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What Members Thought
Pure joy!
Linus Baker works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's sent on a secret assignment to review the orphanage run by Arthur Parnassus. There are six unique children living at the orphanage, including the son of the devil. Arthur has spent all his life living by the rules working in a drab office with no windows when he's suddenly sent to this island full of color and life. I love this book. All the main characters were great, including the children. I laughed, I cried and I thoroughl
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Dec 07, 2021
Angela
added it
Oh wow, definitely in the minority here, but this one turned into a screeching mess right about when Lucas stepped off the ferry and onto the island. Was kinda cute before that.
On to the next, comrades!
On to the next, comrades!
I listened to the audiobook of this one with my eleven-year-old. We both loved this story, loved these characters, and now want to read all the other books by this author. I don't know how this author managed to write so many books before this one and I never heard of any of them, then suddenly this book is everywhere.
Everyone loves magical children, but this take on especially outcast children--a wyvern, a large boy who changes into a small dog, the anti-christ (literally the son of the devil), ...more
Everyone loves magical children, but this take on especially outcast children--a wyvern, a large boy who changes into a small dog, the anti-christ (literally the son of the devil), ...more
Oh my, this book. This should be required reading, in schools, universities, team building exercises, whatever, it needs to be read by everyone. Lessons of true goodness, kindness, love, acceptance, empathy are found in this beauty. These lovely characters will stay with you for a long time. This book grabbed my heartstrings and still haven't let go...
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Feb 20, 2025
Kathleen (itpdx)
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
rws-2024-5-winter
Almost a fairy tale. There are good guys and bad guys, magic and a moral or two. But this story has a romance and a happy ending.
The world-building was incomplete and a little unsatisfying.
Only the main character, Linus, showed any growth most of the other characters were pretty static.
The world-building was incomplete and a little unsatisfying.
Only the main character, Linus, showed any growth most of the other characters were pretty static.
lovely --- simply lovely! I listened to the audio book, and I'd highly recommend audio as the way to experience this story. The narrator, Daniel Hening, did a wonderful job bringing all the VERY varied characters to life. Family is where you find it.
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I have to be honest…I only got half way through this and couldn’t continue. I just hate when someone promises a great story but is really just trying to teach the reader a lesson. If I want to be preached to I’ll go to church. Very disappointing.
An ebullient 4.5 stars (that I can't quite round up)! What a wonderful, heartfelt, beautifully imagined allegory for life, love, and finding oneself. I loved it. I recommend it. I can't wait to read it with my kid.
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Mar 20, 2020
LeslieVA
marked it as to-read
Jan 09, 2021
Paula S
marked it as to-read
Jan 18, 2021
Tanya
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
lgbtqia,
published-2020
Feb 17, 2021
Ruth
marked it as to-read
