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New Books

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: A Heartfelt Journey of Acceptance and Belonging

  • Daniel Hope
  • Jan 19
  • 3 min read

When I first picked up The House in the Cerulean Sea, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I’d seen the buzz (because honestly, who hasn’t?), but could it really live up to the hype? Well, spoiler: it absolutely can. But let’s not pretend it was instant love.


At first, it felt like a slow burn—the kind of story that gently coaxes you in rather than grabbing you by the collar. It’s like that quiet person at a party who doesn’t say much at first, but when they do, they drop absolute wisdom bombs and have you wondering how you ever lived without them. By the end, this book had me hooked—and yes, emotional.


It’s All About Belonging


This book is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in. You know that feeling, right? That niggling thought that maybe you’re just too much or that you’ve somehow missed the memo on how to be “normal”? (Waving at my awkward teenage self here.)


For the queer community especially, The House in the Cerulean Sea feels personal. It asks the big question: if you’re raised to believe you’re the problem, does that mean you’re destined to become one? Or can love, compassion and a little rebellion rewrite that narrative?


Characters You’ll Root For


What really made me fall for this book were the characters. Linus, the protagonist, feels achingly real. He’s reserved, anxious and so deeply relatable that I occasionally wanted to reach through the pages and shake him (with love, of course). His journey—stepping out of his carefully structured world and learning to embrace life’s beautiful chaos—is a reminder that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it.


And then there’s Arthur. I can’t say much without spoiling it, but his big reveal? It was such a deeply moving moment that I had to put the book down, stare at the ceiling and whisper, “Well, damn.” It’s the kind of thing that makes you realise how powerful representation can be when it’s done right. The ending? Absolutely beautiful.


The Themes We All Need Right Now


This book doesn’t shy away from asking big questions. It’s about love, acceptance and finding your place in a world that doesn’t always understand you. It’s about how it takes people who are “different” to create real change—and how celebrating those differences can make the world infinitely better.


And it’s funny, isn’t it? So often, the people society marginalises are the ones who go on to make the biggest impact. The House in the Cerulean Sea doesn’t just acknowledge that; it celebrates it.


From a 3-Star Start to a 5-Star Finish


I’ll be honest: this book started as a solid 3-star read for me. The pace felt a little too gentle, like it was easing me in rather than sweeping me off my feet. But somewhere along the way, it clicked. The quiet moments started to matter. The characters grew on me. By the time I reached the last page, I realised it wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. It’s earned every bit of its 5 stars.


Final Thoughts


If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a life lesson, this is it. TJ Klune has created something special—a reminder that love, in all its forms, is the most powerful magic of all.


So, what are you waiting for? Give it a go. Let it work its slow-burning magic on you. And when you get to the end, I dare you not to feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful, and a lot more in love with this story.


Have you read The House in the Cerulean Sea? Did it make your heart as happy as it made mine? Let’s talk!


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Queerly Yours,

Daniel



 
 
 

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