Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

716 reviews

lightningmc_logyn's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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

3.75

This was a slow burn for me. I struggled to get through it, until the last 150 or so pages of the book. Then, I sped through it to the end. 

The description on the jacket feels misleading to me, most of the book occurs in a particular emotional space established early on in the story. There is growth and plot progression, but it is slow and subtle. In the end, I loved this book. Klune writes about death with poignancy, gentleness and confidence. The characters feel real and they are easy to root for. I cried a lot, unexpectedly. Oh, and I will always give praise for media that includes queer characters with no homophobia present-we deserve uplifting representation. 

This book is a journey following the main character Wallace, and learning who he really is. And through that, the reader perhaps gleans some fresh perspective on death and grief. 

Some personal complaints, I don’t like the “person with a cane uses it to whack people into their place” trope, (canes are mobility aids, not props) and that is a common occurrence with the character Nelson. Klune’s comedy often, but not always, felt jarring. I prefer books that steadily build in complexity rather than slow burns. So, all in all this books style is not for me-but I still enjoyed it. 

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beethereal's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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


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mcmolls's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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


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doc_mon's review against another edition

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5.0


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dangerfaner's review against another edition

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emotional 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

3.5


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spacecadetlav's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful 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

4.0

I definitely felt the heavy themes of the book while reading. Although it had light and laughter throughout, it still was incredibly touching and reflective. 

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akswhy's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

4.0

I enjoyed this one more than The House by the Cerulean Sea; it was a little more grounded and adult. The fantasy elements are well thought out, but not hindered by over-explanation. Just a truly good book about grief and death and love and beauty.

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thebruce's review against another edition

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challenging 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

4.5


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k8lynn's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.75


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kkimball's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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