leahvanert's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book covers a lot: death, grief, loss, regret, personal growth, depression, etc. It gives a beautiful perspective on life after death, finding your own family when yours has fallen short, and moving on when loved ones have passed.
This book was LONG. While I appreciate the themes that were explored, not much really happened. It was fairly repetitive. I can appreciate the story, but it could have been way better.
This book covers a lot: death, grief, loss, regret, personal growth, depression, etc. It gives a beautiful perspective on life after death, finding your own family when yours has fallen short, and moving on when loved ones have passed.
This book was LONG. While I appreciate the themes that were explored, not much really happened. It was fairly repetitive. I can appreciate the story, but it could have been way better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Grief, Mental illness, Suicide, Bullying, Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, and Child death
gracklewarp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Suicide, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Animal death, Body horror, and Cursing
ppixxie's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I sort of picked this up on a whim, knowing that it was about a man who had passed and living out a kind of gay Christmas Carol situation; I figured that I would give TJ Klune another shot. I had read the Green Creek series (which I sort of hate read/sort of liked despite... You know. The really weird grooming adjacent stuff.) and House in the Cerulean Sea (which read completely different than the Green Creek series. Very much trying to emulate Terry Pratchett but not as charming?). So, to set the scene here is me, recently losing someone very important in my life and picking this book up. I expected to feel at least something that wasn't on a spectrum of boredom to annoyance.
And yet.
This book has everything that I disliked about House in the Cerulean Sea but turned up to eleven. The unearned character growth that Wallace goes through that seemingly comes from nowhere in Chapter 2 (I wanted to see him be shitty! I wanted to see him EARN his redemption and feel his horror at how bad of a boss he used to be.), how the nonwhite characters seem to only exist to further the white main character's emotional journey, and he never seems to build on the interesting concepts he introduces? He resolves them very quickly. I loved the idea of Cameron and I would've loved to see him more as some type of looming element throughout the book <spoilers>instead of coming in at the middle of the book, then getting his big resolution at the end. I'm also not a huge fan of how TJ Klune writes romances in general, he uses many of the same tropes for a lot of his couples so it ends up feeling more like a Hallmark movie rather than two individual characters falling in love.
I won't comment on how the book deals with grieving, the conversation about death, and how the narration deals with it. After I finished the book I read the acknowledgments where the author says that he used this book to channel his experiences. Everyone's journey with the death and grief of losing a loved one is different. However, why does it feel like the narrative punishes people who aren't immediately okay with their death? Or if they react in a way that is... not convenient to the characters at Charon's Crossing? it would've been cool to see how Hugo changed tactics to accommodate the different reactions that people had, but he kind of just sits with them and says "I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through" and sort of leaves it at that. (Which all the other characters repeat as well)
The part in this book that I truly, absolutely loved that hit me as incredibly real and grounded and sort of endeared me to Wallace and Hugo's relationship was at the end It almost makes up for how one note all the characters are.
Spoilers for the ending
I honestly think this is the longest review I've ever written for anything. Wow.
And yet.
This book has everything that I disliked about House in the Cerulean Sea but turned up to eleven. The unearned character growth that Wallace goes through that seemingly comes from nowhere in Chapter 2 (I wanted to see him be shitty! I wanted to see him EARN his redemption and feel his horror at how bad of a boss he used to be.), how the nonwhite characters seem to only exist to further the white main character's emotional journey, and he never seems to build on the interesting concepts he introduces? He resolves them very quickly. I loved the idea of Cameron and I would've loved to see him more as some type of looming element throughout the book <spoilers>instead of coming in at the middle of the book, then getting his big resolution at the end. I'm also not a huge fan of how TJ Klune writes romances in general, he uses many of the same tropes for a lot of his couples so it ends up feeling more like a Hallmark movie rather than two individual characters falling in love.
I won't comment on how the book deals with grieving, the conversation about death, and how the narration deals with it. After I finished the book I read the acknowledgments where the author says that he used this book to channel his experiences. Everyone's journey with the death and grief of losing a loved one is different. However, why does it feel like the narrative punishes people who aren't immediately okay with their death? Or if they react in a way that is... not convenient to the characters at Charon's Crossing? it would've been cool to see how Hugo changed tactics to accommodate the different reactions that people had, but he kind of just sits with them and says "I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through" and sort of leaves it at that. (Which all the other characters repeat as well)
The part in this book that I truly, absolutely loved that hit me as incredibly real and grounded and sort of endeared me to Wallace and Hugo's relationship was at the end
Spoiler
where it's one of the last nights before the Manager has to take Wallace into the door. Wallace and Hugo are in bed, and they're talking. They're having a conversation about how they would've met if Wallace were still alive, it's so bittersweet and tender.Spoilers for the ending
Spoiler
But, if he was going to bring Wallace back in the end I think it would have been stronger thematically - especially with the depiction of the manager being this antagonistic bureaucrat - with Wallace choosing to live out of spite, saying that yes; my death was unfair. I have so much else I want to do, it's unfair that I am only now living my life happily now that I am dead. So I will fight the world, I will claw my way to the man I love, to the family I love - and live? The entire book is about the finality of death, the process of grief, and how inescapable it is. The ending felt like the antithesis of the core themes, which I understand that TJ Klune is a writer that exclusively writes happy endings! That's fine! But this ending seems so disingenuous to the heart of the book.I honestly think this is the longest review I've ever written for anything. Wow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Medical content, Animal death, Car accident, Cursing, Death of parent, and Racism
katthorson's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Energy. Life. Death. All of it. We rise and we fall and the we rise once more. We're all on different paths, but death doesn't discriminate. It comes for everyone."
This book was truly wonderful and at the moment I have no words for it. Klune has a profound way of touching his readers, especially when it comes to heavy topics. Death, is such a touchy and taboo subject for many of us. It's unknown, scary, we question what is after and what was even before. How Klune was able to calm those fears is beyond me. He bring's in his own perspective of death and it's so hauntingly charming...if that can even be a thing.
"What makes a good person? Hugo asked. "Actions? Motivations? Selflessness?"
"Maybe all of it," Wallace said. "Or maybe none of it."
This book also touches on the subject of "what does it mean to live a full life?" and "what does it mean to be a good person?". The main character, Wallace Price, is none of these things when we first meet him. He is a corporate businessman who cares more about making the next buck than if his employees are being treated fairly. He lives a strict life, on schedule and never late. Yet, the evolution of Wallace is beautiful to watch as he accepts his death and the life he really did not live.
I became so invested in these characters, this world. I found myself crying in laughter and in sorrow. So many difficult and traumatizing subjects come to light and yet it puts perspective into things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Suicide, Violence, Murder, and Animal death
Minor: Cultural appropriation and Cursing
leahlovesloslibros's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to love this book, but I just didn't. After reading The House in the Cerulean Sea and loving it, I was hopeful that Under the Whispering Door would be just as memorable. I will note that it took me awhile to really get into Cerulean Sea, so as I read this one I kept thinking it might get better, but it never did.
Grief can be hard to read about, but when it's written well it can still be an overall pleasant experience. Unfortunately, this was not my own personal experience with Under the Whispering Door. I didn't find the found family in this book to be nearly as loving as in other books I've read (including The House in the Cerulean Sea), and I thought the story really dragged on a lot. The romance between Wallace and Hugo seemed too unlikely to really make me feel like it made sense; almost like it was forced.
One positive is that I really liked the character of Mei; she kind of reminded me of myself - spunky and willing to fight anyone who messes with people she loves. The rest of the cast of characters was alright, but I didn't get that same strong bonded feel that I did with the characters in The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I was really hoping for.
Additionally, I do think that Klune did put a lot of effort into taking the reader on a journey through what can come after life. He encourages you to consider the importance of how you spend your life while you still can, so you don't end up with regrets at the end.
Overall, this book lacked what I hoped to find in a T.J. Klune story. While I am aware that the point of this story was to reflect on grief, death, and what comes after, I think it could have been done with a little less character introspection and a little more plot. I wish the found family had felt more connected and that I really believed they would do anything for each other. I liked Under the Whispering Door, but I didn't love it.
Grief can be hard to read about, but when it's written well it can still be an overall pleasant experience. Unfortunately, this was not my own personal experience with Under the Whispering Door. I didn't find the found family in this book to be nearly as loving as in other books I've read (including The House in the Cerulean Sea), and I thought the story really dragged on a lot. The romance between Wallace and Hugo seemed too unlikely to really make me feel like it made sense; almost like it was forced.
One positive is that I really liked the character of Mei; she kind of reminded me of myself - spunky and willing to fight anyone who messes with people she loves. The rest of the cast of characters was alright, but I didn't get that same strong bonded feel that I did with the characters in The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I was really hoping for.
Additionally, I do think that Klune did put a lot of effort into taking the reader on a journey through what can come after life. He encourages you to consider the importance of how you spend your life while you still can, so you don't end up with regrets at the end.
Overall, this book lacked what I hoped to find in a T.J. Klune story. While I am aware that the point of this story was to reflect on grief, death, and what comes after, I think it could have been done with a little less character introspection and a little more plot. I wish the found family had felt more connected and that I really believed they would do anything for each other. I liked Under the Whispering Door, but I didn't love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Child death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Murder
Minor: Cursing and Animal death
TW/CW: divorceamandalorianxo's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A lot of dialogue. Minimal action. I felt like there was little plot movement. My expectations were high and I was disappointed 🫤🫠 I did love the side characters but Wallace I’m on the fence about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing
imogenreads_'s review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TJ Klune never disappoints! Different from The House in the Cerulean Sea but similar in tone and impact. A brilliant jewel of a book & I cried for the last 20 minutes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Cancer, Murder, and Racism
madradstarchild's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a beautiful story about death, grief, and love. The character growth and found family that comes from it are phenomenal! I’ll be recommending this book to everyone ☺️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Chronic illness, Cursing, Murder, and Racism
casbee's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent, Mental illness, and Murder
writtenbydnicole's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Murder, Animal death, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Suicide
Minor: Cursing
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