The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

From the first page I was gripped by the witty and effervescent writing. The narration was stylistically similar to Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The story follows Linus, a child services worker, who learns and grows into a better man. It's a simple story arc, the main character enters a new world and learns what he believes to be true isn't and comes to accept that. It's an old-self transforming to new-self story.

The one thing that was an issue with the novel was the periodic 'White Box Syndrome'. Some scenes aren't set nor are they continued to be set during the scene. I started this book on a Sunday and finished it on the next Wednesday.

As a Former Foster Youth, this story particularly resonated with me as it goes into how group homes can appear outwardly good but shelter darkness inside. It was hard to see a life I once lived played out on the page. Yet it was also cathartic because I know that some group homes ultimately do try to care for their wards.

I loved reading it so much I picked up another book by TJ Klune.