"The first time you share tea, you are a stranger. The second time you share tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share tea, you become family." I didn't buy this book the first time I saw it when I was in Kramers, and I almost didn't buy it last time either, but I am so glad I did. I was incredibly moved by Klune's first book, so the way Under the Whispering Door pulled at my heartstrings wasn't surprising, but it felt just the same. About life and death, family and love, compassion, growth, forgiveness (for others and oneself), and selflessness, Under the Whispering Door is a heartwarming text that follows Wallace's life after death. He's an asshole, which is an understatement, and when he arrives at Hugo and Mei's tea shop, you just about want to kill him (again!). And then Wallace grows and you can't help but learn a few things about life and who you want to be with him. Nelson is a delight, Apollo is easily the most important character, Mei is ferocious and I love her, and Hugo is exactly who is meant to be and who we should all hope to be. I'm so happy to know them.