Let's Talk about The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune | Overbooked [CC]

I am aware I mention not promoting things in this video and I'm questioning whether making this video at all is technically promoting this book but I really WANT to be in a world where we can have nuance and talk about things like this so I've opted to make the video and I'm hoping it's clear what I'm trying to say?

FYI I haven't monetised this video as that felt so inappropriate so if you're seeing an ad it is youtube, not me.

*Disclaimer*
Some of the books mentioned or shown may have been sent to me for free for review. All opinions are my own.

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[greggsimmons]

I had heard there was controversy but hadn't looked into it - but I wasn't expecting it to involve the 60's scoop. Like many settlers in Canada (my parents/grandparents came from the UK/Europe in the 20th century), I have been struggling with the 60's scoop, residential schools and general racist treatment of our indigenous peoples. It would be easy to say "My family and I were not involved" but the reality is that I live on unceded land (land given by treaty to an indigenous people but developed on without permission or purchase) - unfortunately this is a reality across the country. So "The House in the Cerulean Sea" will be an interesting read from that perspective.
As for the 'too cozy' aspect, I have definitely heard stories from victims of the 60's scoop who were placed in truly loving environments (and, at the time, many of the adopting parents were not told the truth about why the children were up for adoption) so there can be some sweetness in what is generally a terrible thing. Thanks for doing this video!

[LiteratureScienceAlliance]

I actually do know people who thought it was too sweet so I think that last critique is super valid!

[LaurensNerdyFunStuff]

I appreciate the nuanced review! I actually didn't know about the influence from the residential schools, so I really appreciate the heads up for when I get around to reading it.

I have also read very few books by indigenous authors and need to improve on that, but I would like to recommend Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice. I'm bad at giving quick overviews, but it's a thriller that I thought was amazing. I don't know if you read thrillers at all, but it's really short so not much of a time investment I guess? It's not a particularly happy book though so keep that in mind if you do check it out.

[namanudragon]

I just started reading TJ Klune and really enjoyed this story. I hadn't realized about all of this. I have done a lot of reading, research, etc about ingenious histories and current situations because I am interested.

[alex-vzle]

I haven't read this book yet and after watching a mix of good and bad reviews wasn't quite sure if I wanted to pick this book up. But, the way you talked about the book, in such a nuanced manner touching upon all the gray areas, was really refreshing. And, I might pick this book up after all but read it from a nuanced multidimensional lens. Thanks for a great review!

[kayleighnicgearailt]

Similar to your good self, I owned and read it as the Residential schools news came about. Really good analysis!

[dinodango]

Great review! I loved the book so much but I didn’t know about the controversy…😓 any reccomendations for books like this that aren’t controversial? It doesn’t take away how much I fell in live with the characters and the story (also because I was able to since I didn’t know). But it changes a lot and if I were to read it again it probably won’t be the same..

[thehappyplate]

YES I am here for the rainbow. Thanks for the nuanced review.

[teaonarainyday]

Unrelated, but I just got bisexual disaster vampire detective on sale! 🥳

[poodlemuffin]

Could not stand this book. Hated the writing style and loathed the main character. I get he was supposed to be dull until he met his found family, but Klune really overdid on that front.