' he says, and he sounds so fucking happy that I ache down to my bones, causing me to shudder. He reaches out and touches my right hand, a look of wonder on his face, his dark eyes flashing. I follow his gaze and see the feather still in my hand, bent oddly and ruffled, but still there, somehow."
"Sometime later, I awaken to a gentle voice. 'Benji. Benji. Open your eyes. Open your eyes and see.' I do. He's staring down at me, cradling me in his arms, a small smile on his face. 'The sun is about to rise. You must see this. It is a beautiful thing.' He looks toward the horizon. But all I can see is him."
" 'This man. This...angel. Cal. Calliel. Is he...do you care for him?' I know what he's asking. I can't lie to him. I won't. 'Yes.' 'And does he feel the same?' Yes, Benji. God help me, yes. I don't want anything more than you. I want nothing less than you. 'Yes,' I whisper. 'More than I probably know. He's...watched me. For a long time.'"
" 'Benji, you have to remember that even though you've been sad, he's been the same. You think you've been alone, and so has he. But it may have been harder for him. You didn't know he was there, not really. He knew you were there. And he did what he could, but it wasn't enough for him. You might have called him, Benji, but he didn't have to come. I felt what he felt. He showed me. There was despair. There was sorrow. And then there was you, so bright within him.' "
" 'If we were ever apart, I'd miss you every day until we were together again...because there is no one such as you in the world, and you belong to me. I'll believe in you always because you are my son. You're going to be strong and brave, and one day, you're going to be a great man and you will stand for what you believe in. I have faith that you will stand and be true.'"
"There is hope. There is faith. There is belief that maybe, just maybe, everything will be as it was and as it should be. It's a thread that wraps itself around my heart and soul and tugs on them gently. It calls for one who can be strong. And brave. It calls for one who can stand true."
"This is at once the end and the beginning. This is the story of my love of two men. One is my father. The other is a man who fell from the sky."
I can’t even….. holy f, TJ Klune, I don’t know how you do it. Thank you for your magical way with words
For a book heavily centered around faith, angels, and God, it felt very well done and non-suffocating to someone that doesn't practice any religion. It reminded me that not all those who practice religion, specifically Christianity, have the types of prejudices and hate that are so easily spread and vocalized about LGBT+ people. It was comforting and interesting to watch a gay man parse his own faith and beliefs, surrounded by celestial beings, family, and friends who didn't give a damn who he slept with. The story itself is beautiful and heartbreaking and hit me in all the sore emotional ways a good book should. The only reason I wouldn't personally give it 5 stars is that the grief threaded through the entire book felt alien to me, and it was all-consuming most of the time. I understand this was critical for the character(s) and the basis of the book, but I haven't quite experienced enough grief to have it resonate with me. It felt like Benji was trying to drown me in it right next to him. Maybe that was the point, but either way, it missed the mark a tad. Still a beautiful book that I'll probably read again in the future. And all the hints and nudges about another series/book/world/etc were enough to make me want more from the author, for sure.
My actual rating is 4.5
As always TJ Klune never fails to amaze me with his creative, heart felt stories. I fell in love with the characters and was immediately entranced by the story. Plus talk about a plot twist! I did not see it coming. The only fault I could find with this book is that I felt the beginning was a bit slow and the very ending felt a bit convenient but otherwise an amazing book!
As always TJ Klune never fails to amaze me with his creative, heart felt stories. I fell in love with the characters and was immediately entranced by the story. Plus talk about a plot twist! I did not see it coming. The only fault I could find with this book is that I felt the beginning was a bit slow and the very ending felt a bit convenient
Spoiler
namely how these things were possible because the town was “special” without really explaining why and also how things worked out with Michael showing up
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Merged review:
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Merged review:
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Honestly, it was weird, but I liked it. Felt very different from TJs later work though, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t it.
This is one of those books that needs to be experience not explained. It’s touching, beautiful, emotionally draining, but yet hopeful in the end no matter the circumstances. This is a book about faith, love, duty, and devotion, but it’s also a book about pain, loss, anger, and frustration. Inside Benji’s head is just a mess of turmoil and this book takes a LONG time to develop. It’s well worth the wait though.
Benjamin Edward Green adores his father Big Eddie. When Big Eddie was killed in a car crash Benji’s life goes spinning out of control. Ruled an accident Benji’s never been truly convinced. It’s five years later and his life is still on hold wrapped up in one single moment in time. He’s immersed in his grief to the exclusion of all else only functioning enough to maintain the convenience store and garage that was his father’s life. Benji is drowning in a river of his own grief, but every so often he feels an unseen hand on his shoulder, a breath on the back of his neck, or a bright blue light. Something is out there and it keeps dragging Benji back to the surface anytime his dreams of his father’s death get to be too much. But the world is still spinning and truths are hurtling towards each other leading to a big explosion of long hidden secrets.
I’m going to try to write this review with as few spoilers as possible. This is one of those stories that just needs to be read. Benji’s voice is so painfully honest and lost. I am not normally a fan of first person stories, let alone one’s told mostly in first person past. This worked beautifully though. The structure is unorthodox and yet supremely fascinating. I really felt like I was in Benji’s head, jumping from point to point as he remembered. This story isn’t completely one hundred percent linear, but every jump further into the past makes sense within the context of the storyline.
God my heart is just plain torn in two for Benji. He’s suffered so much over the loss of his father. There’s so much pain going on inside his soul and it causes him to lash out at those he loves often at those he least likes hurting. Cal is such a shock to his system. His uniqueness is just fascinating enough to catch Benji’s attention and keep him from thinking about his own pain for a heartbeat. There were times I wanted to smack Benji and times I wanted to cuddle him and shower him in love and caring. He may be twenty one now, but in some ways he’s trapped at sixteen mentally, stuck in the same mindset he was at when his father died. He needs to grow up as much as he needs to let go.
Oh Calliel, you are just the most adorable thing. I loved how everyone in town was just so innately drawn to him. Sure, he is what he is, but yet he’s still so human. I loved his curiosity and his joy at the new things he was discovering. I giggled every time I heard his “I don’t think I’ll like that.” His love for Benji was just so pure. Of course when he goes all protector on everything it’s a little bit of a “HOT DAMN!” moment.
The paranormal aspects to this story and the description of faith I found to be fascinating. This was so well crafted no matter what your personal beliefs I think there is something to be found within this story. I’m beyond curious at the other world hinted at within these pages and what those possibilities might mean for humanity. The decisions these characters arrive at are suggested to have long ranging implications and I hope Mr. Klune gets to explore them at some point in the future.
This story was brilliantly put together and lyric despite being written in prose. It’s a slow building beginning, but every piece in the end feels necessary. There are no wasted thoughts and Calliel’s devotion to protecting Benji and the people of Rosewood is beautiful to behold. This story tells of things impossible and improbable to believe, but sometimes those things are the greatest of us all. They mystery behind everything pushes the story along where it might have gotten muddied down in river water. Everything gathers speed as the story progresses and culminates in a slam-bang finish. This story is a chance for a rebirth, like the way a river gathers speed during a flash flood, it may have start off as a trickle but eventually that water will become a wave with the potential to leave devastation in it’s path, but in the aftermath there is the chance for new growth and hope to replace the destruction. Rebuilding may be necessary, but greater things can come of it all.
Epic tale of love and loss. It is not one I will soon forget. Benji’s growth throughout the story really does take a boy trapped in his teenage headspace and make him the man he’s always had the potential to become. This book is touching and gives everyone a reason to believe, to have faith, and pray for the day that everything does get better. Free will is ours, our choices and what we stand up for are what will make us at the end of the day.
Benjamin Edward Green adores his father Big Eddie. When Big Eddie was killed in a car crash Benji’s life goes spinning out of control. Ruled an accident Benji’s never been truly convinced. It’s five years later and his life is still on hold wrapped up in one single moment in time. He’s immersed in his grief to the exclusion of all else only functioning enough to maintain the convenience store and garage that was his father’s life. Benji is drowning in a river of his own grief, but every so often he feels an unseen hand on his shoulder, a breath on the back of his neck, or a bright blue light. Something is out there and it keeps dragging Benji back to the surface anytime his dreams of his father’s death get to be too much. But the world is still spinning and truths are hurtling towards each other leading to a big explosion of long hidden secrets.
I’m going to try to write this review with as few spoilers as possible. This is one of those stories that just needs to be read. Benji’s voice is so painfully honest and lost. I am not normally a fan of first person stories, let alone one’s told mostly in first person past. This worked beautifully though. The structure is unorthodox and yet supremely fascinating. I really felt like I was in Benji’s head, jumping from point to point as he remembered. This story isn’t completely one hundred percent linear, but every jump further into the past makes sense within the context of the storyline.
God my heart is just plain torn in two for Benji. He’s suffered so much over the loss of his father. There’s so much pain going on inside his soul and it causes him to lash out at those he loves often at those he least likes hurting. Cal is such a shock to his system. His uniqueness is just fascinating enough to catch Benji’s attention and keep him from thinking about his own pain for a heartbeat. There were times I wanted to smack Benji and times I wanted to cuddle him and shower him in love and caring. He may be twenty one now, but in some ways he’s trapped at sixteen mentally, stuck in the same mindset he was at when his father died. He needs to grow up as much as he needs to let go.
Oh Calliel, you are just the most adorable thing. I loved how everyone in town was just so innately drawn to him. Sure, he is what he is, but yet he’s still so human. I loved his curiosity and his joy at the new things he was discovering. I giggled every time I heard his “I don’t think I’ll like that.” His love for Benji was just so pure. Of course when he goes all protector on everything it’s a little bit of a “HOT DAMN!” moment.
The paranormal aspects to this story and the description of faith I found to be fascinating. This was so well crafted no matter what your personal beliefs I think there is something to be found within this story. I’m beyond curious at the other world hinted at within these pages and what those possibilities might mean for humanity. The decisions these characters arrive at are suggested to have long ranging implications and I hope Mr. Klune gets to explore them at some point in the future.
This story was brilliantly put together and lyric despite being written in prose. It’s a slow building beginning, but every piece in the end feels necessary. There are no wasted thoughts and Calliel’s devotion to protecting Benji and the people of Rosewood is beautiful to behold. This story tells of things impossible and improbable to believe, but sometimes those things are the greatest of us all. They mystery behind everything pushes the story along where it might have gotten muddied down in river water. Everything gathers speed as the story progresses and culminates in a slam-bang finish. This story is a chance for a rebirth, like the way a river gathers speed during a flash flood, it may have start off as a trickle but eventually that water will become a wave with the potential to leave devastation in it’s path, but in the aftermath there is the chance for new growth and hope to replace the destruction. Rebuilding may be necessary, but greater things can come of it all.
Epic tale of love and loss. It is not one I will soon forget. Benji’s growth throughout the story really does take a boy trapped in his teenage headspace and make him the man he’s always had the potential to become. This book is touching and gives everyone a reason to believe, to have faith, and pray for the day that everything does get better. Free will is ours, our choices and what we stand up for are what will make us at the end of the day.
The complexity and intricacies of this book make it stunning.
The romance actually takes a back-seat simply to the writing.
T.J. Klune, this is one thought-provoking book and one that really draws the reader in.
If you enjoy Stephen King as a writer (note: not because it's horror), but if you enjoy King's incredible characterizations and view of small-town life, then you WILL love this book.
I wasn't entirely amazed by the group-mentality of the ending, it felt slightly gimmicky to me, but I'm still more than willing to give this book 5 stars.
Well done, I fully admire the work that went into this book and I only wish there were a second/third/fourth/etc!
The romance actually takes a back-seat simply to the writing.
T.J. Klune, this is one thought-provoking book and one that really draws the reader in.
If you enjoy Stephen King as a writer (note: not because it's horror), but if you enjoy King's incredible characterizations and view of small-town life, then you WILL love this book.
I wasn't entirely amazed by the group-mentality of the ending, it felt slightly gimmicky to me, but I'm still more than willing to give this book 5 stars.
Well done, I fully admire the work that went into this book and I only wish there were a second/third/fourth/etc!
