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bzliz's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Xenophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
cozyfantasyfaetay's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
This is my 2nd TJ Klune and I'm a fan. The writing and characters always pull me in. A hard act to follow. Beautiful, deep storytelling, multidimensional. Read this and feel your heart grow three sizes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Confinement, Cursing, and Body shaming
moond4ncer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
I loved my experience with this book. Funny, witty, compassionate and a beautiful reminder of all the good things in life. I'll return to this book and recommend it to many friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Confinement, and Forced institutionalization
driedmintleaves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. I have not weeped with tears of joy at a books ending like this in a long time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Body shaming, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
acingit13's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder and Body shaming
te_ss_i's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Forced institutionalization
smleeth93's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, and Body shaming
Minor: Religious bigotry, Violence, Cannibalism, and Confinement
avciera7's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming and Child abuse
erikagibson126's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Abandonment, Xenophobia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Colonisation
linearev's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
Really great little story about finding where you belong in a world full of mistrust and hate. I didn’t give it 5 start because the main character really frustrates me in just about 60% of the book at least. However, the supporting cast consisting of the children and Arthur (and calliope) was so great it had me kicking my feet and wishing to adopt magical creatures. My favorites (though I would never pick favorites) are Lucy, Theodore and Chauncey along with Calliope, but pretty much all the characters are amazingly written. The most no plot just vibes book ever!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Abandonment, Confinement, Police brutality, Child abuse, and Body shaming