The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #1)

by T.J. Klune

The fact that I must become a conversationalist in addition to my current duties is vexing.

“These children are faced with nothing but preconceived notions about who they are. And they grow up to be adults who know only the same.

Linus was scandalized, though he couldn’t quite be sure why. “But he is so … so…” “So?” Mr. Parnassus asked. Linus latched onto the only thing he could think of. “He serves dried-out ham at the holiday parties! It’s terrible.” Mr. Parnassus stared at him for a moment before he burst out laughing. Linus was startled by how warm and crackly the sound was, like waves crashing over smooth rocks. “Oh, my dear Mr. Baker. I do truly marvel at you.” Linus felt oddly proud. “I try.” “So you do,” he said, wiping his eyes. They sat in silence again, and it was the most comfortable Linus had felt since arriving on the island. He didn’t dare examine it much, for fear it would show him things he wasn’t ready to see, but he knew it was there.

It was such a lovely day. There was no need to put a damper on it with the words of a bigot.

And just because a person is capable of wickedness, doesn’t mean they will act upon it.

“We all have our issues. I have a spare tire around my middle. His father is Satan. Nothing that can’t be worked out if we try hard enough.”

“People suck, but sometimes, they should just drown in their own suckage without our help.”

Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard.

“And what happens when he grows up?” Charles asked. “What happens when he becomes a man? What if he decides this world isn’t what he wants it to be? You know who his father is.” “I do,” Linus said. “His father is Arthur Parnassus. And he’s the best damn father Lucy has, and as far as I’m concerned, the only one.”