This was a wonderful and heartwarming read with sooo so many charming/meaningful moments. Linus may not have been the most memorable protagonist, but he was surrounded by such an outstanding supporting cast that he really became a great anchor throughout the book. He's an idealist thrown into a crazy situation trying to parse what's right and understand his own powerful feelings—who can't relate to that?!

Sometimes I think people (me???) see a fantasy tag and get a little scared off, but once you've bought into the universe and its rules there is so much to be gained in a read like this. Included in the ~themes I found in this book~ list:

- The importance of seeing people for who they truly are (vs. who we ASSUME they are), and even making the effort to try
- The ways that small actions/words, even if they seem small to us, can be huge for others
- The established way of doing things ISN'T ALWAYS RIGHT, and sometimes it's not enough to just trust what your superiors tell you
- You can choose your happiness! You can change your life! What's the point of settling for something in this life?
- There are soooo so many ways to love, and so many ways to use it to fight hate
- There is literally always more than meets the eye

IS THAT NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?! There's a lot more in there, and I guarantee you won't turn the final page without a smile on your face.

Spoiler

You might also scream (like I did) when Linus leaves the island even though he knows he's found love, life, and belonging there, but promise that the payoff is well worth it.

Was it sometimes on the nose with its lesson-imparting? Sure. Was its heartwarmingness somewhat predictable? Definitely. Would I recommend "The House in the Cerulean Sea" for anyone looking to enjoy their life and cry a little happy tear? ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT. Sometimes we read for drama, or heartbreak, or historical detail... and sometimes we read for joy. Choose joy.