The House in the Cerulean Sea

• Engels
• HBO
• Studiejaar 1-4

The House in the Cerulean Sea

TJ Klune

Book club

25 March 2022

Who finished the book?

I did!

I didn't!

What did you think of the book?

😒🙁😐🙂😃

Characters 

Lunis Baker

Arthur Parnassus

Lucy, Theodore, Talia, Phee, Chauncey & Sal

Zoe Chapelwhite

Helen

DICOMY

Sal

Zoe

Linus

Phee

Arthur

Theodore

Lucy

Talia

Chauncey

Plot

Linus works for DICOMY and is sent to the island of Marsyas to inspect the 'orphanage' for magical children there. 

Linus finds his usual objectivity slipping away as he starts to care for the children and their father figure Arthur. 

After the orphanage is allowed to stay open Linus returns to his chosen family on the island and exposes DICOMY for what it is. 

Themes

In what way does TJ Klune use colour in this book?

Whose magical abilities appeal to you most? If you were to choose your own magical powers, what would they be and why?

Body size is mentioned quite often throughout the book. Linus always attempts to shrink himself—both literally and figuratively. Can you explain the contrast between him being a larger person, yet seeming to take up little or no space?

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 were you expecting of Arthur? Did you believe that he was simply a headmaster, or did you suspect that he had powers? What did you think about his big reveal?

“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.”

Reactions?

What questions would you like to discuss with the group?

Quotes

“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”

“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as your remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”

Any recommendations after reading this book?

Thank you!

Next session: Romance