Staff Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Title/Author: The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune

Genre(s): Fantasy, Humour, LGBTQ+, Cozy Reads

Linus Baker is an ordinary man with an extraordinary job: A case worker that oversees the well-being of magical children. When he is given a classified assignment to a mysterious island of dangerous children and their intriguing caretaker, his life becomes fantastical. These wild, outstanding children and their handsome caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, quickly charm their way into Lunus’ brittle heart. With gnomes, sprites, wyverns and more, this right fantasy landscape is full of LGBTQ themes of chosen family. This story is about tearing down the systems of power that try to hide those that are different. It is about examining fear and bias towards the unknown, and embracing messy, life-changing love, even when it comes from unexpected places.

Reviewed by: Rosemary

House In The Cerulean Sea is a story about a mundane life turned upside down, about alienation and facing bigotry, and about love and found family.

Linus is a hard worker who has no life outside of his job. He gets a sort of promotion and ends up on a strange island for a month to determine whether the orphanage there is up to standards. At the orphanage, he meets many *interesting* children, but the head of the orphanage must be the most interesting of them all.

TJ Klune writes to make you feel like you're getting the best hug of your life. Every page of House In The Cerulean Sea made me laugh, cry, or "awww!" out loud. The characters in this story are unique and have such charming personalities, you're sure to fall in love with all of them. This is one of those books that I wish I could experience for the first time once more, and from the first chapter it became my favorite title on the shelf. This story is for anybody who needs to feel loved (read: everybody).

Reviewed by: Nat

Staff Review: Things Are Against Us

Title/Author: Things Are Against Us - Lucy Ellmann

Genre(s): Literary Journalism, Pop Culture, Humour

Filled with genius wit and astute comedic prowess, Ellmann has collected some of her wildest thoughts — both in text and image — covering all sorts of things. Ranging from feminist rage to her general distaste of the world. This book is guaranteed to make you smile. Illustrations by Diana Hope.

Reviewed by: Shelby

Staff Review: Operation Angus

Title/Author: Operation Angus - Terry Fallis

Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Political Satire, Humour

Burner phones, centuries old grievances and domestic & international treachery abound in this tale. It’s up to Terry Fallis to make it funny, and it works because with his eighth novel, our guy is an old pro now. In the midst of an election, Angus McLintock is a political figure that everyone should be able to vote for.. 

Reviewed by: David