A review by twistykris
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

The first time you share tea, you are a stranger.
The second time you share tea, you're an honored guest.
The third time you share tea, you become family.

A heartwarming, beautiful story about death and its second chances. Klune took the heavy, dark topic of death and grief and turned it into a comforting, at at times lighthearted, notion. As an agnostic person who has dealt with death (and my own severe depression), this book spoke to me in a way that I needed to hear. 

The characters are very well-written and I loved Wallace's development, from a cold-hearted asshole, to a caring, loving, gentle man.

A heartbreaking and heartwarming tale, all leaving me feeling wrapped up in a fuzzy weighted blanket. I will be thinking about this book for a very long time.

UPDATE, LATE-JANUARY, EARLY FEBRUARY: After the loss of a friend, I can honestly say this book has affected me more than I realized. I am so grateful I read this a mere couple days before his unexpected passing, for it has provided comfort in the idea that he was escorted by Wallace and/ or Mei to see Hugo, had a lovely cup of tea, and was told he could stay as long as he wanted or needed to. And that he could enter the door whenever he was ready. Miss you, Pat <3
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