Before I got back into blogging, there were a few books I cherished on my own.
Some of these books helped me get through reading slumps, some were there for me during hard times, and others just stuck with me long after I finished them.
That’s why I started this blog series called “All the Books I Loved Before Blogging” (iykyk). I was inspired by Jamie at Perpetual Page Turner, who runs a similar series.
In each post, I’m going to share my reflections, and what I loved about the book, what made them special for me – kind of like a book review.
This blog series gives me a chance to revisit those stories, think about them more deeply, and remember how they shaped my reading life before I started blogging again.
And I’m also hoping this series helps you discover beloved books and maybe even inspires you to revisit your own favorites, whether you’re a long-time reader or new to the blog.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
The House in the Cerulean Sea is the first book in T.J. Klune’s Cerulean Chronicles.
It’s a cozy fantasy for adults that tells the story of Linus Baker, a rule-following loner and quiet case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). He looks after the well-being of magical children in government-approved orphanages.
One day, Linus is sent on a top-secret assignment to visit an orphanage on a remote island where six dangerous children live. He never expected this mission to be full of fun, adventure, and a discovery that would change his life forever.
The first time I read this book was in the summer of 2022, a couple of months after I packed all my things into two suitcases and moved to England to start a new life. I was hit by homesickness at the time and just the overwhelm of adjusting to a new job, and well, a new life.
So I looked up recommendations for books that make you feel happy, and this book was at the top of everyone’s list at the time. And so I gave it a try and instantly fell in love with it.
The characters in this story are truly charming! I loved spending time with them. They’re all warm-hearted, and it’s easy to root for them. I especially love the kids and how they always find adventure and a little bit of trouble.
What I love most about this story is its humor. It’s been a while since a book made me laugh out loud, but this one did—more than once. It was just so much fun to read!
At its core, this story is about unconditional love and how things aren’t always what they seem. I think both are important lessons, and the book explores them beautifully.
It’s a story that will genuinely warm your heart.
One of my favorite lines from the story comes from Arthur. He says, “We should always make time for the things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy.”
It’s such a simple line, but it really helped me during a tough time in my life.
The House in the Cerulean Sea quickly became one of my all-time favorite books. It’s such a delightful read, and I’m sure it will bring you joy and maybe even a few happy tears.
Reading it feels like getting a big, warm hug. If you need a pick-me-up, grab a copy and get cozy!
Looking back, I think this was just the kind of story I needed then. In some ways, I might still need it now.
I haven’t read the next book in the series, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which follows the story of Arthur Parnassus, the orphanage’s manager.
I can’t really tell yet whether you can read the books in any order, since I haven’t read the second one yet. So it’s better to read The House in the Cerulean Sea first, which also works perfectly as a standalone novel, in my opinion.
Have you read The House in the Cerulean Sea? Did you enjoy it, or was it not your thing? Let me know in the comments!
