I have got to be a really lucky reader. Another 5-star read for me already! The House in the Cerulean Sea was the book club pick for the month for the Book Clinic book club. I am so glad I found this gem of a book and had a chance to read it. If you loved Wonder by RJ Palaccio or The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime by Mark Haddon, or the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, then this book will be a great pick for you 🙂
It’s a straightforward story. The eternal fight between good vs evil, the underdog vs the system, the oppressor vs the oppressed. But what had me completely enamoured were the characters. And TJ Klune’s style of writing. I loved the self deprecating, satiric humour in the story. I loved the fact that although there were some very serious subjects that were being talked about through this story, it was narrated through the eyes of endearing characters and with such simplicity and light heartedness, that I didn’t feel like I had a headache or that everything sucked in the world, when I finished the book.
Because the book is about hope, love, friendships, redemption, finding your courage and coming out stronger than you believed you were. Also, how gorgeous is that cover?? (**heart eyes**)
There were so many notable and inspiring passages in the story that I think I ended up highlighting almost half of the book! 😀
I also have a new favorite – Linus Baker. I’m in love with Linus Baker’s character. What a gem of a person. The rest of the cast is equally interesting and unforgettable.
Read this book if you want to read something happy and come back a better person. Or read this book if you just want to check out a few prompts from your reading challenge because this story includes a range of them starting from – own voice authored story, positive LGBTQIA references, stories about magic and children, fiction, a book situated on an island, a book about overcoming prejudices or body shaming or accepting yourself, a book about kindness…you get the picture. The list is endless. 🙂
I want to explore more of T.J. Klune’s work now. I should get into pre-ordering the next books that he’s going to release. 😉
Bookish discussions:
Have you guys read this book? What was your favorite moment or quote from the book? I have so many, but here’s one I loved 🙂
“I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They’re a story. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. I am parched parchment. I have lines. I have holes. Get me wet, and I melt. Light me on fire, and I burn. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. I tear. I am but paper. Brittle and thin.”
Sal (R.J. Klune) from The House In The Cerulean Sea
Do you think there will be a sequel to this book? I couldn’t find any mention of a sequel anywhere, but just wanted to check, since I didn’t want to miss the sequel if there was one 🙂
Starry Eyed Enigma 