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A review by kelly_e
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
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
5.0
Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5
Pub Date: March 16 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Whimsical • Feel-good • Comforting
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When case worker, Linus Baker is given a special assignment at the mysterious island orphanage, home to the most dangerous magical children, his entire world is turned upside down. Linus, a by-the-book rule follower is tasked with ensuring the children are safe, and finds his own assumptions challenged when he meets the kids and the man who runs the orphanage. A powerful story of love and family, and finding a place to call home.
💠T H O U G H T S
I'd recently heard T.J. Klune talk during an author event I attended, and instantly knew I wanted to read some of his work. I decided to start with The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I'd seen so many glowing reviews for. I'd like to start out by saying that fantasy books are not typically my cup of tea, and I tend to avoid them. Additionally, I'm often disappointed my books that are loved by so many, but this was a delightful surprise.
This was such an enjoyable and much needed reading experience for me. I loved the cast of unique and endearing characters, as each one brought something different to the table. I won't soon forget all of the positive and inspirational messages put forth in this phenomenal book. The writing was immersive and it just made me have hope in humanity when so many terrible things seem to be going on. The unconventional love story was a breath of fresh air, the tackling of contemporary issues such as homophobia and cultural bias were handled well, and the theme of what a family and home is added depth. I am always satisfied when a book takes me on an emotional journey, and this one did just that.
This is a special kind of book that doesn't come around everyday, a comforting embrace in the form of a book! Compassion, empathy and acceptance are something we could all use a little more of. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, and it's perfect for any mood. Eventually, I could see it becoming part of the school curriculum. I cannot wait to read his forth coming novel!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone whose ever felt like they don't belong
• readers looking for a literary hug
• Harry Potter fans
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'They fear what they don't understand. And that fear turns to hate for reasons I'm sure even they can't begin to comprehend. And since they don't understand the children, since they fear them, they hate them. This can't be the first time you've heard of this. It happens everywhere.'"
"'Home is where you feel like yourself.'"
"'Just because you don't experience prejudice in your everyday doesn't stop it from existingf0r the rest of us.'"
"The world likes to see things in black and white, in moral and immoral. But there is gray in between. And just because a person is capable of wickedness, doesn't mean they will act upon it. And then there is the notion of perceived immorality. I highly doubt Chauncey would even consider laying a tentacle on another person in violence, even if it meant protecting himself. And yet people see him and decide based upon his appearance that he is something monstrous.'"
"...home isn't always the house we live in. It's also the people we choose to surround ourselves with."
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5
Pub Date: March 16 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Whimsical • Feel-good • Comforting
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When case worker, Linus Baker is given a special assignment at the mysterious island orphanage, home to the most dangerous magical children, his entire world is turned upside down. Linus, a by-the-book rule follower is tasked with ensuring the children are safe, and finds his own assumptions challenged when he meets the kids and the man who runs the orphanage. A powerful story of love and family, and finding a place to call home.
💠T H O U G H T S
I'd recently heard T.J. Klune talk during an author event I attended, and instantly knew I wanted to read some of his work. I decided to start with The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I'd seen so many glowing reviews for. I'd like to start out by saying that fantasy books are not typically my cup of tea, and I tend to avoid them. Additionally, I'm often disappointed my books that are loved by so many, but this was a delightful surprise.
This was such an enjoyable and much needed reading experience for me. I loved the cast of unique and endearing characters, as each one brought something different to the table. I won't soon forget all of the positive and inspirational messages put forth in this phenomenal book. The writing was immersive and it just made me have hope in humanity when so many terrible things seem to be going on. The unconventional love story was a breath of fresh air, the tackling of contemporary issues such as homophobia and cultural bias were handled well, and the theme of what a family and home is added depth. I am always satisfied when a book takes me on an emotional journey, and this one did just that.
This is a special kind of book that doesn't come around everyday, a comforting embrace in the form of a book! Compassion, empathy and acceptance are something we could all use a little more of. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, and it's perfect for any mood. Eventually, I could see it becoming part of the school curriculum. I cannot wait to read his forth coming novel!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone whose ever felt like they don't belong
• readers looking for a literary hug
• Harry Potter fans
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'They fear what they don't understand. And that fear turns to hate for reasons I'm sure even they can't begin to comprehend. And since they don't understand the children, since they fear them, they hate them. This can't be the first time you've heard of this. It happens everywhere.'"
"'Home is where you feel like yourself.'"
"'Just because you don't experience prejudice in your everyday doesn't stop it from existingf0r the rest of us.'"
"The world likes to see things in black and white, in moral and immoral. But there is gray in between. And just because a person is capable of wickedness, doesn't mean they will act upon it. And then there is the notion of perceived immorality. I highly doubt Chauncey would even consider laying a tentacle on another person in violence, even if it meant protecting himself. And yet people see him and decide based upon his appearance that he is something monstrous.'"
"...home isn't always the house we live in. It's also the people we choose to surround ourselves with."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Mental illness
Minor: Child abuse
discrimination