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Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'
La casa en el mar más azul. Edición especial: Edición especial con cantos tintados by TJ Klune, Carlos Abreu Fetter
353 reviews
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-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
This book was really sweet. At times it made me laugh out loud and I teared up at the end. I love when a book can make me do both. The novel can venture a little into the saccharine and heavy handed at at times, but it still very much worked for me. The satirical elements and endearing characters outweigh the occasional cheesiness. There are so many incredibly loveable characters. As Linus comes to find, it is very hard to leave them behind when the time comes.
One thing that I do want to mention is that I feel uneasy when fantasy novels use the oppression of magical species as a metaphor for oppression that happens in the real world. I think there are some ethical issues with that choice. The House in the Cerulean Sea, however, does include representations of a spectrum of different human identities even within the cast of magical creatures, so I do think that it walks the line on this issue better than most stories that use this same metaphor, though the intersectionality of the real and magical identities are not deeply explored.
I listened to the audiobook. At times this added to my experience as a reader and at times I wished I had the physical copy instead. The author does some pretty silly voices which sometimes helped jokes land and sometimes distracted me. It's hard to say having only listened to it, but I do think I would have liked it even more if I had read it rather than listened to it.
One thing that I do want to mention is that I feel uneasy when fantasy novels use the oppression of magical species as a metaphor for oppression that happens in the real world. I think there are some ethical issues with that choice. The House in the Cerulean Sea, however, does include representations of a spectrum of different human identities even within the cast of magical creatures, so I do think that it walks the line on this issue better than most stories that use this same metaphor, though the intersectionality of the real and magical identities are not deeply explored.
I listened to the audiobook. At times this added to my experience as a reader and at times I wished I had the physical copy instead. The author does some pretty silly voices which sometimes helped jokes land and sometimes distracted me. It's hard to say having only listened to it, but I do think I would have liked it even more if I had read it rather than listened to it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Fatphobia
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was cute and fun and sweet. It's not a book to analyze and have deep discussions about. It's just a light, fluffy read. That's what I wanted from this book, and it's what I got. I think the message was sweet but so oversimplified and watered down that it felt like it was barely saying anything at all, and that was really my main complaint. The characters are all one-dimentional - although also very sweet - and all made just to deliver this message, and the message felt weak. Still, very cute.
I'll also note that the audiobook made me feel a little like I was being talked down to. I don't know if it was the prose or the narration itself, which is why I specify the audiobook. It was very simple prose, and the tone just felt condescending. It was the kind of audiobook that I picked up as a kid and made me swear off audiobooks for the next 10 years. It does get better later in the book - or maybe I just got used to it - but something to be aware of.
Characters: 6
Plot: 7
Setting: 9
General appeal: 7
Writing style: 6
Originality: 9
Ending: 8
I'll also note that the audiobook made me feel a little like I was being talked down to. I don't know if it was the prose or the narration itself, which is why I specify the audiobook. It was very simple prose, and the tone just felt condescending. It was the kind of audiobook that I picked up as a kid and made me swear off audiobooks for the next 10 years. It does get better later in the book - or maybe I just got used to it - but something to be aware of.
Characters: 6
Plot: 7
Setting: 9
General appeal: 7
Writing style: 6
Originality: 9
Ending: 8
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement
Minor: Cannibalism
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Bullying, Physical abuse
Minor: Death, Blood
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a touching, whimsical, wholesome, lovely tale of found family, acceptance, and belonging. And I adored it with all my heart.
Linus is sent to assess the viability of an orphanage by the sea, and the magical children (and adults) he meets there will change his life forever. Each character is complex and wonderful and reading about them made my heart grow ten sizes. I honestly love them all, but I must mention my deep appreciation for Chauncy and his pure heart and absolutely adorable dream, Sal and his stunning poetry and quiet strength, Talia's gruff love and fierce loyalty, and Lucy's diabolical sense of humour and vulnerability.
This book explores important issues in a straightforward and at times heavy-handed way, but it didn't bother me. The message may be clear, but it is an important one. Not all themes must be hidden behind layers of metaphor and innuendo. Sometimes you can just say what you mean:
“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.”
A book about protecting children no matter who or what they are, finding love and acceptance for those who are different, and seeking to understand each other rather than shut each other out with hate and fear, and full of some of the most vivid and loveable characters I've had the pleasure to read about, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a new favourite.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
Linus is sent to assess the viability of an orphanage by the sea, and the magical children (and adults) he meets there will change his life forever. Each character is complex and wonderful and reading about them made my heart grow ten sizes. I honestly love them all, but I must mention my deep appreciation for Chauncy and his pure heart and absolutely adorable dream, Sal and his stunning poetry and quiet strength, Talia's gruff love and fierce loyalty, and Lucy's diabolical sense of humour and vulnerability.
This book explores important issues in a straightforward and at times heavy-handed way, but it didn't bother me. The message may be clear, but it is an important one. Not all themes must be hidden behind layers of metaphor and innuendo. Sometimes you can just say what you mean:
“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.”
A book about protecting children no matter who or what they are, finding love and acceptance for those who are different, and seeking to understand each other rather than shut each other out with hate and fear, and full of some of the most vivid and loveable characters I've had the pleasure to read about, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a new favourite.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Xenophobia
adventurous
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
I was so certain I'd love this and luckily it didn't disappoint. It's a charming, escapist story and I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters are all brilliant and I became immediately attached to them. The children in particular are so delightful. Linus' growth as a character was lovely to see and the themes of kindness and found family were really heart-warming. It's a reassuring sort of read where you know everything will be alright in the end which is always something I enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
This book deserves ALL THE STARS. All of them. This was the sweetest book I've read in a long time and the best slow-burn I think I've EVER read.
A more full review to come.
A more full review to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Fatphobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Torture, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Cannibalism
emotional
funny
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
I found The House in the Cerulean Sea while searching for a feel-good standalone fantasy book. The back-cover blurb immediately hooked me: "the main character is a 'by-the-book caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth?'" Count me in!
Plot: The book is more character-driven than plot-driven. In fact, the plot is skeletal. It serves the story’s purpose well enough and remains low-stakes throughout the book. As someone who wanted to read a cheerful story, the lack of danger and despair was a nice change of pace. However, the book was quite predictable, so it would have been nice to have a bit more excitement towards the end.
Characters: The characters in this story are wonderful. I have not read a story with such creative characters in a long time. It took less than a few pages for me to fall in love with the orphans from Marsyas Island. Most of them are not entirely fleshed out, but they have distinct personalities and flaws to make them believable. The main character, Linus Baker, is masterfully written. The novel is essentially about his character development. T.J. Klune establishes Linus's character beautifully within the first couple of chapters, and the reader quickly understands his flaws, strengths, and individual quirks. He slowly but steadily develops throughout the book, and it easy to track each step along the way. Linus is likable, relatable, flawed, and sympathetic.
Setting: The setting in The House in the Cerulean Sea is a bit unsteady, but it did not detract from the story. Much of the setting is mundane and reflects the real world completely. The world has modern technology, religions, historical figures, etc. However, it also has magical species ranging from witches to the AntiChrist. It works as long as one does not think too hard about the worldbuilding implications. In addition to the supernatural mixed with the realistic, much of the "realistic" aspect has a cartoonish feel to it. For example, the bureaucratic quagmire that is the Department in Charge of Magical Youth is hyperbolized as commonly seen in children's movies. This clashes tonally with the realistic parts of the setting, but it is not hard to overlook because the characters and writing are so engaging.
Themes: The House in the Cerulean Sea boasts themes of love, found-family, equality, tolerance, and self-worth. T.J. Klune unapologetically presents a feel-good, optimistic story. This is precisely why the book is so popular, although some might find it a bit overly sentimental.
Writing: T.J. Klune's writing is clever, engaging, and funny. He adds an ingenious bit of snark and humor on every page. I found myself smiling after the first two pages, which is saying something! I will pick up anything else this man has written, no questions asked. That being said, characters frequently spout statements of suspiciously quotable wisdom such as "Hate is loud, but I thnk 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." (p.276) These philosophical professions pulled me out of the story because people don't talk like that in real life (at least not often). However, many will likely find these words comforting and inspiring, even if they are a bit on the nose.
Other points:
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
New favorite book???? New favorite book!!! Like maybe this is actually my new reread and Red White & Royal Blue can take at least a short break (we'll see though, I have already read it three times this year). This book was just so joyful, so sweet, so full of hope and so relatable in its journey from sadness to a life of color. I want that for myself. This book gives me something to dream about.
See content warnings for discussion of fatphobia in this book, though.
See content warnings for discussion of fatphobia in this book, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry
bigotry against magical beings, internalized shame for same, abusive group homes/orphanages.
I will say that although I absolutely adored this book essentially from page one... I was and still am frustrated about the fat rep. The blurb on the top of one of the copies (the one showing on storygraph) quotes Seanan McGuire saying, "This book is very close to perfect" and IMO the thing keeping it from perfection is the amount of body shaming happening with Linus. Most of it comes from himself, but in my view it doesn't get checked enough outside of the (appreciated) pushback from Talia and the appreciation from Arthur. Like. The growth around this came too little too late for me, although it did happen. I still wholeheartedly recommend this book, I'd just say be wary around this and don't let yourself internalize it. Again, a disappointing part of an otherwise perfect book.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Reading this was pure joy. Highly recommend! [content warning: internal and external (challenged) fatphobia, dieting]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia