Under the Whispering Door

TJ Klune has a fantastic way of using his writing to make you stop and think. This book is introspective and intriguing. There are sardonic moments that will make you laugh out loud interwoven with moments sure to make you cry. It makes one stop and think about what it means to really live a full life, to really embrace what it is that makes you happy, and the things you leave behind when life is done. This book is tragic and hopeful and beautiful. As a tea loving horticulturist I absolutely loved the simplicity of his explanation of the tea plants and how much they are worth, and how much they give. This book is iconic with a wonderful love story woven in. I could listen to/read it over and over and never tire. I would give it 1000 stars if I could.

Phenomenal story about learning to live in a totally unexpected way. A lot of T. J. Klune's books carry that as a tenet to the plot: learning to live with what you have, while you have it. That's what I enjoy most about his books. UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR deals with several aspects of death, but they aren't overt. They fit the texture of the story well, and don't create a lot of stress. Being a reader that deals with stress on a daily basis, that's a hell of an endorsement. The better lesson in the story is something that every person on this rock -- even the best of us -- should take to heart: Don't wait until it's too late to consider if the way you're living is the way you want to live. Because, one day it will be too late. That's a bitter truth that the story makes such a tender, bittersweet moment. Moments. By way of spoiler: The only reason that I dropped the half star. I loved the story of Cameron. The "Husks", and how they're just looking to find their way to the Next Life... whatever, or where ever that may be. But, Cameron in particular. It was so sweet. Like most readers, I want that happy ending. Especially in stories like this one. The more that I read, though, the more I ... I'm unsure how else to say this. I wanted Wallace to go through the door. I love how the story read, and everything. This is just one readers comment far more than criticism. As I was reading the final act of the story, I was wanting the Cameron moment, only amped up, and given to Wallace and Hugo as a curtain call -- Hugo via an epilogue moment, for sure? The whole "wait for me" and "True love never dies" vibes were SO strong, that the story felt a little -- only a little -- less than best... Again, for this reader! Please don't take my comment as a reason not to read or listen to this wonderful story. End spoiler moment. Which leads to... This defines a moment in our humanity that should resonate in all age groups. If not, good luck finding that heart. This is a phenomenal read by a phenomenal author that continues to make my heart warm, break a little, then heal, and feel warm again. You won't be disappointed if you choose to give this one a read. Easily, top shelf! Making two spaces: one for this one and one for the next T. J. Klune book.

Not usually my cup of tea (pun intended) but I'm glad I took a chance with this book. I didn't think I would fall in love with this story as much as I did. The characters were dynamic and so relatable. I want more!