Do you ever see a book everywhere and avoid it for a while because you think it might too hyped? I might be a little over suspicious, after being burned by some really popular books, so it completely possible that this is just a “me thing”. Still, I can’t deny that this book was very much loved by almost everyone I interacted with. I forgot about it for a while, and then it popped up on my library recommendations and I decided to finally give in. Oh, friends. I am SO glad that I did. This book is just as magical, sweet, and touching as everyone said it was. I’m sorry that I doubted you book world.

Linus Baker is a 40-year old man who is stuck in an endless loop of work days. He arrives on time, does what he is asked without question, and goes home to his cat at the end of the day. It’s funny to me how quickly Linus charmed me, even at the beginning of this story. His simple life felt a little empty, but TJ Klune threw in small things about him that made me intrigued. Like Linus’ sunflowers. The one bright spot on his little house, in a bevvy of other little, same looking houses. A small rebellion, even before he truly comes into his own. It takes a lot for a book to make me fall for a character right from the start, but Klune managed that with ease.

Then Linus is called into Extremely Upper Management (this made me giggle, a lot) and sent off on a secret mission that turns his entire life upside down. From the moment that Linus stepped off of the train, I knew that I was in for some magic. Do you remember those older movies where they start in black and white, and then the color slowly bleeds in? That was what came into my mind as soon as Linus saw the ocean in person, for the first time in his life. Each step he took away from what he knew was a step toward something mysterious, and unknown. Which, for Linus, was a big deal. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t really excited for him though.

It is so hard to review this without spoiling, so I apologize if this review seems vague. What I can tell you is that Klune’s Marysas Island Orphanage is perfection. It is vibrant, and the inhabitants of it make it all the more technicolor. Each of the children has their own wonderful, and rather hilarious, personalities. However Klune makes sure to flesh each one of them out as well. This isn’t a story that is all sunshine and rainbows. These are children who were sent away because they were considered to be “different” and “dangerous”. Despite all the hate they’ve been shown though, they shine bright. They have dreams, and they are wonderful.

This whole book deals beautifully with all sorts of topics, like loss, shattered expectations, and trying to be yourself in a world that wants to shove you into a box. It is whimsical, sad at times, and full of so many absolutely gorgeous quotes. I could flip to any page in this and find you a portion that made me giggle, sigh, or straight up sob. I ADORED this. I think that, if you haven’t already given in to the magic, you will too.