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akswhy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
A delightfully whimsical book that deals in deceptively heavy themes, but handles them with ease. A perfect summer read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death of parent and Child abuse
iane_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Racism, Child abuse, Mental illness, Body shaming, Abandonment, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying, Gaslighting, Confinement, Fatphobia, and Racial slurs
Minor: Car accident, Sexual content, Violence, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Hate crime, Genocide, Fire/Fire injury, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Medical content
valerian_honeybee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Abandonment, and Bullying
Moderate: Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Death and Death of parent
dillonsees's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book is in my top 100 books of all time! It invites you on this journey with many fun and very lovable characters. Its reminds you it’s the little things like a button or a song, maybe a touch of someone’s hand in yours or even a dance with someone you care for.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Violence, Physical abuse, and Classism
linde13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
For context: as much as I love to read, I rarely buy books. The few books I buy tend to be nonfiction that I've read through the library and are useful enough that I want to refer back to; everything else, I'm normally happy to check out from the library and read once or twice. I haven't bought a fiction book in years.
I bought this one immediately after I read it.
I bought this one immediately after I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Fatphobia, Confinement, Body shaming, and Cursing
Minor: Cannibalism, Death of parent, Body horror, Gore, Blood, Physical abuse, and Genocide
I added the body shaming/fatphobia tags because Linus is sensitive about his own weight for most of the book. Nobody else comments on it, except for the kids in a matter-of-fact and non-insulting way. Everything else is merely alluded to, either by Lucy (the Antichrist character) in comments that he makes for shock value that are all played for laughs (Blood/Body horror/Gore/Cannibalism) or as part of characters' backstories (Child abuse/Confinement/Death of parent/Genocide/Physical abuse).njh_books's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
I started this book first in December 2023 and couldn't get into it, so I put it to the side for a bit and then came back to it.
Had a much better read the second try and overall found the book sweet and wholesome and funny. Reminded me of my counseloring days--kids say the darndest things. Lols.
The kids all grew on me and each I thought was unique in their own way. I think some kids were fleshed out better/more than others (Lucy and Sal) and I think that was also due to who had the most one-on-one alone time with Linus (since the story follows Linus). Now that the sequel is coming, I hope this may change in the next installment. Just felt like some kids got more focus, which while I know no book would ever cover all characters equally, would've been nice to have a bit more in depth look at Chauncey besides just the bellhop/monster under the bed and Thalia besides gardening/grave digging and Phee with growing plants/being a sprite. Also just noticed that all the magical female characters in the book have something to do with plants.
Arthur is a smooth talker and sweet and was nice to see him continuing his journey to be himself. Also showed that childhood trauma can still be a battle into adulthood.
Glad Linus eventually fought for himself and found his voice.
Also hope to see a bit more of Zoe and Helen in the next book.
____________________
Some favorite quotes:
“'It’s the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them. It’s beautiful, when you think about it. He loves it dearly. That was very kind of you.'” (94)
“'When something is broken, you can put it back together. It may not fit quite the same, or work like it did once before, but that doesn't mean it's no longer useful.'” (247)
“'The little girl. She wasn’t scared of me. She was nice. She didn’t care what I looked like. That means she can make up her own mind. Maybe that woman will tell her I’m bad. And maybe she’ll believe it. Or maybe she won’t believe it at all. Arthur told me that in order to change the minds of many, you have to first start with the minds of few. She’s just one person. But so is the lady.' Talia grinned.” (270)
“'It’s not fair,' Linus said, staring off into nothing. 'The way some people can be. But as long as you remember to be just and kind like I know you are, what those people think won’t matter in the long run. Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.'” (278)
“Helen scoffed. 'A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?'” (283)
“'You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.'” (308)
“'Funny how that works out, isn’t it? That we can find the most unexpected things when we aren’t even looking for them.'” (376)
Had a much better read the second try and overall found the book sweet and wholesome and funny. Reminded me of my counseloring days--kids say the darndest things. Lols.
Arthur is a smooth talker and sweet and was nice to see him continuing his journey to be himself. Also showed that childhood trauma can still be a battle into adulthood.
Glad Linus eventually fought for himself and found his voice.
Also hope to see a bit more of Zoe and Helen in the next book.
____________________
Some favorite quotes:
“'It’s the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them. It’s beautiful, when you think about it. He loves it dearly. That was very kind of you.'” (94)
“'When something is broken, you can put it back together. It may not fit quite the same, or work like it did once before, but that doesn't mean it's no longer useful.'” (247)
“'The little girl. She wasn’t scared of me. She was nice. She didn’t care what I looked like. That means she can make up her own mind. Maybe that woman will tell her I’m bad. And maybe she’ll believe it. Or maybe she won’t believe it at all. Arthur told me that in order to change the minds of many, you have to first start with the minds of few. She’s just one person. But so is the lady.' Talia grinned.” (270)
“'It’s not fair,' Linus said, staring off into nothing. 'The way some people can be. But as long as you remember to be just and kind like I know you are, what those people think won’t matter in the long run. Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.'” (278)
“Helen scoffed. 'A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?'” (283)
“'You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.'” (308)
“'Funny how that works out, isn’t it? That we can find the most unexpected things when we aren’t even looking for them.'” (376)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Confinement, Physical abuse, Violence, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
finnsnowbevi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Xenophobia
Minor: Cannibalism and Religious bigotry
philososquid's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
I loved this book so much! The setting was crafted so well, I could imagine the world so easily. I love that young adult novels have a unique way of making the world so visible.
I was intrigued right away with this hyperbolic world of grayness turned to color at the cerulean sea. Linus was a rule follower who had his eyes opened when they were splashed with a little bit of color, and I love him for it.
There is so much sincerity in this book, andthe found family aspect is just so sweet. I just felt so happy reading it the whole time.
I think TJ Klune did a good job creating a story that felt fun and exciting, even if the plot wasn't a complex thing. This is not really and adventurous book, but a portrait of hope and found family. I love all the characters so much.
I was intrigued right away with this hyperbolic world of grayness turned to color at the cerulean sea. Linus was a rule follower who had his eyes opened when they were splashed with a little bit of color, and I love him for it.
There is so much sincerity in this book, andthe found family aspect is just so sweet. I just felt so happy reading it the whole time.
I think TJ Klune did a good job creating a story that felt fun and exciting, even if the plot wasn't a complex thing. This is not really and adventurous book, but a portrait of hope and found family. I love all the characters so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
madjaz217's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
This book is so pure. For all the tough subjects it covers, it still feels incredibly lighthearted and hopeful without minimizing the dark aspects. The romance is so cute and absolutely grew on me. Character development is incredible. Just a great fun read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, and Eating disorder
Minor: Hate crime, Death of parent, and Child abuse
katelynndzindzio's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.75
Linus, a completely unremarkable man was tasked with an adventure. He just didn't know it yet. Breaking down his walls he fell in love, and not with just himself.
"He thought of the life he had. How he could ever have thought it'd be enough. His thoughts were alll cerulean."-Linus
Linus found where he belonged. The children, though they didn't seem like it at times, found their home. Arthur found his other half.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, Child abuse, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Blood, Classism, Confinement, and Cursing