The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune was a book club selection for Canadian Reader. Turned out to be the best pick of the year (according to CR at any rate) and was recommended to me. It was excellent! Linus, a follow-the-rules kind of employee of the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (and there are lots of rules) is sent to check out an orphanage on a remote island to see if it's up to the proper standards. Having done this before he expected nothing unusual. Until he met the children. And the person running it. These are children, unusual beyond even the magic that is part of each, that no one else wanted. It becomes more than an assignment, and Linus will end up rethinking his life, too. Learn about each of them, and Arthur, who has his own secret. Wonderful characters here! And good thoughts on acceptance, and what makes up a family. (Note: this book can be read on several levels, which has caused some controversy, it was interesting to look that up).

Reading Hermit With Dog