Because I could not help myself, I started a book group at my new company. Luckily, there are some lovely fellow bookworms, and we all became instant friends. As book lovers are wont to do, we shared our favorite books from 2021, and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune came up. I decided to give it a try, and wow.

Just wow. My life is better having read this novel.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is about an unassuming man in an unassuming city in a government job devoid of all personality. However, you see moments of his bright personality shine through in his drab bubble. He has sunflowers in his yard and a spunky little cat named Calliope. But despite the dreary world, he works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). After seventeen years, his near-perfect performance in his role vaulted him on an assignment to an island home to some of the most magical of magical children. And it’s there that his bubble pops, and his life is changed forever.

This novel is magical, just like the characters within it. The story is absolutely wonderful, and there’s a beautiful representation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. The House in the Cerulean Sea shows how fear leads to prejudice, distrust, and hate, while love can overcome that fear. The lessons in this book apply to children and adults alike without being preachy.

If you want a book for Valentine’s Day, get The House in the Cerulean Sea. It’s heartwarming, witty, inspiring, and hopeful.

Rating: 5/5