Fantasy Annotation

Author: TJ Klune

Title: Under the Whispering Door 
Genre: Fantasy 
Subgenres: LGBT, Romance, Magical Realism
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Number of Pages: 390
Geographical Setting: n/a
Time Period: Present Day or Near Future 

“Everyone loses their way at some point, and it’s not just because of their mistakes or the decisions they make. It’s because they’re horribly, wonderfully human. And the one thing I’ve learned about being human is that we can’t do this alone. When we’re lost, we need help to try to find our way again.”

Plot Summary: 

Wallace Price is a successful lawyer, a workaholic, and a huge jerk to everyone around him. He has a sudden heart attack and dies alone in his office on a Sunday night. When he comes to, he finds himself at his own funeral with very few attendees and a woman he does not know. It turns out the young woman, Mei, is a reaper. She's here to help him transition into the next life and get him to the ferryman. The ferryman, Hugo, runs a charming and whimsical tea shop, Charon's Crossing. The whimsical little tea shop is a beautiful in-between life and death, where Hugo guides souls to whatever is next. Huge reassures Wallace that he can stay as long as he wants until he is ready. Wallace starts to enjoy his time at Charon's Crossing and grows closer to Hugo, but when a mishap gets the manager involved, Wallace is only given a week left to stay. He decides to live all the life he missed in seven days before he's forced to cross. Wallace and Hugo scramble to find a loophole. Klune's work is charming, whimsical, heartwarming, and cozy. Fans of Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea will devour this! 

Subject Headings: 

Future Life -- Fiction

Death -- Fiction

Interpersonal Relations -- Fiction 

Grim Reaper

Bisexual Men

Life after Death 

Appeal: 

Tone -  Heartwarming 

This book feels like a warm hug. Wallace and Hugo are lovely characters who grow to love each other in Charon's Crossing.

Pace - Leisurely 

Having a leisurely pace allows for more descriptions of the magical place Wallace has found himself in. It slows down the story to allow the readers to enjoy the setting, at least that was the case for me. 

Writing Style - Witty 

Klune's writing style is delightfully witty, he seamlessly weaves humor and charm into the novel. His narrative includes clever dialogue and whimsical observations too. 

3 Terms That Describe This Book: Cozy, Magical, Contemplative 

3 Relevant Fiction Works: 

Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins by Katrina Bivald 

After being hit by a truck outside the motel she ran with her best friend, Henry tries to figure out why afterward she is still hanging around the motel. Her high school friends come back to town and Henry attends her own funeral, invisible to everyone around her. She sticks around long enough to watch each of them live out their dreams. *very mixed Goodreads reviews*

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree 

This book takes place 20 years before Legends & Lattes, we meet a younger Viv who has just started her career as an adventurer. Unfortunately, her career gets put on hold because of an injury and she's left to recover in a sleepy little town. This book has a slice-of-life feel to it. Viv runs a little bookshop and creates a cozy life. 

The Regrets by Amy Bonnaffons 

Rachel has been noticing the same guy at her bus stop for weeks and finally gets the courage to talk to him. Their chemistry is undeniable but there's just one problem: he's dead. Thomas is stuck in limbo and is unable to cross over for 90 days, but during this time he is not allowed to get involved with anyone living. Rachel and Thomas break this rule and consequences follow. *very mixed Goodreads reviews*

3 Relevant Nonfiction Works: 

Grow Your Own Tea: The Complete Guide to Cultivating, Harvesting, and Preparing by Christine Parks and Susan M. Walcott 

A comprehensive handbook for discovering tea's origins, learning about the single plant that produces white, green, oolong, and black teas, plus step-by-step instructions for plucking, withering, and rolling. 

A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World by Erika Rappaport 

We had an excellent presenter come to my library to talk about the history of tea, the different types, and how to make a great cup of tea. This book was actually recommended by the presenter for those looking to do a deeper dive into the wild history of tea. This is a deep dive that goes back to the 17th century. 

Tea Gardening for Beginners: Learn to Grow, Blend, and Brew Your Own Tea At Home by Julia Dimakos 

This is also another book about growing and brewing tea at home. It looks like it would be another helpful guide. I am in my gardening era, so I'd like to try this myself! 

Similar Authors: 

David Levithan 

Novelist states that "Teen and adult readers looking for funny, offbeat, and thought-provoking books on friendships and gay romantic relationships will find themselves in the works of T.J. Klune and David Levithan. Levithan also writes for middle grades, but both create likable characters in engaging storylines with deep, tender, and magical qualities." 

Alexis J. Hall 

According to Novelist "Although Alexis Hall only writes adult fiction and T.J. Klune writes for adult and YA audiences, both romance writers are known for their whimsical storylines, quirky characters, and witty dialogue. Additionally, both authors write a variety of genres rather than just sticking to one." 

Becky Chambers 

Novelist says that "People who may not consider themselves science fiction (Becky Chambers) or fantasy (T.J. Klune) readers may appreciate both writers for their warm tones and inclusive cast of characters"