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A review by nataliestorozhenko
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
4.0
This book was a simple and heartwarming read. While there were some naive parts, it was full of kindness and love. This rating is based on my personal experience, and I must say that I had a good time reading it with a smile on my face.
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”
Later on, I found out that the book was inspired by the Sixties Scoop, a traumatic and terrible government initiative in Canada that affected Indigenous children. However, before reading, I had no idea about this and simply enjoyed the story of orphans with magical abilities. Even after learning about its inspiration, my perception of the book has not changed much. I expected the book to touch lightly upon minority issues, but it was not intended to be a serious discussion of such topics.
“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.”
While the book could have gone deeper into the different species presented and their issues with representation, or the problematic government initiative that had a "big brother is watching you" vibe, it was not written to discuss genocide. Its message is about enjoying ourselves and being kind to everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or gender. It emphasizes that by being virtuous ourselves, we can make small but important impacts.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”
Later on, I found out that the book was inspired by the Sixties Scoop, a traumatic and terrible government initiative in Canada that affected Indigenous children. However, before reading, I had no idea about this and simply enjoyed the story of orphans with magical abilities. Even after learning about its inspiration, my perception of the book has not changed much. I expected the book to touch lightly upon minority issues, but it was not intended to be a serious discussion of such topics.
“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.”
While the book could have gone deeper into the different species presented and their issues with representation, or the problematic government initiative that had a "big brother is watching you" vibe, it was not written to discuss genocide. Its message is about enjoying ourselves and being kind to everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or gender. It emphasizes that by being virtuous ourselves, we can make small but important impacts.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”