Reviews

La Maison au milieu de la mer Céruléenne by TJ Klune

fonus11's review against another edition

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

4.75

The perfect light hearted inspiring read. So refreshing.

sequinn88's review against another edition

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Got bored. Started listening as a 'cosy' book... turns out it was too cosy!

anerdlereadle's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

heart_palpitations's review against another edition

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The book had an interesting premisce but I was a little too preoccupied to give it much attention and plus I had just finished In the Lives of Puppets so it was a switch up to read this more YA leaning book. Overall not bad but just picked it up at a bad time and might revisit later

lara_in_reverse's review against another edition

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emotional 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

lyannai's review against another edition

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4.0

such a cute book

nagirak's review against another edition

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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
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

THIS is how you develop a story and its characters! I have never once read a book that better shows the deconstruction and reconstruction of someone’s belief system. And what a lovely metaphor for the way society treats those who are different from the “norm”. 

This book has reconfirmed for me that I wasn’t crazy when I’ve been upset about “too perfect of an ending” in other books where it just doesn’t fit. While I’m excited for the sequel, I would be perfectly content with this being the end of the story. It was wrapped up beautifully in a way where you can imagine what life will look like moving forward for these characters. That being said, I can’t wait to actually see what comes next and from Arthur’s point of view. 

yannis_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Such a nice book! 
Everything from the story until the language used. 
A must read for everyone, especially the ones who doubt about diversity

zaiphon's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-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

3.0

After beginning to read, I heard about the inspiration behind the story. While I wholeheartedly understand the sensitivity of this topic, I wanted to give the book a try to see what directive Klune was taking from that kind of "inspiration". 

Overall, I rather enjoyed this story. The comical but yet whimsical dialogue and characters remind me of something like - if Tim Burton met Ghibli. The characters and the descriptions of this world created something of that nature in my mind. The beginning was a little slow to start, but if you can make it through that, then the rest of the read keeps a steady pace. Although the back of the book describes romance, it is very light and subtle most times. So if you are looking for a lot of that, don't expect it to meet your needs.

Now, back to the more controversial topic. After digesting the story, I can see where Klune was attempting to lead us and inspire us. There were a lot of parallels utilizing the fantasy elements to draw attention to how a lot of our society functions in the real world. I got the impression that the Sixties Scoop scenario was something the author learned about and drew light inspiration from to create the fantasy setting. I wouldn't say this story is solely influenced on that particular topic solely. And while I would say this book is light hearted, difficult topics are woven througbout the narrative. Rather than a dark, "in your face" method, Klune created a tale of love, found home, and using your voice to ignite the sparks of change in a sweet, lighthearted story. It made you see the characters for who they are and not what they are.

Overall, I found it an interesting read but still wished there was a bit more umph in it.

ccrutcher's review against another edition

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5.0

I had no idea what to expect with this one.

And it turned out to be the cutest, most original, wholesome, feel-good story.

“Don’t you wish you were here?”

Yes, I do!