A 2021 Alex Award winner! Have you read this book? Nor are people reading whatever they like into the book. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a 2020 fantasy book that's still a popular bestseller. Marcus I so appreciate you sharing another perspective. Sold. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. It is charmingly uncomplicated and wears its heart of its dust jacketand sometimes, that is precisely what we need. The argument for that accusation, if I follow their logic correctly, is that since Linus is a regular human interacting with an underclass of magic beings, he is a stand-in for white people (even though he has as much a chance of being white as Talia or Lucy, who are magical children). It wasnt easy to say goodbye to Lucy and leaving him with his newfound family when we moved our entire household from one island to another last year, and I cannot help but think of him as I read the explanation for Lucys name in T. J. Klunes The House in the Cerulean Sea. Lucy frowned. There he meets the mysterious Mr. Bellows, who runs the mysterious facility that houses six very quirky kids. And I reaaaaaaally wasnt enjoying this one. [2] Klune's writing influences include Stephen King, Wilson Rawls, Patricia Nell Warren, Robert McCammon, and Terry Pratchett. It's the type of book that reminds you of being outside on a sunny day with a cool breeze blowing through. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. The proud defense of their home and foster parent made me care for their well-being even more. Published on Feb 13, 2023. [11] Other novels written by Klune include the queer werewolf series Green Creek, the queer superhero series The Extraordinaries, the contemporary romance How to be a Normal Person and the comedic fantasy series Tales from Verania. I am parched parchment. " The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. With heartwarming characters, a comforting aesthetic, and a mind-blowing ending, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover. Second, to ask what damage did this book do to indigenous people is to trivialize indigenous peoples generational trauma. Being queer. Maybe I will give it another try one day. Home is a multi-layered theme in the novel, as it relates to both places and people. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. I think Im out on this one although I wish I wasnt! I wonder if you changed it to be metaphorical (not really a gnome, but maybe she looks or acts differently) and society views her as an outcast. If we do not believe these half-lies, these fables, why do we even try? Theyre a story. The House in the Cerulean Sea. She is an Army veteran, an avid reader, and designs book-themed stickers for her Etsy shop.Say hi to Katherine at. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Klune is a queer author whose works often explore supernatural elements. Maybe I enjoy the subversion as a sort of rebellion against the speciesof overpowered adolescent Chosen Ones who overpopulate the fantasy stories of my youth. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. This is why we have driven this gay man tothoughts of suicide? [12], Klune's Young Adult debut, The Extraordinaries, is praised by Kirkus for its use of superhero and fan fiction tropes, while Publishers Weekly compliments Klune on writing a teenaged character with ADHD in a positive and supportive light. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune Courtesy of MacMillan Publishers Jolie Hughes of Morgan Hill Bookstore in New London, N.H. has a recommendation for people who want a summer read that . Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Contents 1 Trigger Warnings 2 Representation 3 Tropes 4 Controversy 5 References Trigger Warnings Abuse (mentioned) Anxiety (trauma-related) Bigotry Body shaming Bullying Child abuse (backstory) Fatphobia (internalized) Homophobia Microaggressions Right out of the gates, it has a lot about it that I love in fantasy novels: Who is just a regular person in a world where magic exists. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. Linus Baker is a social worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. I suspect I am liable to dislocate a shoulder if I try to reach as far as that. Get me wet, and I melt. Travis John Klune (born May 20, 1982) is an American author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. Tom Doherty Books. We welcome your feedback. This particular Naga is Malaysian, born and bred. Are you mad at me?' There are so many messages in this beautifully written story. (LogOut/ And it isnt even a particularly original idea (I mean, its practically just X-Men) and if he didnt talk about his inspirations, no one could even tell. You can help us help kids by 'Did he hurt you? It is idealistic to a fault. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a beautiful fantasy story that begins with Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who has just been assigned a top-secret case. He wanted to be able to write a novel that had an accurate representation of queer relationships, that were not stereotypical, instead were seen as relatable and positive. As a teacher, I really appreciated the way the main character really saw the children, and their potential, with hope, grace, and respect. The parents' guide to what's in this book. Like-minded people building it up to a roar. TJ Klune Adele Uphaus When local author TJ Klune finished his. I loved how the author cleverly wove quantum physics into the story. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy novel by TJ Klune, published in March 2020. Its one of the best books Ive read in quite awhile. His young work in poetry and short stories were the first to be published. The House in the Cerulean Sea isn't really a gay romance, though the cover quote describes it as "like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket." There is attraction, yes, but it is not particularly physical or sexual. Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. MUCH. The messages about acceptance, loyalty, and tolerance are beautiful, as are the themes about embracing diversity and valuing people for their character. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. The House in the Cerulean Sea Audiobook Free Online Full. I read the first 2 Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more. I believe that Mr Klune wrote this book with the sincere hope that he would be adding something good and positive to the world. This past week, a mass grave containing the remains of 215 children was discovered outside a former residential school in Kamloops BC. That's page 1. To begin with, I would like to express some general thoughts on the two books. Maybe pictures would have helped me to want to continue reading?? Casting the romantic leads as two gentlemen in their forties gives the story something new and jaunty, but The House in the Cerulean Sea otherwise treads the tried-and-true household of magical misfits theme. Who do you think does it best? So I am going to say something nice (and true) about Mr Klunes book because I think we can be kinder to this paper man. Linus isn't the first hero to be transformed by his experiences on an island. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. It is idealistic to a fault. (LogOut/ But when TJ Klune's "The House in the Cerulean Sea" was first published in 2020, I seemed to be seeing the book everywhere and couldn't resist picking it up for myself. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. An Indie Next Pick! Cookie Notice As a kid, I loved those stories of some random farm boy discovering that he is literally chosen by fate to brandish earthshaking magic to vanquish evil. As for the charge of trivialising an actual tragedy, I think one has to decide for themselves if a story can trivialise something it literally does not reference in the text at all, even though the author may have drawn inspiration from it. One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020" These scratches are a history. Theyre a story. If we do not believe these half-lies, these fables, why do we even try? A burning secret.Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. The goal was for primarily white, middle-class families across Canada, the US, and even Europeto adopt these children. Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And it isnt even a particularly original idea (I mean, its practically just X-Men) and if he didnt talk about his inspirations, no one could even tell. I have holes. Some indigenous folks may, and others may not, take issue with the book. New comments cannot be posted. The goal was for primarily white, middle-class families across Canada, the US, and even Europeto adopt these children. He couldnt believe that such a creature existed without his knowledge. Not to mention that a reveal in the story directly contradicts the core principle of the Sixties Scoop (which is based on the belief that these kids should be removed from their own people). ', "'Like you're mad. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected placeand realizing that family is yours. ', "'He didn't,' J-Bone said. If you don't know what Canadian residential schools are, this was a government effort towards cultural assimilation of First Nations carried out by Catholic and Protestant churches. This story is adorable and quirky and heartfelt. This ultimately resulted in T. J. Klune, a prominent queer author, wanting to commit suicide during Pride Month and needing to up his dose of antidepressants to cope. This book is amazing and delightful. There are many villains in the world, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is one of them. 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