August 2022 Selection: ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ by T.J. Klune
Maude’s August selection takes everyone by the sea. This month the community has chosen, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Every month Maude chooses a new Fantasy or Sci-Fi novel with our book club. She uses Good Reads to keep everything in one space.
Synopsis:
“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in goverment-sanctioned orphanages.
Goodreads
About The Author
T.J. Klune is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. Being queer himself, T.J. believes it’s important – now more than ever – to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
Maude’s Book Chat ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ Part 1
Talking Points
(23:40) CleverGirl really loved the book because the children are so adorable. She shared some personal events in her life and the community came together to celebrate with her. Proving that the book club is inclusive and also therapeutic.
(1:01:44) Maude reads out the synopsis of the book and then she gets into her own thoughts about the character of Linus.
(1:45:35) Sal is being discussed as a favourite character for everyone and Maude talks about the poem. Sal is incredibly shy and he tries to be as small as possible, but with some courage, he has such a beautiful imagination.
Maude’s Book Chat ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ Part 2
Talking Points
(14:28) Maude asks her mom if she enjoyed the book. She explains that it felt like a young adult novel but it got better as she read it. It felt dystopian because of the government but Maude told her to keep reading.
(1:07:30) Isak felt like it was an easy book to get through and the story is what he needed at the moment. This was a bit lighter for him, a nice palette cleanser.
(1:50:11) Many found this book comforting, even though the political commentary in the book. Klune is able to walk his readers through it and keep it at the surface with some emotions.
Have you read The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune?
Maude gave it five out of five stars on GoodReads, what would you give it out of five? If you want to join our Book Chat community, head on over to our Patreon and join us today!
