Sunshine for the soul

Do you ever pick up a book having no idea of the astonishing amount of joy it would bring? For me recently, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was one such book. If you are not a fan of fantasy (no pun intended) don’t let the label put you off.

My heart fluttered with all of the hilarious jokes, sweet kids, and messages of antiprejudice in the book. It felt like sunshine shining right into my soul.

I think any reader regardless of background will find characters to connect with and relate to in the book. The central theme is acceptance of others, no matter how different they are.

For readers who are open to diversity like myself, you’ll find delight in a gay lead who is more than what he seems and not featured for his looks,

but rather his heart and soul.

You’ll fall in love with the knobby-kneed, round-aboutthe-waist anti-hero of Linus Baker, who will surprise you and even himself throughout the novel. Linus leads a solitary and rather humdrum life, he stoically says he isn’t lonely but as he becomes immersed in a new world and he realises the importance of choosing people to be your family and forging bonds of love and acceptance.

Te Takeretanga o KuraHau-po¯ is hosting its first Pride Brunch on Sunday, June 20, 11am-1pm. Join us for a panel discussion, a sharing of experiences, followed by a delicious brunch and an opportunity to mix and mingle.

The event is a chance for our rainbow community to come together and celebrate, share and connect. Whanau, allies and supporters are also welcome. See details in What’s On below.