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. Just like I always tell all of you to do! What do you think is the enduring appeal of this theme, which sometimes takes the shape of magical kids in a school? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. Once I got acquainted with the characters, their situation, and Linus Baker's mission, the book took a bit of a leisurely pace. In the following passage, he discovers an unconscious record store clerk, who's been (magically) thrown against the wall by the 6-year-old boy he tried to capture and exorcise: "Linus glanced down at Marty again. Linus himself is a lovable protagonist despite his prickliness, and Klune aptly handles his evolving feelings and morals. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a 2020 fantasy book that's still a popular bestseller. "The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. 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 book certainly offers some unique contributions within the fantasy and young adult genres, and it is backed . Whatever it is, I find it amusing that when I was younger, heroes are the people I want to be and now, in my thirties, I want heroes to be like me. 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. (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. I get written on, and I can never be used again. The story focuses on Linus Baker, longtime employee of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. All of the statues in that book arent able to move. Klune has spoken about how his asexuality influences his writing. : r/Fantasy 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. The two had met for the first time in person one year earlier at the 2012 GayRomLit Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I suspect I am liable to dislocate a shoulder if I try to reach as far as that. The historical absence of these communities in fiction has motivated choices in Klune's character development. A dangerous task. 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. Are you mad at me?' Both, in their own ways, are different forms of wish fulfillment. Why bother? as well as other partner offers and accept our, Katherine Fiorillo is a freelance content writer specializing in books, lifestyle, and e-commerce.Katherine has a B.A. 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. A really lovely book for middle grade, YA, and adult readers! Get me wet, and I melt. So does ambition when it interferes with kindness. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. So I stopped reading. The writing itself was good! 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. ', "Linus shook his head. The message is strong and the subtle character nuances make it very fresh and important for our time. 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. Linus suggests that perhaps some type of "extreme emotion state" triggered her powers. But the children arent the only secret the island keeps. Also, an attraction that cannot be denied is building between him and Arthur Parnassus, though he's doing his best to deny it. Queer romantic fiction and fantasy writer (born 1982). 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). When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management hes given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. 400 pp. I alternated between smiling to myself and tearing up when I read it. 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. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. 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. [9] His motivation for this first book came from a realization of the poor, often offensive stereotypes of queer characters within stories. So its not an accident, and its impossible to give him the benefit of the doubt that it is an accident. Theyre a story. And I understand why they did it. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: ilhamtower.com, +60321818626, +60127985220 Ilham tower - equilibrium in the city | kuala lumpur, malaysia There's a lot of ignorant prejudice directed against the kids in this story. (LogOut/ Librarian insisted that this descriptor be added. Imprint Publisher Tor Books ISBN 9781250217318 Reading Guide Organize a Book Club In The News A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! There he meets the mysterious Mr. Bellows, who runs the mysterious facility that houses six very quirky kids. I stopped reading..but you shouldnt! 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 message is at the heart of The House in the Cerulean Sea. Suggesting they are is gaslighting. This past week, a mass grave containing the remains of 215 children was discovered outside a former residential school in Kamloops BC. [6] Arvin endured many years of health struggles and passed away on December 12, 2016. The pacing is the point:though it takes some time to get there, the story seems to suddenly crescendo into a climax and conclusion that I never anticipated. Linus learns that home is more of a feeling than a place. The story follows Linus Baker, a 40-year-old Case Worker from the Department in Charge of Magical Youths as he travels to this highly classified location, burdened with the task of figuring out if the children are being adequately cared for (and if they, particularly Lucy, are likely to bring about the end of the world). The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. Follow. You can like the book and the author and still feel uneasy about the inspiration. to read. While the kids have often been abused and terrorized in the past, and their powers are sometimes dramatic, no one comes to real harm in the story. My absolute favorite part of this book is the appearance of one magical child named Lucy, who is (quite literally) the son of Satan. Please refer to the information below. Locked post. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a breezy and endearing book, perfect for lovers of light, comedic fantasy. Chapter 1. The whole alternate universe where things arent what they seem is NOT something I enjoy. And I reaaaaaaally wasnt enjoying this one. And furthermore, Linus ethnicity was never clarified in the book, not even once. A message we need. I dont always like the fantasy type either. literature, namely Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street and Toni Morrison's Jazz. Both, in their own ways, are different forms of wish fulfillment. And Mr Klunes detractors believe they are combating some harm that he is doing with his little fantasy novel. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. House in the Cerulean Sea By Ccile Tasson, Tj Klune and T. J. Klune A magical island. 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. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, published 2020 *Mr. It was a little gnome girl named Talia that he mistook for a lawn ornament. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Being queer himself, Klune believes. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy novel by TJ Klune, published in March 2020. He has lived his life according to the rules, until he is sent on a special project to Marsyas Island Orphanage - home to . Get me wet, and I melt. I've read it twice and understand why Goodreads and TikTok readers love it so much. I simply lack the uncompromising purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing. MUCH. Like-minded people building it up to a roar. Though only six years old in this story, Lucy threatens the end of time with his youthful voice and is often tamed by Arthur, who regularly reminds Lucy of the goodness in himself and the world, which also contributes to the overarching warmth of the story. Here, even the pudgy, dreary person finds love. in Journalism from Marist College and previously wrote for BuzzFeed's Shopping and Products beat. By writing The House in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is. To begin with, I would like to express some general thoughts on the two books. I loved this book and could not put it down. It is a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness. We must believe that all of us are, by and large, good people. It's a beautiful book' - Charlaine Harris, number one New York Times bestselling author The astonishing inhabitants he gets to know there will change his life and make him reassess everything he thought he knew. And I feel thatthose who said he glamourised residential schools in the bookare doing so in incredibly bad faith since the whole point of the book tries to make is that such state-run facilities are bad. [1] He was eight years old when he first began to write fiction. more Tor Books Paperback December 2020 400 Pages 9781250217318 Buy the Book $18.99 About the Author Praise Discussion Questions Excerpt He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. The girl isnt levitating anything, its a metaphor for a hobby or belief that society doesnt approve of, or something she would get made fun of. Maybe I will give it another try one day. 'I didn't do anything, really. It is nothing like Harry Potter. As to why there is a delay between the publishing of the book last year and the outrage this year, its because it was dredged up in the wake of the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nation children near Kamloops Indian Residential School last month and then the subsequent discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School a few days ago. Its the same reason why Mr Klune wrote the book, why I love the book, and why they hate the book. Suppose he wrote a story that is more openly inspired by the Sixties Scoop, featuring actual indigenous children as opposed to magical beings, I would actually find that more objectionable, profiteering, and ghoulish. Without the worlds knowledge. I wonder if that could make the story more tolerable for you? Klune is a queer author whose works often explore supernatural elements. The heartwarming, imaginative story follows a caseworker on an island of magical youth. In practice, it's more like assessing how dangerous they are, and taking a hard look at the methods of Arthur Parnassus, the headmaster. And then the main character meets a sprite. 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. However, the book is more nuanced than this suggests. [17][18], His stand-alone fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is a New York Times Best Seller and has been named by The Washington Post as one of 2020s Best Feel-Good Reads. "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 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. . This is a story about being brave, showing up as your true self, and seeing others for who they truly are. Published on Feb 13, 2023. I didnt see anyallusionsin the texteitherand read it as an allegory for discrimination against queer people. The following summaries about the house in the cerulean sea controversy will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Due to the prevalence of pen names in M/M romantic fiction, he wrote under the pseudonym TJ Klune. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Just for the record, it wasnt actually a moving statue. Third, because the author is on the record about the inspiration of the book, the link isnt tenuous. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. 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. *Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends! So, this is it? Im so sorry I went a bit MIA last week. enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound. The characters include an amorphous blob who aspires to be a bellhop, a wyvern who adores buttons, a gnome who loves gardening, and other delightful and distinct personalities. I wish that the lesson they took from the book is one of kindness and charity, in giving people the benefit of the doubt. Klune incorporates many real world problems in his book, such as child abuse, discrimination, and segregation. 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? At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. It is wish-fulfillment. Without the worlds knowledge. 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. Pub Date: March 17, 2020. ' The House in the Cerulean Sea' is a fantasy - romance novel written by TJ Klune. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Why do you think so many such tales involve islands? Being queer himself, Klune believes it's importantnow more than everto have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Genres Fantasy FictionLGBTRomanceYoung AdultAudiobookQueer .more 394 pages, Kindle Edition First published March 16, 2020 Book details & editions Not only is the young adult novel a bestseller in the New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post, it also won the 2021 Alex Award and 2021 RUSA Reading list. Its the best book I read this yearand I suspect it will remain, always, one of the sweetest books I have ever read. He has been working the job for seventeen years, and now he is forty, rotund, and alone. Pick a magical being and create the story of that person's discovery - how the person came to the notice of the Department. While our main character, Linus, has a narrative that starts off with a tinge of sadness, the book keeps this cozy feel throughout it. As Linus's adventures at The House in the Cerulean Sea continue, both he and the reader are drawn into its world, delighted by its residents, and more and more inclined to doubt the prejudice that finds them so dangerous. Learn more. 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. I loved how the author cleverly wove quantum physics into the story. A burning secret. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. As to why there is a delay between the publishing of the book last year and the outrage this year, its because it was dredged up in the wake of the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nation children near Kamloops Indian Residential School last month and then the subsequent discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School a few days ago. If we do not believe these half-lies, these fables, why do we even try? Contents 1 Origin Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. 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. Coincidentally, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about found families and islands, and it features someplace called the Marsyas Island Orphanage which is the home of an orphan named Lucyshort for Lucifer, for he is the Antichristwhere he lived with five other "dangerous" children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, a were-Pomeranian, and a bellhop Pick it back up and please finish it! It has become one of my favorites of al time. Hardcover - 17 March 2020. I read the first 2 Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more. A magical island. 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 is brilliant and gentle, the narrative slipping on like a well-worn sweater while performing a certain magic that makes it all feel fresh. There are many villains in the world, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is one of them. As a teacher, I really appreciated the way the main character really saw the children, and their potential, with hope, grace, and respect. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. So true. 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. Klune's characters are vibrant and visceral in the most wonderful way I couldn't help but love each of their personalities and look forward to the pages where I'd learn more about their histories and hobbies. Include how some of the characters would have been discovered to be sentient. House In The Cerulean Sea is a charming fantasy novel about Linus Baker, an employee of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless There's a dreamlike quality to Klune's writing that entices . 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. Travis John Klune (born May 20, 1982) is an American author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. The heartwarming, imaginative story follows a caseworker on an island of magical youth. Nervous energy or not, moving statues are just not for me. Espaol (prximamente) - volver al inicio, Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews. Archived post. [7][8], Klune's love of writing began as a child in the 1980s, where he would write fan fiction about his favorite action-adventure video game Metroid. Now, while I am not white, I am also not an indigenous First Nation person either, and I dont think anyone should listen to me but just in case you are, I wish to say I believe one has to be deeply uncharitable to read such heinous crimes into Mr Klunes book. Fantasy and sci-fi reviews by a Malaysian book wyrm. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. Linus Baker. AvaChannary. Change). 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. I am not much of a religion guy but I think it is important to have faith that no matter how unlikely it is, we can be anything we want. 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). 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 And it was quite apparent to all who met him that Lucy is a boy and because we live in a deeply gendered society, people naturally wondered why we named him thatand I, naturally a troll, enjoyed everyones bafflement so much that I was not always forthright with the explanation. Its estimated that over 20,000 indigenous children were taken, and it wasnt until 2017 that the families of those affected reached a financial settlement with the Canadian government totaling over eight hundred million dollars. No made up worlds, no moving statues, no levitating blocks, etc. I get written on, and I can never be used again. Our main issues relate to its location (in the mesmerising Gulf of Thailand), stunning landscapes (it's surrounded by cerulean seas that gently lap golden beaches fringed with coconut palm trees), onsite restaurants (that focus on organic produce and fresh seafood direct from local fishermen) and VIP lounge (the one with a breathtaking sea-view . Readers can't get enough of this magical story. I have lines. All rights reserved. **This is book #1 of the reading challenge that I set up for myself. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. to read? Details add ISBN-13: 9781250217318 ISBN-10: 1250217318 Publisher: Tor Books Publish Date: December 2020 Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches It is a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness. . We welcome your feedback. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. I am 100 percent positive that this book gives a beautiful message but unfortunately I just couldnt get past all of the fantastical elements to find it. Reblogged this on Salvation and Shenanigans. I am but paper. TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea made an immediate splash in the bookish zeitgeist upon its March 2020 debut. [21] Kirkus praises Klune for his art of creating enduring characters. I am parched parchment. 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. And all of that can be true, and you can still like the book and the story. And Mr Klunes detractors believe they are combating some harm that he is doing with his little fantasy novel. We operate independently from our advertising team. Change). We must believe that all of us are, by and large, good people. Oh, he understood why there was secrecy and could even comprehend the need for it. I tear. This story is adorable and quirky and heartfelt. The House on Mango Street and Jazz are first and A Naga is a divine dragon from Eastern Hindu-Buddhist tradition. Linus is charged with a special assignment by Extremely Upper Management. Linus isn't the first hero to be transformed by his experiences on an island. A dangerous task. I just finished this book, and I loved it! Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. You can refer to the answers below. His teachers would always encourage his work, saying they look forward to seeing his writing in bookstores one day. 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. Promise. But I prevailed, and am now at the halfway mark. 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. Yes! 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? In the epilogue of The House in the Cerulean Sea, the author seems to be setting up a potential sequel, and frankly, because of this, I'm a bit annoyed after finding out there's no sequel planned for the book.. 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. I teach high school emotional support. How dare people read strong connections between crimes against indigenous people into a book that was admittedly inspired by those crimes! Klune specifically explores how and why the actions and words of adults have long-term effects on children. A magical island. Am I wrong? ISBN-13: 9781250217288. The fact that I read 70 pages is proof of that! If you can distill a lovely day by the sea, your favourite song, and a warm hug by someone who loves you dearly into the form of a book, that book would be T. J. Klunes The House in the Cerulean Sea. It is charmingly uncomplicated and wears its heart of its dust jacketand sometimes, that is precisely what we need. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. To answer questions about The House in the Cerulean Sea , please sign up . Second, to ask what damage did this book do to indigenous people is to trivialize indigenous peoples generational trauma. Or maybe I am just getting old. Not for this. I read this book for the first time in the early weeks of the pandemic, just after it was published, and found the sweet story to be a simply enjoyable read. But there arent any moving statues in this book. He is sent on a secret mission to the remote island of Hesperides, home to an orphanage for magical children. The charming contemporary fantasy crossed genre thresholds to capture the . Klune was born in Roseburg, Oregon. Btw, I also really enjoyed Midnight Library. The orphanage is run by the mysterious Arthur Parnassus, with the assistance of the island's sprite, Zoe. Its the best book I read this yearand I suspect it will remain, always, one of the sweetest books I have ever read. Profiting from both the cultural and literal genocide of indigenous people. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is an uplifting, heart-warming fantasy tale that's become a New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post bestseller.