And I understand why they did it. He is sent on a secret mission to the remote island of Hesperides, home to an orphanage for magical children. He isnt taking up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers. Light me on fire, and I burn. "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 . A dangerous task. He also falls in love and discovers unsuspected depths of courage, loyalty, and tenacity in himself. It was really well-written and heartfelt. My absolute favorite part of this book is the appearance of one magical child named Lucy, who is (quite literally) the son of Satan. While I do love fantasy as a genre, thats not why I loved The House on the Cerulean Sea. If you love (can tolorate?) Linus is charged with a special assignment by Extremely Upper Management. 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. For more on this challenge and why Im forcing myself to do it, read THIS POST**. So, this is it? The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. House in the Cerulean Sea By Ccile Tasson, Tj Klune and T. J. Klune A magical island. I listened to it on audio, where the voiceover artist gave each character their own voice. Loading. This book highlights that real love is non-discriminatory, as well as emphasizes power of basic kindness. It should be said that she never actually murders anyone and becomes more docile on the island. His teachers would always encourage his work, saying they look forward to seeing his writing in bookstores one day. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. "The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. Tom Doherty Books. We used to have a rescue, a Siberian husky, whom we named Lucy. All of the statues in that book arent able to move. View more posts. You can help us help kids by "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless 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. Daisy, 11, used her powers to throw a chair at another kid, Marcus. At the end of the day, this is a fantasy novel that can satisfy many readers, even if they're not usually fantasy fans. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in . These scratches are a history. Just for the record, it wasnt actually a moving statue. 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). Pub Date: March 17, 2020. 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. While our main character, Linus, has a narrative that starts off with a tinge of sadness, the book keeps this cozy feel throughout it. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult fantasy novel, originally published on March 17, 2020. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Theyre a story. MUCH. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Who do you think does it best? 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. 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. By writing The House in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is. 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. What damage had The House in the Cerulean Sea done to indigenous people? Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. 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. I had promised you my thoughts on The House in the Cerulean Sea last weekhere they are today! It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. As such, Linus's compassion, courage, and journey to overcome feelings of worthlessness and a lack of belonging are at the forefront of the story. TJ Klune This person is the author of The House in the Cerulean Sea. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. This story is adorable and quirky and heartfelt. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: ilhamtower.com, +60321818626, +60127985220 Ilham tower - equilibrium in the city | kuala lumpur, malaysia 'Why do you sound like that? The Time Travelers Wife is an example of a book like this and that book is most definitely fantasy! Travis John Klune (born May 20, 1982) is an American author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. 'Marty is so fired, you don't even know. This book does include grown-up themes (such as romance, maltreatment of foster children) but with a gentleness that makes it accessible and appropriate for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Later in his childhood, he began writing original stories. [9] His motivation for this first book came from a realization of the poor, often offensive stereotypes of queer characters within stories. 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. It is wish-fulfillment. 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. [22] It was named one of Amazon's Best science fiction and fantasy books of 2020. Both, in their own ways, are different forms of wish fulfillment. 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. 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. TJ Klune, 2019. 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). Without spoiling anything, it's so tremendously written that you don't realize small hints had been left throughout the story until all the pieces harmoniously come together. What a beautiful and insightful comment! Do you see anything similar happening in your own day-to-day life? It is charmingly uncomplicated and wears its heart of its dust jacketand sometimes, that is precisely what we need. Love wins in this book. 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. By writing The House in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is. Published on Feb 13, 2023. And furthermore, Linus ethnicity was never clarified in the book, not even once. Linus Baker is a case worker who has been assigned by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth ("DICOMY") to investigate an incident at an orphanage. So I stopped reading. Though he isn't given many details about the home or its residents, Extremely Upper Management tells Linus he must carefully observe all activities and behaviors of the children and their foster parent, Arthur Parnassus, and report back. Profiting from both the cultural and literal genocide of indigenous people. literature, namely Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street and Toni Morrison's Jazz. And I understand why they did it. We operate independently from our advertising team. The fact that I read 70 pages is proof of that! Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. What do you think is the enduring appeal of this theme, which sometimes takes the shape of magical kids in a school? 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. Klune was born in Roseburg, Oregon. Brittle and thin. [2], Klune's first book, Bear, Otter and the Kid, was published in 2011. Maybe one of them doesnt like fantasy books and everyone else does lol. Reparations were paid by the Canadian government for this action in 2017. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. 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. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. Brittle and thin. 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 was a little gnome girl named Talia that he mistook for a lawn ornament. 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 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. 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. 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. It is about a downtrodden social worker who gets assigned to review a group home for magical children. From the moment Linus steps onto the island, the story takes on a soft and warm aesthetic as we meet heartwarming characters who have found a safe haven from people who not only misunderstand them, but often lash out with prejudice, aggression, and fear. 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. I have lines. I am but paper. Its the same reason why Mr Klune wrote the book, why I love the book, and why they hate the book. Does that make sense? Who is just a regular person in a world where magic exists. These scratches are a history. Linus Baker is a social worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. In 2013, he wrote a magical realist novel, Into This River I Drown, while processing the death of his father. This Lucy. I so appreciate you sharing another perspective. And you know what? And Mr Klunes detractors believe they are combating some harm that he is doing with his little fantasy novel. What damage had The House in the Cerulean Sea done to indigenous people? Linus is chosen for his strict rule-following and thorough reports, so he's charged with investigating a peculiar foster home of magical children. Brittle and thin. in Journalism from Marist College and previously wrote for BuzzFeed's Shopping and Products beat. Kindness beats all evil!! *, *Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*, *If you already have a blog, please follow mine*, *Like myFacebook page(and please comment on, like, and share my posts)*, *Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links. Again, I am not opposed to anyone wanting to read whatever it is they want into any text but I just want to spend a minute here to ask ourselves: what harm are we averting, mitigating, or neutralising here exactly by attacking Mr Klune? [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. It is a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness. Great messages about being yourself, family, and courage, with humor and fun along the way! I am but paper. 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. Already I wasnt into it but I decided to keep reading. 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. 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. A burning secret. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Are you mad at me?' Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. 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. 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. It was about this time that Linus felt his vision gray yet again at the thought ofof this child. The characters he meets there will steal your heart. Thank you so much for sharing . Reading challenge or not, I will forever stand by the fact that there are too many good books out there to continue reading one that you arent enjoying. 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.. 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. If I sound angry it's at this this man, not you.'. 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. We won't share this comment without your permission. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. Please tell me (warn me?) In practice, it's more like assessing how dangerous they are, and taking a hard look at the methods of Arthur Parnassus, the headmaster. 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. The opposite, if anything. ', "Linus shook his head. 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. , Ha ok good to knowbut.you just lost me at little gnome girl. Hiiii! The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, published 2020 *Mr. [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. Travis John Klune (born May 20, 1982) is an American author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. Just like I always tell all of you to do! Change). Home is a multi-layered theme in the novel, as it relates to both places and people. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As the narrative utilizes a limited third-person perspective, the reader's understanding of the world of the novel is filtered through him. So, this is it? 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. 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This is a story about being brave, showing up as your true self, and seeing others for who they truly are. Its for us to listen. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. (LogOut/ Or maybe I am just getting old. 'Likely to cause heart-swelling' - Washington Post 'A modern fairy tale . I read the first 2 Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more. 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. Thank you for this insightful comment! By Chad Armstrong The House in the Cerulean Sea is available now. His young work in poetry and short stories were the first to be published. The House in The Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune is a multi-award winner. We welcome your feedback. It's a beautiful book' - Charlaine Harris, number one New York Times bestselling author 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. And then around page 70ish there was a statue. It is a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness. Its the same reason why Mr Klune wrote the book, why I love the book, and why they hate the book. 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. Now, I shant go too deeply into the history of it all because there have been reams enough written about it but basically, Mr Klune said that while he already figured out the general plot about an Orwellian world where magical children face bigotry and discrimination just for merely existing, the story didnt become clear to him until he learned about the Sixties Scoop in Canada: beginning in the 1950s and continuing through the 1980s, indigenous children were taken from their homes and families and placed into government-sanctioned facilities, such as residential schools. The historical absence of these communities in fiction has motivated choices in Klune's character development. On its own. It was my daughters Spring Break and while I had every intention of still blogging, spending that extra time with my kids just felt so good. Anyway, just through Id offer another perspective. 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. 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