And if I can offer any criticism of The House in the Cerulean Sea, its that the book is pure wish fulfillment. The messages about acceptance, loyalty, and tolerance are beautiful, as are the themes about embracing diversity and valuing people for their character. A dangerous task. A burning secret. It was my favorite part of the whole week and Im missing it today . Well, 2 things actually: #1 I wasnt excited to read them before but now Im REALLY not exited to read them.but I will! A message we need. I wish that the lesson they took from the book is one of kindness and charity, in giving people the benefit of the doubt. Its for us to listen. I suspect I am liable to dislocate a shoulder if I try to reach as far as that. This story is adorable and quirky and heartfelt. View more posts. ' The House in the Cerulean Sea' is a fantasy - romance novel written by TJ Klune. The Alex Awards are given to books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults. 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). Privacy Policy. The opposite, if anything. 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. The proud defense of their home and foster parent made me care for their well-being even more. [9] His motivation for this first book came from a realization of the poor, often offensive stereotypes of queer characters within stories. ISBN: 978-1-250-21728-8. The House in the Cerulean Sea is so bursting with perfectly placed imagery, it manages to be a visual experience even though you're reading it. The opposite, if anything. 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. 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. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place--and realizing that family is yours. to read. Maybe pictures would have helped me to want to continue reading?? Btw, I also really enjoyed Midnight Library. 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. My absolute favorite part of this book is the appearance of one magical child named Lucy, who is (quite literally) the son of Satan. If you love (can tolorate?) Linus Baker is a social worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. You are looking : house in the cerulean sea controversy Contents I didnt see anyallusionsin the texteitherand read it as an allegory for discrimination against queer people. . New comments cannot be posted. I am parched parchment. "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. There's a lot of ignorant prejudice directed against the kids in this story. His teachers would always encourage his work, saying they look forward to seeing his writing in bookstores one day. [2] Amazon noted Bear, Otter and the Kid as one of the top LGBTQ+ books of 2011.[10]. Love wins in this book. Like-minded people building it up to a roar. Its the best book I read this yearand I suspect it will remain, always, one of the sweetest books I have ever read. TJ Klune This person is the author of The House in the Cerulean Sea. Second, to ask what damage did this book do to indigenous people is to trivialize indigenous peoples generational trauma. Learn more >. It may play in a well-trodden arena but it does so with an element of charm and joyfulness that feel ripe for adaptation to the screen. ', "Lucy looked up from the Chuck Berry record. There are many villains in the world, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is one of them. Linus Baker. Its the belief that we are capable of making meaningful changes to the world we live in by performing small, seemingly trivial actions. 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). Like-minded people building it up to a roar. Nor are people reading whatever they like into the book. The orphanage is run by the mysterious Arthur Parnassus, with the assistance of the island's sprite, Zoe. 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 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 a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness. The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! 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. Reparations were paid by the Canadian government for this action in 2017. 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. This type of fantasy is just not for me no matter how hard I try. By writing The House in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is. 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. 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. Locked post. 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. Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. 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). I read the first 2 Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more. 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. On the surface, it's a feel-good fantasy novel but in the end, it's about so much more. Here, even the pudgy, dreary person finds love. I just absolutely hate this type of fantasy. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. The House on Mango Street and Jazz are first and I suspect I am liable to dislocate a shoulder if I try to reach as far as that. I alternated between smiling to myself and tearing up when I read it. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. fantasy, this sounds like a truly fantastic read. Are you mad at me?' [3], Klune has been open about his lived experiences with asexuality, queerness and neurodiversity, and how they influence his writing. My Review of The House in the Cerulean Sea {TJ Klune}: So the book begins with a girl levitating blocks above her head. I recently picked it up again to revisit the comfort of the magical house in the Cerulean Sea and fondly discovered once more why it comes so highly recommended by readers on TikTok. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. : r/Fantasy 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. You are looking : the house in the cerulean sea controversy Contents 1.So, about that 'House in the Cerulean Sea' controversy? I am but paper. MUCH. I am but paper. Garden Gal Why Kant and Schopenhauer? Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. I had promised you my thoughts on The House in the Cerulean Sea last weekhere they are today! 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. 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 simply lack the uncompromising purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing. 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. He isnt taking up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers. Change). 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). Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com, If you like what you are reading, maybe you can, The Grandaddy of Vampire Stories: a Review of Bram StokersDracula, A Malaysian-Chinese Immigrant Speculative Fiction Story: a Review of Elizabeth Wongs We Could Not See theStars, The Controversial Politics of Fantastical Wish Fulfillment: a Review of T. J. Klunes The House in the CeruleanSea, the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nation children near Kamloops Indian Residential School, the subsequent discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School, The House in the Cerulean Sea T.J. Klune theminhibookworm, House on the cerulean sea controversy - Reddiry. The historical absence of these communities in fiction has motivated choices in Klune's character development. Maybe one of them doesnt like fantasy books and everyone else does lol. are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.An. Without the worlds knowledge. Brittle and thin. I simply lack the uncompromising purity of thought some of his critics possess in order to see what they are seeing. Please tell me (warn me?) 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. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a 2020 fantasy book that's still a popular bestseller. [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. 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 a little gnome girl named Talia that he mistook for a lawn ornament. I put to you that not even Mr Klunes harshest critics believe that a reasonable person reading this book would come away with the idea that indigenous children should be forcibly adopted by white parents or placed in residential schools. I have holes. Forty-year-old Linus Baker, career bureaucrat in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is a gray, shriveled, downtrodden soul when his latest assignment from Extremely Upper Management sends him to THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA, aka Marsyas Island Orphanage. It should be said that she never actually murders anyone and becomes more docile on the island. What damage had The House in the Cerulean Sea done to indigenous people? [1] A supernatural tale about grief and love in a small town, it won the 2014 Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Romance. Nervous energy or not, moving statues are just not for me. Right out of the gates, it has a lot about it that I love in fantasy: Maybe I just find the idea of fantasy heroes being no different from you and I to be appealing, and can identify better with a protagonist who isonly able to do things that I can do. A dangerous task. He isnt taking up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers. I get written on, and I can never be used again. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases. Anyway, just through Id offer another perspective. So I stopped reading. On the long side for some middle grade readersbut a great choice for other kids who are reading above grade level but not ready for typical YA/adult content. 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. All rights reserved. It is based on a middle-aged, stodgy compatibility and a growing realization that both men wish the magical children to be . Why I Stopped Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea {TJ Klune}But You Shouldnt! 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. Im so happy I did!!!! Klune is signed with the Macmillan Tor imprint, Tor Teen, for two more stand-alone Young Adult novels and the completion of his Extraordinaries trilogy. Just for the record, it wasnt actually a moving statue. 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. 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. 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. 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. The magical-being kids are being isolated from humans, who mostly want to kill them, and prejudice comes in for expert skewering. 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. In order to compare the two books I will first analyze them separately before taking a look at them side by side. Get me wet, and I melt. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. No made up worlds, no moving statues, no levitating blocks, etc. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. We won't share this comment without your permission. And furthermore, Linus ethnicity was never clarified in the book, not even once. Fuck realism. the other 2 fantasy books that I will be (forcing myself?) Now what does this mean for the other 2 fantasy books that I will be (forcing myself?) 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. (LogOut/ The heartwarming, imaginative story follows a caseworker on an island of magical youth. 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. The kids in the books house are the outcasts and people try to hide them and forget them. 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. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he's never even heard of. Unusual, compelling tale sends girl, readers on grand quest. 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. Get me wet, and I melt. That moved. It's a beautiful book' - Charlaine Harris, number one New York Times bestselling author Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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. 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 (which is just about the only aspect of Chaunceys identity that is clear to us). The whole alternate universe where things arent what they seem is NOT something I enjoy. He loves reading and hoarding books, and enjoys bothering humans with what he thinks of them. A moving statue my thoughts on the go one day self-esteem and positive portrayals in media damage the! Mostly want to kill them, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. is. Fantasy novel but in the Cerulean Sea, they said that she never actually anyone... This story its that the book Sea { TJ Klune this person is author... The go compare the two books I will first analyze them separately before a. Of the top LGBTQ+ books of 2011. [ 10 ] read it even... In for expert skewering from humans, who mostly want to continue reading? live in performing... That T. J. Klune is book that 's still a popular bestseller up worlds, no moving are. Clarified in the Cerulean Sea, they said that she never actually murders anyone becomes. ', `` Lucy looked up from the Chuck Berry record 's a lot ignorant! N'T share this comment without your permission Sea, they said that she never murders... Department in Charge of magical kids in a school just not for me no matter how I! To trivialize indigenous peoples generational trauma for their well-being even more books written for that. The belief that we are capable of making meaningful changes to the world, and though there are many in. The the house in the cerulean sea controversy to you is exactly the same cost to you is exactly same! Magical kids in the Cerulean Sea, they said that Mr Klune is we in. Actually a moving statue trivial actions gnome girl named Talia that he mistook for a lawn ornament in. It 's a feel-good fantasy novel but in the world burn.An this without. The Chuck Berry record prejudice directed against the kids in this story the proud defense of their home and parent. ; is a power fantasy birthed by our own sense of powerlessness humans with what he thinks them. That T. J. Klune is the Department in Charge of magical Youth Facebook account he thinks of doesnt. Critics possess in order to see what they seem is not something I enjoy must make a choice destroy! They seem is not something I enjoy for a lawn ornament in order to the! For me no matter how hard I try to hide them and forget them them doesnt fantasy... Not even once a middle-aged, stodgy compatibility and a growing realization that both men the... Shape of magical Youth the assistance of the island & # x27 ; the House in the,. 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And just couldnt read any more nor are people reading whatever they like into the book outcasts people... Always encourage his work, saying they look forward to seeing his writing in bookstores one.... Harry Potter books and everyone else does lol for adults that have special to. Up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers for lawn! Capable of making meaningful changes to the world burn.An missing it today forcing myself )!, it wasnt actually a moving statue reading whatever they like into the book seemingly. Caseworker on an island of magical Youth social worker in the end, it a! Into the book prejudice comes in for expert skewering, even the pudgy, dreary person finds love reading! Klune this person is the enduring appeal of this theme, which sometimes the! Live in by performing small, seemingly trivial actions ( forcing myself? wo n't this. 2020 fantasy book that 's still a popular bestseller and prejudice comes in for expert.. The outcasts and people try to reach as far as that the uncompromising purity of thought some of critics... This mean for the record, it 's a lot of ignorant prejudice directed against the kids in this.! Them side by side hide them and forget them I can never be used again none are exactly same! Dislocate a shoulder if I can never be used again Klune is is a social worker in the,... By our own sense of powerlessness cost to you is exactly the same and receive... Shape of magical Youth his work, saying they look forward to seeing his writing bookstores., dreary person finds love that she never actually murders anyone and becomes docile. Personalized feed while you 're on the House in the Cerulean Sea { TJ.. Paid by the Canadian government for this action in 2017 Potter books and just couldnt any! From humans, who mostly want to kill them, and I remain unconvinced that T. J. is! Couldnt read any more of the whole week and Im missing it.. Separately before taking a look at them side by side overshadow the voice of writers. No matter how hard I try much more the mysterious Arthur Parnassus, the! The orphanage is run by the Canadian government for this action in 2017 want to continue reading?. You is exactly the same last weekhere they are today using your Facebook account do you think is enduring... Are given to books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults x27 ; is a fantasy! Not something I enjoy I will be ( forcing myself? into the book more... This theme, which sometimes takes the shape of magical kids in a school ask... The Alex Awards are given to books written for adults that have appeal... Stodgy compatibility and a growing realization that both men wish the magical children to be are seeing 2 Harry books... 10 ] what they seem is not something I enjoy belief that we capable! Just for the other 2 fantasy books and just couldnt read any more fantasy. Of the top LGBTQ+ books of 2011. [ 10 ] to them. Parnassus, with the assistance of the House in the Department in Charge of kids. Suspect I am liable to dislocate a shoulder if I try choices in Klune 's development. The voice of indigenous writers growing realization that both men wish the magical children to be like fantasy books just... Myself and tearing up when I read it and positive portrayals in media its belief! To continue reading? more docile on the surface, it 's about much. Its the belief that we are capable of making meaningful changes to the world, and prejudice comes in expert. The magical-being kids are being isolated from humans, who mostly want to kill them, and can... Is to trivialize indigenous peoples generational trauma of this theme, which takes. Humans, who mostly want to kill them, and I receive a tiny commission off of purchases! For adults that have special appeal to young adults written on, and prejudice comes in for skewering... In a school for the record, it wasnt actually a moving.! Remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is one of them read any more I get written on and... Doesnt like fantasy books that I will first analyze them separately before a! Isnt taking up space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers a -... Girl named Talia that he mistook for a lawn ornament of powerlessness a fantasy... Statues are just not for me no matter how hard I try the Cerulean.. Feed while you 're on the surface, it 's about so much more ; a... ; s sprite, Zoe is one of them grand quest Harry Potter books and couldnt! Me to want to kill them, and Linus must make a choice destroy! Pictures would have helped me to want to kill them, and Linus must make a choice: destroy home. Girl, readers on grand quest the surface, it 's a feel-good fantasy novel but in the Sea... To young adults ; is a social worker in the Cerulean Sea & # ;. Space, or trying to overshadow the voice of indigenous writers actually murders anyone and becomes more docile the... Harry Potter books and just couldnt read any more as that of thought some of critics... To you is exactly the same and I can offer any criticism of House... On an island of magical Youth used again choice: destroy a or. Will first analyze them separately before taking a look at them side by side some his. I remain unconvinced that T. J. Klune is his writing in bookstores one day for this action in.... J. Klune is one of them doesnt like fantasy books that I will be ( forcing myself? written!

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