The House in the Cerulean Sea
TJ Klune, 2019
Tom Doherty Books
400 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781250217288
Summary
Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
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 place—and realizing that family is yours. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
TJ Klune is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House on the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries, both published in 2020. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories. (From the publisher.)
Book Reviews
(Starred reviewed) Quirk and charm give way to a serious exploration of the dangers of complacency in this delightful, thought-provoking Orwellian fantasy…. By turns zany and heartfelt, this tale of found family is hopeful to its core. Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity.
Publishers Weekly
As Linus gets to know the six children and their caretakers, he witnesses the strong bonds between them and the unique community they've created.… A delightful tale about chosen families, and how to celebrate differences. —Laurel Bliss, San Diego State Univ. Lib.
Library Journal
This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.
Booklist
Klune has a knack for creating endearing characters, and readers will grow to love Arthur and the orphans alongside Linus. Linus himself is a lovable protagonist despite his prickliness…. [F]ans of quirky fantasy will eat it up. A breezy and fun contemporary fantasy.
Kirkus Reviews
Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers Book Club Resources. They can help with discussions for any book:
• How to Discuss a Book (helpful discussion tips)
• Generic Discussion Questions—Fiction and Nonfiction
• Read-Think-Talk (a guided reading chart)
(Resources by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)