NQBC November Meet Up House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune
Schedule
Sat Nov 29 2025 at 05:00 am to 07:30 am
UTC+11:00Location
Goldbergs Coffee House | Newcastle, NS
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Join us at Goldie's for this month’s book club meet up to discuss ‘House in the Cerulean Sea’ by T.J KluneA magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.
Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.
When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.
But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.
An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.
Content warning
Contains themes of prejudice, discrimination, and bullying, as well as discussions of orphanhood, institutional care and a character who is the son of the devil.
It also deals with the emotional and psychological effects of trauma and recalling traumatic childhood events.
At the meet up we will have a mix of sharing our thoughts on the book, sharing what other books we may be enjoying and recommend, general chat and planning next month’s book so please bring along your suggestions and, if you can, check if it’s available at local public libraries beforehand.
This is a safe, inclusive space where everyone is welcome and embraced. We ask that you are open to hearing views different to yours and mindful of the impact your words may have if discussing sensitive topics that the book brings up.
PS You can definitely still attend if you haven’t read the book; we're a social group, however, be prepared for spoilers
If you’re needing support with some issues discussed in this book reach out to the below support lines you’re not alone
Call Q-Life 1800 184 527 for peer support from members of the LGBTQIA+ community (3pm-midnight 7 days a week)
or online webchat https://qlife.org.au/get-help
Lifeline 13 11 14
13 Yarn for mob in need of support and a yarn ph. 13 92 76
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Where is it happening?
Goldbergs Coffee House, 137 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300, Australia, NewcastleEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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