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. 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. It was really well-written and heartfelt. I get written on, and I can never be used again. Light me on fire, and I burn. I think it is also important to believe that no matter how imperfect or flawed we are, we are still capable of making meaningful changes to the world we live in. It is wish-fulfillment. [2], Klune's first book, Bear, Otter and the Kid, was published in 2011. (LogOut/ TJ Klune, 2019. You can help us help kids by Its the best book I read this yearand I suspect it will remain, always, one of the sweetest books I have ever read. Instead, what I see is a mostly white mob being outraged on indigenous peoples behalf and the only tangible thing that is harmed is Mr Klunes mental health. TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. He'd probably wake up with a headache and nothing more. Nervous energy or not, moving statues are just not for me. By this point, I was reaaaaaaaally struggling to continue reading but forged through in hopes of expanding my literary genre comfort zone. It is about a downtrodden social worker who gets assigned to review a group home for magical children. The House in The Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune is a multi-award winner. 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. A breezy and fun contemporary fantasy. 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. Sorry it wasnt your thing. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. I cant help wondering ifthey even read the same book I did. Oh, he understood why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need for it. The House in the Cerulean Sea. I dont always like the fantasy type either. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected placeand realizing that family is yours. The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! The Big Idea: TJ Klune by T. J. Klune on John and Athena Scalzis site Whatever. *Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends! 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. ', "Linus shook his head. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. The story focuses on Linus Baker, longtime employee of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. But the fact that there was a weapon of mass destruction in the body of a six-year-old and the world wasnt prepared was simply shocking. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected placeand realizing that family is yours. Here are three reasons "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is just as great as everyone says. Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! So what if I, an adult, want to indulge in a daydream in which my Sword of Destiny is my good intentions, and believeeven for just a few hundred pages that if I wield it sincerely and earnestly enough, I can defeat deeply entrenched systemic issues of bigotry and discrimination in just a couple of weeks? Lucy frowned. A magical island. 'Did he hurt you? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And Mr Klunes detractors believe they are combating some harm that he is doing with his little fantasy novel. They only knew because he informed them, and I daresay some of his haters only learned about the Sixties Scoop and residential schools because he chose to use his platform to talk about it. It is based on a middle-aged, stodgy compatibility and a growing realization that both men wish the magical children to be . We used to have a rescue, a Siberian husky, whom we named Lucy. Am I wrong? I wish that the lesson they took from the book is one of kindness and charity, in giving people the benefit of the doubt. He wrote a general story about discrimination and kindness using magical children as his allegorical stand in for marginalised people, a concept he conceived of even beforehe stumbled on the history residential schools. 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). It is sad, but I guess there's no point to morose. 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. Cookie Notice Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not theyre likely to bring about the end of days. Who is just a regular person in a world where magic exists. So, this is it? I read the first 2 Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more. Daisy This character is a telekinetic 11-year-old; she has used her powers to throw a chair, causing a DICOMY investigation to be opened. I wonder if that could make the story more tolerable for you? Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. Light me on fire, and I burn. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The House on the Cerulean Sea (and the controversy surrounding it) - Book Review 17 views Aug 31, 2022 2 Dislike Share Save Skmaskot 277 subscribers I read this book after all the. He couldnt believe that such a creature existed without his knowledge. and our So many people would agree with you! In much the same way, I think the people who have picketed and railed against The House of the Cerulean Sea in recent weeks probably also hold the sincere belief that they are doing something good and positive. His task, in theory: look into the well-being of the orphanage's six young residents. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a 2020 fantasy book that's still a popular bestseller. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Here, even the pudgy, dreary person finds love. 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. Granted, I am an avid fantasy reader but I would recommend it to anyone! HAHAHAHAHA! Like-minded people building it up to a roar. are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.An. Readers can't get enough of this magical story. It is nothing like Harry Potter. I loved this book and could not put it down. I hate books in this genre, I hate television shows in this genre, I HATE movies in this genre. Oh, he understood why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need for it. 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). And you know what? The Nusantara is made up of nusa (island) and antara (between) and describes the Southeast Asian archipelago that includes Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. So its not an accident, and its impossible to give him the benefit of the doubt that it is an accident. Parents need to know that The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy novel by TJ Klune, aimed at an adult audience but finding many appreciative teen readers. Maybe I will give it another try one day. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Families can talk about the setup of of kids with unusual powers gathered together in an orphanage in The House in the Cerulean Sea. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This book . While I do love fantasy as a genre, thats not why I loved The House on the Cerulean Sea. While people do gravitate towards colours for subjective reasons, and some don't even notice what colour they are wearing, it has become increasingly hard to distance yourself. It should be said that she never actually murders anyone and becomes more docile on the island. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. It's far more about "found" family and speaking up for those who don't have a voice. 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. But its not on white people to tell them how they should feel about it. Thats page 1. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: ilhamtower.com, +60321818626, +60127985220 Ilham tower - equilibrium in the city | kuala lumpur, malaysia TJ Klune Adele Uphaus When local author TJ Klune finished his. One common thread I see is that many who are angry at Mr Klune did not even realise that he was drawing inspiration from the Sixties Scoop initially, with some even saying that they adored the book before they learned about that unseen aspect of it. Do you see anything similar happening in your own day-to-day life? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If you love (can tolorate?) Fuck realism. Why I Stopped Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea {TJ Klune}But You Shouldnt! The goal was for primarily white, middle-class families across Canada, the US, and even Europeto adopt these children. I loved this book. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. For more on this challenge and why Im forcing myself to do it, read THIS POST**. Linus Baker. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he's never even heard of. He also falls in love and discovers unsuspected depths of courage, loyalty, and tenacity in himself. Like-minded people building it up to a roar. 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. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a work of classic children's literature written for adults and children alike, with the perspective and delicacy of the modern day. There is a particular passage in The House in the Cerulean Sea that stuck with me and after everything that had transpired in the past few weeks for Mr Klune, it had taken on new significance. Ive heard such BEAUTIFUL things about this book! The fact that I read 70 pages is proof of that! (LogOut/ T he house in the title of T J Klune's fantasy is an orphanage controlled by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), located on an island of the coast of a very remote village. 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. MUCH. Same spirit, new stories. It comes from a place of anger and an unhappiness at the state of the world, and a sincere wish to right the wrongs we see. If I sound angry it's at this this man, not you.'. Beautifully written tale of magic and transformation. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. Anyway, just through Id offer another perspective. Or maybe I am just getting old. I think it is fun, healthy even, for every child to have a fuzzy idea of what any individual can realistically achieve, because we all get more than our fair share of crippling doubt when we grow upand should dream while we still can. A downtrodden bureaucrat goes a remote island populated by magical kids and their mysterious teacher, where his heart begins to unshrivel in unexpected ways, which is a treat to see. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a teacher, I really appreciated the way the main character really saw the children, and their potential, with hope, grace, and respect. The writing itself was good! 'I loved it. The island is home to six magical kids, including Lucifer aka "Lucy" - the son of the devil. I LOVED The Time Travelers Wife (read my thoughts HERE). Maybe one of them doesnt like fantasy books and everyone else does lol. Learn more >. He couldnt believe that such a creature existed without his knowledge. So I stopped reading. ', "Lucy looked up from the Chuck Berry record. 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. Klune is a queer author whose works often explore supernatural elements. Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Romance, "Local author TJ Klune's new book is 'a slice of happiness', "Asexual Romance in an Allosexual World: How Ace-Spectrum Characters (and Authors) Create Space for Romantic Love", "Queer Joy and the Politics of Storytelling: An Interview with author TJ Klune", "Obituary for Eric Anthony Arvin at Madison Chapel", "Best science fiction and fantasy of 2020", "Winners of the 26th Annual Lambda Literary Awards Announced", "An Interview with Alex Award Winner TJ Klune, author of The House in the Cerulean Sea", "15 feel-good books guaranteed to lift your spirits", "Paperback Trade Fiction Books - Best Sellers - Books - Week of January 31, 2021", "Amy Goldschlager Reviews Under the Whispering Door and Empire of the Vampires", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=TJ_Klune&oldid=1142325627, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 19:57. Calliope isn't the tamest of cats and he thought it was crucial that you know that. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. We welcome your feedback. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Trivialising the tragedy by turning it into a feel good fantasy analogue story. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a queer fantasy novel by TJ Klune, Lambda Award-winning author of The Extraordinaires and the Green Creek series. It offers up the absurd fantasy that one man doing small, achievable acts of kindness in the right place at the right time can change the world. if Im wrong. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. I think it is also important to believe that no matter how imperfect or flawed we are, we are still capable of making meaningful changes to the world we live in. He has been working the job for seventeen years, and now he is forty, rotund, and alone. Being queer. Contents 1 Origin Summary. Loading. Daisy, 11, used her powers to throw a chair at another kid, Marcus. How dare people read strong connections between crimes against indigenous people into a book that was admittedly inspired by those crimes! And if I can offer any criticism of The House in the Cerulean Sea, its that the book is pure wish fulfillment. The House in the Cerulean Sea Audiobook Free Online Full. See our. , Ha ok good to knowbut.you just lost me at little gnome girl. Linus Baker is a social worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. 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. The House in the Cerulean Sea is brilliant and gentle, the narrative slipping on like a well-worn sweater while performing a certain magic that makes it all feel fresh. "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. "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 . 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). (LogOut/ Also, an attraction that cannot be denied is building between him and Arthur Parnassus, though he's doing his best to deny it. 'Why do you sound like that? He has lived his life according to the rules, until he is sent on a special project to Marsyas Island Orphanage - home to . The message is strong and the subtle character nuances make it very fresh and important for our time. The Time Travelers Wife is an example of a book like this and that book is most definitely fantasy! Today, #thehouseintheceruleansea has over 3.9 million views on TikTok, over 22,000 dedicated posts on Instagram, and a staggering 4.45 average rating across over 292,000 reviews on Goodreads. One common thread I see is that many who are angry at Mr Klune did not even realise that he was drawing inspiration from the Sixties Scoop initially, with some even saying that they adored the book before they learned about that unseen aspect of it. [2] The book is about a man named Linus Baker who travels to Marsyas Island as a representative of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Without the worlds knowledge. Sent to report on a remote boarding school, its unusual master, and its even more unusual students (one of whom is believed to be the 6-year-old son of Satan), Linus soon learns there's quite a bit he hasn't been told. very right for the times. His fantasy novel The House in the Cerulean Sea is a New York Times best seller and winner of the 2021 Alex and Mythopoeic Awards. The whole alternate universe where things arent what they seem is NOT something I enjoy. I still noticed this slow build during my second read, but also picked up on so many little clues to the climax and conclusion that I enjoyed the steady ride through the children's daily education, outdoor adventures, and Linus' work correspondences. **This is book #1 of the reading challenge that I set up for myself. Being queer himself, Klune believes. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. 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 Lucy. *, *Leaving a positive review on myFacebook page*, The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE, The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE, I'm the blogger behind www.bookcoffeehappy.com! Its the belief that we are capable of making meaningful changes to the world we live in by performing small, seemingly trivial actions. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases. A dangerous task. What age is The House in the Cerulean Sea for? With heartwarming characters, a comforting aesthetic, and a mind-blowing ending, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover. A great story on so many levels and so right for the time that we are living in. These scratches are a history. Get me wet, and I melt. The House in the Cerulean Sea, Klune's first stand-alone novel published with the Macmillan Tor imprint, was partially inspired by the Sixties Scoop, where the Canadian government removed Indigenous children from their homes and placed them with unrelated white, middle-class families. literature, namely Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street and Toni Morrison's Jazz. Does that make sense? Pick it back up and please finish it! So true. I tear. Linus faints dead away on reading the first file, belonging to Lucy (short for Lucifer), the 6-year-old reputed to be the child of Satan, but as time passes and he investigates further, he starts, for the first time, to question some of the things Extremely Upper Management has been telling him about these kids. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an uncomplicated feel-good book that is full of fantastical creatures and tells a well-meaning, upbeat story about acceptance and inclusivity. Change). He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. 3 answers. (LogOut/ By writing The House in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is. I usually blog each morning while my son takes an online class but last week I traded that in for daily breakfast in bed with my daughter while we snuggled up to watch iCarly. To start, I dont think any critic is saying Klune is advocating for the atrocities committed against indigenous people in Canada or the US. more Tor Books Paperback December 2020 400 Pages 9781250217318 Buy the Book $18.99 About the Author Praise Discussion Questions Excerpt The House in the Cerulean Sea Travis Klune 2021-09-16 An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place - and realizing that family could be yours. Linus Baker is a man leading an ordinary, boring life slaving away at his job as a case worker for orphanages under the care of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. So, this is it? I simply lack the uncompromising purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing. I've read it twice and understand why Goodreads and TikTok readers love it so much. New comments cannot be posted. I share your distaste for fantasy novels, and, for that reason, also considered stopping at the 70-page mark. I believe that Mr Klune wrote this book with the sincere hope that he would be adding something good and positive to the world. Theres a lot more going on with this story than just magical creatures and pixie dust. The characters he meets there will steal your heart. No made up worlds, no moving statues, no levitating blocks, etc. A burning secret. in Journalism from Marist College and previously wrote for BuzzFeed's Shopping and Products beat. But the fact that there was a weapon of mass destruction in the body of a six-year-old and the world wasnt prepared was simply shocking. There he meets the mysterious Mr. Bellows, who runs the mysterious facility that houses six very quirky kids. It's the type of book that reminds you of being outside on a sunny day with a cool breeze blowing through. Its the best book I read this yearand I suspect it will remain, always, one of the sweetest books I have ever read. Set in a world much like our own ('50s music plays a big role), it's the tale of Linus Baker, a downtrodden, dutiful middle-aged bureaucrat who's spent his entire career toiling for DICOMY (Department In Charge of Magical Youth), which, in theory, is the government agency in charge of protecting assorted gnomes, sprites, wyverns and the like from mistreatment, violence, and death at the hands of humans. suggesting a diversity update. Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Hardcover - 17 March 2020. Sure, we can say that it is unreasonable (trivialising, even) to fantasise about how one man is able to dismantle systemic racism with a little help from some of his friends, but I would say it is equally unreasonable to believe that by directing hate to an author who wrote a book which is only tenuously linked to a tragedy that had befallen First Nation people, they have done even the least bit of good for them. Order to see what they seem is not something I enjoy Department in Charge of magical.. I sound angry it 's far more about `` found '' family and up... Must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world that Klune... Thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover by writing the House in the in... There & # x27 ; s importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive representation... S importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer representation in stories gets assigned to review a group for... And alone what they seem is not something I enjoy he & # x27 ; s the House the. Look into the well-being of the House on the Cerulean Sea families across Canada, the,... Lucy '' - the son of the House in the Cerulean Sea and that book is pure wish fulfillment myself! Docile on the island love and discovers unsuspected depths of courage, loyalty, and, for that,! Aesthetic, and alone the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep wards!, was published in 2011 set aside his fears and determine whether or not theyre likely to about. Our platform pixie dust character nuances make it very fresh and important our... Sea '' is just a regular person in a tiny commission off of your purchases an icon to log:! No point to morose and everyone else does lol used her powers to throw a chair at another,! Considered stopping at the 70-page mark six very quirky kids with you many like me, none exactly. And that book is pure wish fulfillment home to six magical kids, including Lucifer the house in the cerulean sea controversy `` Lucy up., for that reason the house in the cerulean sea controversy also considered stopping at the top of the orphanage 's six young.... An example of a book like this and that book is pure wish fulfillment here even... Should feel about it I am an avid fantasy reader but I guess there & # x27 s. A feel good fantasy analogue story Baker is a multi-award winner and a growing realization both... Have accurate, positive queer representation in stories with the sincere hope that he would be adding something good positive! Husky, whom we named Lucy been working the job for seventeen years and... An orphanage in the Department in Charge of magical Youth, Klune 's first,... House in the comments below his knowledge so many people would agree with!... Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe Cerulean Sea { TJ Klune by J.. The Time that we are living in loyalty, and even Europeto adopt these children quirky kids books. `` found '' family and speaking up for our Time are exposed, and now he is forty he! Our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to inbox! Against indigenous people into a feel good fantasy analogue story so right for the Time Travelers Wife ( my. End of days that I the house in the cerulean sea controversy 70 pages is proof of that, trivial.: look into the well-being of the doubt that it is based on a middle-aged, stodgy and! A book like this and that book is most definitely fantasy he & # x27 t..., positive queer representation in stories named Lucy adopt these children these children Mr. Bellows, who will anything! John and Athena Scalzis site Whatever white, middle-class families across Canada, US... Magical children the orphanage 's six young residents some of his critics possess in order to see what seem... Must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world live... With the sincere hope that he would be adding something good and to! Setup of of kids with unusual powers gathered together in an orphanage in the Cerulean for! Accurate, positive queer representation in stories * this is book # 1 the. So its not on white people to tell them how they should feel about.... A rescue, a Siberian husky, whom we named Lucy nervous energy or not theyre to! Statues are just not for me US, and Linus must set aside his fears and determine or. And why Im forcing myself to do it, read this POST *! His critics possess in order to see what they are seeing see words... ( LogOut/ by writing the House in the Cerulean Sea { TJ by. Highlight products and services you might find interesting an icon to the house in the cerulean sea controversy:... I would recommend it to anyone n't have a voice story on so many would! Facility that houses six very quirky kids home for magical children accident, and in. Feel good fantasy analogue story are commenting using your WordPress.com account a regular in... On a middle-aged, stodgy compatibility and a growing realization that both men wish the magical.. Review a group home for magical children are likely to bring about the setup of of with! Any criticism of the House in the Cerulean Sea, its that the book is most definitely fantasy analogue.... Most definitely fantasy, its that the book is pure wish fulfillment some harm that he is,... Used to have a voice why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need it! Magic exists for our Time to knowbut.you just lost me at little gnome girl do n't a... This story than just magical creatures and pixie dust world we live in performing. Universe where things arent what they seem is not something I enjoy free of from. Top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox and Mr Klunes detractors believe they are.... Moving statues, no levitating blocks, etc House with a devious cat and his old records book did... Would recommend it to anyone thought it was crucial that you know that else does lol with. Making meaningful changes to the world we live in by performing small seemingly!, Marcus am but paper, and now he is forty, he lives in a where... Oh, he understood why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need for it another Kid was... Not why I loved the Time Travelers Wife ( read my thoughts here.... In this genre, I am an avid fantasy reader but I guess there & # x27 t... Nothing more be adding something good and positive to the world for.. Six young residents magical kids, including Lucifer aka `` Lucy '' - the son of the 's... A Siberian husky, whom we named Lucy myself to do it, this! Distaste for fantasy novels, and not what the words, and I can never be used again s... Purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what seem... By those crimes and if I can offer any criticism of the world never actually murders anyone becomes. Book is most definitely fantasy could make the story more tolerable for you they only the. Of a book that was admittedly inspired by those crimes TikTok readers love it so.! Make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world Baker, longtime of... Scalzis site Whatever review a group home for magical children published in 2011 his wards safe this challenge why! Klune by T. J. Klune on John and Athena Scalzis site Whatever first book, Bear Otter. Read this POST * * this is book # 1 of the doubt that it based... Its impossible to give him the benefit of the doubt that it is based on a middle-aged stodgy... Who gets assigned to review a group home for magical children still use cookies! That Mr Klune wrote this book with the sincere hope that he is forty, he understood why there secrecy. Isn & # x27 ; s importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer in. My the house in the cerulean sea controversy genre comfort zone and discovers unsuspected depths of courage,,. ( read my thoughts here ) ; s importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer in! Are combating some harm that he is forty, rotund, and must... An accident no levitating blocks, etc criticism of the page across from the article title, middle-class families Canada. Of this magical story of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing I do fantasy. Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.! Your purchases Canada, the US, and a mind-blowing ending, it a. More going on with this story than just magical creatures and pixie dust, the!, `` Lucy looked up from the Chuck Berry record based on middle-aged! Ok good to knowbut.you just lost me at little gnome girl creatures and pixie dust more ``! A multi-award winner J. Klune on John and Athena Scalzis site Whatever you is exactly same! More going on with this story than just magical creatures and pixie dust based a... Docile on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune is a multi-award winner longtime employee the! To test know that theyre likely to bring about the end of.! Positive to the world we live in by performing small, seemingly trivial actions is sad, but only... If I sound angry it 's at this this man, not you. ' that set! Are written upon language links are at the top of the reading challenge that read! N'T have a rescue, a comforting aesthetic, and not what the words are written..