Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

296 reviews

cocopom's review against another edition

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4.0

Je feel que Linus a commencer a aimer les enfants du jour au lendemain (j’aurais aimer plus voir ca).. arthur etait vraiment un mystere tout le long.. c’est vraiment l’impression que leur bond c’est vraiment developper behind the scene! Les kids etaient tres cutes! Leurs voix en laissaient plus a desirer.

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haileeraye's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • 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


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scarlett_f's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • 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

4.0

Recommend for teens+. Pages: P. 156 'A vagina being penetrated by a penis.' P. 263 use of pot/marijuana. PP. 274, 276 'deft little bitch'. P. 363 '...shove demerits up his ass.' The Anti-Christ. Just some items to be aware of that may not be suitable for a younger age. Positive queer representation. Belonging, family, nature vs nurture, inclusion, acceptance.

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bzliz's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • 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

I’m so mad at myself for not reading this sooner. From the moment Linus Baker stepped foot into Arthur’s world, I was utterly enchanted. His journey to finding a family and a home was opposed by his 17 year long career and staunch following of the Rules and Regulations but it didn’t take long for the residents of the Marsyas Orphanage to worm their way into his heart. Honestly, he never stood a chance. I didn’t either. By the time the story concluded, I was legitimately kicking my feet with glee. 

The adults of the world are so lovely but the children made my heart soar. They’re all so distinct- a lot of authors struggle to flesh out their underage characters- and individually special. I was delighted by every foul threat from Lucy and Talia just as much as I enjoyed their respective passions for music and gardening. Theodore challenged everything I have believed about family in the real world. Phee and Chauncey rounded out the crew, showing opposite desires entirely yet desiring their family most of all. And sweet Sal. I think Linus needed him the most. He needed a reminder of how the system can fail and how he as an individual can make an extraordinary difference to a child in need. 

I cannot recommend this book to everyone enough, but I especially recommend it to anybody who has ever felt stuck in their own life, longing for more. 

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alisonvh's review

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was a pretty cute book about a guy who works for a division of the government that regulates magical creatures. It wasn’t my favorite book, but it was an enjoyable read that had me laughing at some parts and going “awww” at others. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job with all the different voices.

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twoweeeeks's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


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avciera7's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is just so charming and sweet! The prose is effortlessly funny, flowing, and full of personality. These characters are so loveable.  It reminded of me of how I felt discovering Neil Gaiman for the first time in middle school. One of the most pleasant reads I've had in a long time. The only downside is that the plot feels pretty thin at the start and then tries to ramp up towards the end in a way that feels pretty clunky, though the themes of oppression were consistent enough throughout to make it almost work. For example, a fairly important character gets introduced late in the game for how much she ends up mattering. This is so close to being a perfect read, though, and I really enjoyed it for what it was.

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shanellewrites's review

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1.75

I found the characters relatively endearing, though a little flat. However, that is the best thing that I can say about this book. The fact that the "inspiration" was Canada's residential schools is deeply problematic, and I wish I had been aware of that before picking it up. I regret not doing more research beforehand. 

The fatphobia in this book was also troubling. Repeatedly, comments are made about the main character's weight, including once where he says essentially (I can't remember the exact words) that it was a problem he could overcome if he tried hard enough. 

The degree that a book (or other piece of media) is unproblematic does not always correspond with its value, but those issues made me feel deeply uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, even on a technical level, I also felt let down. The setting was well drawn, but the story was weak, with extremely heavy-handed and forceful application of the themes. 

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bageltop's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25


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erikagibson126's review

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0


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