A review by comegailaway
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

"I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They're a story.

They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. I am parched parchment. I have lines. I have holes. Get me wet, and I melt. Light me on fire, and I burn. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. I tear. I am but paper. Brittle and thin."

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautiful and perfect and wonderful book in my entire life. I was not entirely captivated by the story at first, but it did not take long for me to get to the point of wanting to literally glue the book to my hands and never let it go. I lost count of how many times I sobbed while reading this. I am a bit embarrassed to have read it in a public setting because I simply could not control when I laughed out loud or when I was crying so hard that snot was pouring from my nose. These characters and their stories made me feel, so so deeply. I had butterflies in my stomach while I read, I felt insanely warm and fuzzy inside, and I could feel my heart expanding just from the sheer amount of love I have for them. I feel like I could use every word I have and still not be able to express just how much I freaking loved this book. It’s perfect. Literally and truly perfect. 

“If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.”