Fantasy Fiction: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

9/10

Dear Readers,

“He couldn’t believe it was only Wednesday. And it was made worse when he realized it was actually Tuesday.” Linus might be the first male written character, who also happens to be the first male character period to pass all my vibe checks. “He’d accepted long ago that some people, no matter how good their heart was or how much love they had to give, would always be alone.” Are you kidding me? That’s heartbreaking. To think someone walks around, someone’s son, someone’s baby walks around thinking they’re meant to spend the rest of their lives alone. 

Again, Linus proves to himself as a person and as someone who is brave. “So when he climbed out of the car, rocks crunching under his feet in the driveway, it was because he understood that sometimes one had to do unsavory things for those one cared about.” I’m pretty sure this was about a cat? I could be wrong, it's been awhile since I’ve read this (it took some time to gather my thoughts). 

This book is like X-men for kids. People who look and seem different, experiencing prejudice, “Just because you don’t experience prejudice in your everyday doesn’t stop it from existing for the rest of us.” This is so real, and heartbreaking, to try to make someone who doesn’t get it understand what you go through as a person. 

And I just have to quote this one. “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.” The underdog always wins. 

I also love the found family trope that’s used here. Between Linus, the kids, Mr. Parnassus, etc, I loved the various different dynamics and personalities. In the fine words of Mr. Parnassus, “A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?” I think this gut wrenching and heartbreakingly beautiful story is one that needs to be told. Because it reminds people of so many fundamental lessons we have forgotten as a society today. To be bold and brave, to be fair and kind, to be just and to love. 

-Grace Sofia