Nature
<

The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as I usually don't gravitate towards YA. But I found it gave me the same escape as a beach read. It was easy to read, drew me in, and had a positive message throughout the book The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune  #fiction, #reading, #books, #beachread

Discussion Questions


1. As an employee of DICOMY, Linus Baker works under very rigid rules and regulations (and that's literally the name of the handbook he refers to quite often!). He's constantly being monitored, yet he still manages to produce quality work. Why does he push through working under such pressure? And if you were in his shoes, would you be able to work under those conditions?

2. Linus is a very lonely man and prior to investigating the Marsyas Island Orphanage, his only friend and family is his aloof cat Calliope. While building a family and a home becomes important for Linus as the story progresses, why wasn't this a priority in his past? Why is he so isolated as an adult, and do you think this can this be attributed to what his home life was like growing up?

3. This book is thoroughly endearing, and part of the reason is because of the children! They each have such unique and incredible powers. Whose magical abilities appeal to you most? If you were to choose your own magical powers, what would they be and why?

4. Linus and Lucy bond over their love of music, and artists such as The Everly Brothers, Sam Cooke, Bobby Darin, The Coasters, Little Richard, The Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly are frequently mentioned. Why is music such a large part of the story? What role does it play in the characters' lives?

5. Let's talk about Chauncey! He's such a loveable and sweet character. It's clear he wants to grow up and help people. While there are many professions in which people help others (like doctors or firefighters), what about the prospect of being a bellhop specifically entices him so much?

6. Each of the characters in this book have different fears to work through and conquer. Arthur fears for the safety and wellbeing of the children. Linus fears stepping out of his comfort zone and truly being seen. The villagers fear the magical powers the children possess-and that fear manifests into hate. Do you think the characters face their fears in beneficial ways? How do you deal with your fears? Do you feel you can relate to any of the characters' ways of coping?

7. Body size is mentioned quite often throughout the book. Linus always attempts to shrink himself-both literally and figuratively. Can you explain the dichotomy between him being a larger person, yet seeming to take up little or no space? And how does size have an impact on the story overall?

8. Lucy suffers from terrible nightmares. He says that in these nightmares he has spiders on the brain. His night terrors are so bad that his bedroom is actually the closet off of Arthur's room. Do you think Lucy sleeping so close to Arthur is a good idea, or does it prevent him from being more independent like the other children? Does it show favoritism in any way? Why does he suffer from such terrible nightmares?

9. The townspeople who live near the Marsyas Island live in fear of the six children in the orphanage. Why do you think that is? Where does prejudice come from? Why do people fear the unknown?

10. At the heart of the novel is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who feel like home and finding a place where you wholeheartedly belong. How do you personally define "home?" What are the essentials?
Discussion questions by the author

PBRHome- for bookish gifts

Recent Book Reviews

Book Review -  Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

By Renee Rosen
This book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the fashion world or enjoys reading stories about female friendships. It follows the journey of Gloria and Estee Lauder, two women who share their dreams of working in ...More

 Book Review - The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Spectacular

By Fiona Davis
It's 1956, and Marion, a passionate dancer and dance teacher, is thrilled when she has the opportunity to be a Radio City Rockette. But there is a cost; she must sacrifice her family to follow her dream ... More
Book Review -  The Violin Conspiracy by Brian Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the opening playing beautiful classical music. A few times throughout the book, there are additional snippets of music. It's one of the bonuses of listening to a book on audio ...More

 Book Review - Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Local Woman Missing

By Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller by Mary Kubica, filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets. I loved how this book grabbed from the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat... More

Visit Our Blog

You May Also Like



Nature
PBR book reviews and Reading guides for book clubs
Visit out Etsy Shop
10 Books I Can't Stop Recommending