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Remarkably Bright Creatures
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fiction (2022), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Novel (2022)For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus
After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.
Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.
Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2022
About the author
Shelby Van Pelt
1 book7,936 followersShelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, was published by Ecco/HarperCollins (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) in Spring 2022.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96,487 reviews
February 25, 2023
This might be my favorite book this year, and will also be one of the best books I’ve ever read. Why did I love it so much?
Let’s start with the writing. Every page was impressive. The prose was spot-on and there were so many sentences I wanted to underline or reread. The dialogues were saturated with meaning and humor. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the writing style.
Then we have the characters. The author has a real gift when it comes to creating real, complex characters. She crafted unique personalities where their choices fitted perfectly with their traits. Some authors struggles with getting into the head of characters, but this author managed to bring new people into my life and I got fond of them. I didn’t want to say goodbye to them.
In addition to the humans, there was the most original and wonderful POV; the bright octopus. It was a delight to read those chapters. I actually cried after reading about the last thing he did for Tova and she for him. How many authors are able to make you cry because of an octopus?
The plot was intricate and well-thought through. I was invested from the first to last page and found myself saying ‘No’ in horror when some of the misunderstandings threatened the happiness of my new fictional best friends. Sometimes I thought; why didn’t you realize that? But then the author described why based on the personality and history of the character and it made me realize how easily we can misjudge and act in a way that potentially harms us.
I loved the ending although it was hard to say goodbye. I could have wandered around in their universe forever.
Let’s start with the writing. Every page was impressive. The prose was spot-on and there were so many sentences I wanted to underline or reread. The dialogues were saturated with meaning and humor. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the writing style.
Then we have the characters. The author has a real gift when it comes to creating real, complex characters. She crafted unique personalities where their choices fitted perfectly with their traits. Some authors struggles with getting into the head of characters, but this author managed to bring new people into my life and I got fond of them. I didn’t want to say goodbye to them.
In addition to the humans, there was the most original and wonderful POV; the bright octopus. It was a delight to read those chapters. I actually cried after reading about the last thing he did for Tova and she for him. How many authors are able to make you cry because of an octopus?
The plot was intricate and well-thought through. I was invested from the first to last page and found myself saying ‘No’ in horror when some of the misunderstandings threatened the happiness of my new fictional best friends. Sometimes I thought; why didn’t you realize that? But then the author described why based on the personality and history of the character and it made me realize how easily we can misjudge and act in a way that potentially harms us.
I loved the ending although it was hard to say goodbye. I could have wandered around in their universe forever.
July 6, 2022
I wrongread the crap out of this one. I totally get why this has been such a hit for others. I mean, the world is shit and fiction is a great place to turn when you need something hopeful. I’ve fallen victim to the right time/right place heartstring-tugger a time or twelve myself. (See A Man Called Ove, The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Guncle, etc.) And like everyone else, I loved Marcellus and heard the “Sad Cat Diary” narrator each time he voiced a chapter that really brought a smile to my face . . . .
But oh my god how did y’all tolerate Cameron? Freaking spoiled manbaby! So sorry your momma was a deadbeat and ditched you as a kid, but it’s not like you got dumped into the foster care system to rot. No, you were left with an aunt who not only loved you but coddled your ass into your dang 30s. Grow up, butthole! I broke my normal routine and poked around a few reviews since everyone but me loved this and I’ve noticed most don’t even mention him at all – despite him being a main character in the story. Maybe you all were simply able to ignore him???? I love a loveable loser, but this dude was a user and no redemption arc could make me like him.
2.5 Stars
June 1, 2022
The book was incredibly slow and very mundane at times. More than halfway through nothing significant had happened. There were a few chapters that were completely pointless and didn't contribute to the story in any way.
The author failed to give enough reasons for me to care about any of the characters. They all felt predictable and halfhearted.
Cameron's character was just the regular annoying, whiny kind of loser who blames everybody else for his "hard" life. We are constantly reminded how smart he is and yet the only way his smarts present themselves is through some random trivia. A 30 year old man who was raised by an aunt who made sure he had a roof over his head, rather than just being thrown into the system, who still blames his mother for all of his life choices and mistakes, is not someone I can feel sorry for. Grow up and get your act together ffs.
Marcellus was the only thing that kept the whole book together and he should have been given more space in it. I would have gladly read an entire book told only from his perspective.
The author failed to give enough reasons for me to care about any of the characters. They all felt predictable and halfhearted.
Cameron's character was just the regular annoying, whiny kind of loser who blames everybody else for his "hard" life. We are constantly reminded how smart he is and yet the only way his smarts present themselves is through some random trivia. A 30 year old man who was raised by an aunt who made sure he had a roof over his head, rather than just being thrown into the system, who still blames his mother for all of his life choices and mistakes, is not someone I can feel sorry for. Grow up and get your act together ffs.
Marcellus was the only thing that kept the whole book together and he should have been given more space in it. I would have gladly read an entire book told only from his perspective.
May 2, 2022
Marcellus the octopus!!! *heart eyes forever*
I don’t read a lot of literary fiction, but I was utterly charmed by this book. It was so creative and full of heart. I’d classify this as an extremely readable smart people book. Plus look at that gorgeous cover! Perfect for beach season.
I don’t read a lot of literary fiction, but I was utterly charmed by this book. It was so creative and full of heart. I’d classify this as an extremely readable smart people book. Plus look at that gorgeous cover! Perfect for beach season.
June 1, 2022
It’s me not you, according to all of Goodreads.
Marcellus charmed me but the humans lost me.
Marcellus charmed me but the humans lost me.
August 30, 2022
I wanted more octopus and less insufferable man-child
July 12, 2022
***MAY -- TODAY SHOW BOOK CLUB BOOK***
**This is a review of the audiobook of this novel
CAN A HUMAN AND A GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS COMMUNICATE?
The answer in this debut novel is most definitely YES!!!
Tova is recently widowed and is working as a cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova has always felt that keeping busy was the best way to cope with the things that life throws at you. She also knows a lot about loss, her son Eric aged 18, disappeared 30 years ago, after taking out a boat on Puget sound.
Marcellus is a 60 lb Giant Pacific Octopus who has been living in the Aquarium for several years. He was a rescue but Marcellus considers himself a captive and dreams of returning to the sea. He is also highly intelligent and quite adept at escaping his tank when he wants to roam about!
Cameron is a young man who has come to town looking for the father he never knew. His mother left when he was young and he was raised by his aunt.
The story is told from the point of view of these three characters.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS AUDIOBOOK:
The star of this novel is definitely Marcellus and I enjoyed his POV the most!
The narrators were absolutely great and the voice of Marcellus is just as I expected it would be, he is intelligent, a bit of a grouch but has formed a bond with Tova.
The setting of Puget sound is described in all of it’s splendor, I could easily picture the glistening blue waters and almost smell the salt in the air!
While fanciful, this story still had me engaged throughout. The novel is nicely paced and I was never bored.
After listening to this book and loving it, I of course had to Google The Giant Pacific Octopus. I found that it is indeed extremely intelligent and there are many articles about them solving puzzles, escaping from enclosures, etc. You will enjoy learning more about them if you liked this novel!
While the story is somewhat predictable it was still fun to listen to how these two humans and one octopus would solve the mystery of Tova’s missing son.
If you believe that animals can bring comfort and happiness to a person’s life and can help you heal from life's tragedies, you will love this book!! It is quirky and fun but there are also some serious issues described.
I received this audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley and Harper Audio. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this wonderful story!
Publication date is May 3, 2022
**This is a review of the audiobook of this novel
CAN A HUMAN AND A GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS COMMUNICATE?
The answer in this debut novel is most definitely YES!!!
Tova is recently widowed and is working as a cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova has always felt that keeping busy was the best way to cope with the things that life throws at you. She also knows a lot about loss, her son Eric aged 18, disappeared 30 years ago, after taking out a boat on Puget sound.
Marcellus is a 60 lb Giant Pacific Octopus who has been living in the Aquarium for several years. He was a rescue but Marcellus considers himself a captive and dreams of returning to the sea. He is also highly intelligent and quite adept at escaping his tank when he wants to roam about!
Cameron is a young man who has come to town looking for the father he never knew. His mother left when he was young and he was raised by his aunt.
The story is told from the point of view of these three characters.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS AUDIOBOOK:
The star of this novel is definitely Marcellus and I enjoyed his POV the most!
The narrators were absolutely great and the voice of Marcellus is just as I expected it would be, he is intelligent, a bit of a grouch but has formed a bond with Tova.
The setting of Puget sound is described in all of it’s splendor, I could easily picture the glistening blue waters and almost smell the salt in the air!
While fanciful, this story still had me engaged throughout. The novel is nicely paced and I was never bored.
After listening to this book and loving it, I of course had to Google The Giant Pacific Octopus. I found that it is indeed extremely intelligent and there are many articles about them solving puzzles, escaping from enclosures, etc. You will enjoy learning more about them if you liked this novel!
While the story is somewhat predictable it was still fun to listen to how these two humans and one octopus would solve the mystery of Tova’s missing son.
If you believe that animals can bring comfort and happiness to a person’s life and can help you heal from life's tragedies, you will love this book!! It is quirky and fun but there are also some serious issues described.
I received this audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley and Harper Audio. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this wonderful story!
Publication date is May 3, 2022
March 24, 2023
Incredible!! 5+ stars and highly recommend!
I listened to Shelby Van Pelt's book, Remarkably Bright Creatures, on audiobook and I highly recommend listening to the book. Michael Urie does a phenomenal job as Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who is smarter than humans and is an escape artist at night from his tank (captivity) at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Marin Ireland narrates other characters and has an amazing Scottish brogue for the character of Ethan.
Like other book reviewers, I was skeptical about a book regarding an octopus but I was immediately captivated. Similar to other reviewers, I researched octopus information and they are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates and they can radically alter their body shape to squeeze through small gaps.
The character development, dialogue, and drama of Tova, Cameron, Ethan, and Avery are terrific. Van Pelt does an amazing job on dealing with tough topics like death, loss, and grief as well as more positive issues of relationships, friendship, and interconnectedness.
Highly recommend!
I listened to Shelby Van Pelt's book, Remarkably Bright Creatures, on audiobook and I highly recommend listening to the book. Michael Urie does a phenomenal job as Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who is smarter than humans and is an escape artist at night from his tank (captivity) at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Marin Ireland narrates other characters and has an amazing Scottish brogue for the character of Ethan.
Like other book reviewers, I was skeptical about a book regarding an octopus but I was immediately captivated. Similar to other reviewers, I researched octopus information and they are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates and they can radically alter their body shape to squeeze through small gaps.
The character development, dialogue, and drama of Tova, Cameron, Ethan, and Avery are terrific. Van Pelt does an amazing job on dealing with tough topics like death, loss, and grief as well as more positive issues of relationships, friendship, and interconnectedness.
Highly recommend!
August 30, 2022
When I heard the premise of this book, I imagined an octopus POV would be used as the jumping point for reflections on captivity, "otherness", different forms of intelligence, or respect of nature... sadly I found none of that here.
It's just your average "intersecting destinies" story with a very predictable plot proceeding at a snail-like pace.
The writing style is similarly unremarkable. It is built from three POVs, one of which belongs to an octopus (great!), one to an unremarkable old lady (less great) and one to an absolutely insufferable, whiny man-child who talks in the kind of overly colloquial writing style ("bicep day's been lit at the gym lately") that I really cannot stand (definitely not great).
Overall, a waste of a good cephalopod.
It's just your average "intersecting destinies" story with a very predictable plot proceeding at a snail-like pace.
The writing style is similarly unremarkable. It is built from three POVs, one of which belongs to an octopus (great!), one to an unremarkable old lady (less great) and one to an absolutely insufferable, whiny man-child who talks in the kind of overly colloquial writing style ("bicep day's been lit at the gym lately") that I really cannot stand (definitely not great).
Overall, a waste of a good cephalopod.
May 9, 2022
4.5⭐️
Seventy-year-old Tova Sullivan works the nightshift as a cleaner at Sowell Bay Aquarium. She lives alone, recently widowed and her eighteen-year-old son having disappeared almost thirty years ago. Though financially stable, Tova believes in keeping herself occupied and enjoys her work and the company of the aquatic life in the aquarium, among whom is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, who was taken in as a rescue and at the beginning of the novel is on Day 1299 of his four-year (1460 day) life span. His observations and ruminations on human beings (which are shared in the first person in snippets throughout the narrative) are laced with humor (with a touch of snark) and wisdom. He is after all a ‘remarkably bright creature’ who also happens to venture out of his tank at nighttime, never exceeding the eighteen minutes beyond which would result in “consequences” as he cannot survive longer than that outside his tank. On one of his nocturnal adventures, Tova ends up saving him from harm and they form a special bond. Though Tova has a supportive group of friends, she is concerned about not having anyone to look after her in her advanced age and begins to consider the option of selling her home and moving into an upscale retirement facility. As the story progresses we also meet thirty-year-old Cameron Cassmore who travels to Sowell Bay, Washington from Modesto, California in search of information about his family connections. Abandoned by his mother as a child and raised by his aunt, he has recently become aware of possible family connections that lead him to Sowell Bay. He hasn’t done much with his life till now, is unable to hold a steady job and has been recently dumped by his girlfriend who was fed up with his lack of initiative and whimsical nature. Cameron, Tova and Marcellus connect when he starts working at the aquarium and what follows is a deeply moving story of friendship, community, family, grief and moving on.
The author’s portrayal of a close-knit small-town community and sensitive depiction of issues such as loss, grief, loneliness and aging will touch your heart. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the story is very well told and nowhere in the narrative do you lose interest or experience boredom. Marcellus is adorable and is a reminder of how precious our animal friends are to us especially in moments of loneliness and sorrow. The story also makes you ponder over the plight of animals in captivity. Though none of the animals in this story were harmed or ill-treated, you cannot help but feel sympathy for Marcellus when he feels imprisoned within the glass walls of the aquarium and misses his natural habitat.
Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, with a lively cast of characters (human and cephalopod), engaging and well-paced narrative and a perfect combination of emotion, humor, wit and wisdom (suspend disbelief and you will enjoy the story!), Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a lump in your throat and a smile on your face.
I thank the author and publisher for providing a DRC of this wonderful book via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed here are my own.
February 6, 2023
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie
Seventy year old Tova Sullivan loves her job working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Doing this job helps her with the grief of losing her husband. There is another grief that has been with her for many decades, since her eighteen year old son died, his body never found.
Tova loves cleaning the floors, windows, tanks, and the seal statue that was a favorite of her son when he was little. For Tova, this job is a life saver, a place for her to be, a place she is needed, welcomed, and cherished by the aquarium manager. And then something very special happens! Tova meets curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. She already knew Marcellus, just as she knew all the other aquarium creatures but she never KNEW him before she and Marcellus meet face to face in an amazing way. Thus begins a lifelong friendship between Tova and Marcellus. Lifelong considering the short length of life that Marcellus has left since he is at the end of his four year lifespan.
There is another important person in this story and it's thirty year old Cameron Cassmore, a man who has never really grown up or found his place in life. He's never met his father and his mother abandoned him when he was nine. Cameron has a lot of growing up to do, having never held a job that he wasn't fired from, having never learned to pick up his own socks, and having never been someone anyone could rely on. But he's in Sowell Bay now, on the prowl to find out the secrets to his past, hoping what he finds will pay off, if possible.
I loved this story, the people, Marcellus, and gray Cat. The audiobook narration could not be better. Marin Ireland does her usual wonderful job while Michael Urie IS Marcellus. He's now a new favorite narrator of mine. I avoid animal stories because I usually can't handle things happening to animals but this is a story about giving life to both animals and humans and that giving makes future loss bearable. Even if we can't keep something forever, we don't want to miss the chance of the time we can spend with those we can love and cherish.
Pub May 3, 2022 by HarperAudio
Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie
Seventy year old Tova Sullivan loves her job working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Doing this job helps her with the grief of losing her husband. There is another grief that has been with her for many decades, since her eighteen year old son died, his body never found.
Tova loves cleaning the floors, windows, tanks, and the seal statue that was a favorite of her son when he was little. For Tova, this job is a life saver, a place for her to be, a place she is needed, welcomed, and cherished by the aquarium manager. And then something very special happens! Tova meets curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. She already knew Marcellus, just as she knew all the other aquarium creatures but she never KNEW him before she and Marcellus meet face to face in an amazing way. Thus begins a lifelong friendship between Tova and Marcellus. Lifelong considering the short length of life that Marcellus has left since he is at the end of his four year lifespan.
There is another important person in this story and it's thirty year old Cameron Cassmore, a man who has never really grown up or found his place in life. He's never met his father and his mother abandoned him when he was nine. Cameron has a lot of growing up to do, having never held a job that he wasn't fired from, having never learned to pick up his own socks, and having never been someone anyone could rely on. But he's in Sowell Bay now, on the prowl to find out the secrets to his past, hoping what he finds will pay off, if possible.
I loved this story, the people, Marcellus, and gray Cat. The audiobook narration could not be better. Marin Ireland does her usual wonderful job while Michael Urie IS Marcellus. He's now a new favorite narrator of mine. I avoid animal stories because I usually can't handle things happening to animals but this is a story about giving life to both animals and humans and that giving makes future loss bearable. Even if we can't keep something forever, we don't want to miss the chance of the time we can spend with those we can love and cherish.
Pub May 3, 2022 by HarperAudio
December 5, 2022
This book is very popular and adored by so many so I'm just going to keep this short.
I feel a bit disappointed like I read a different book. I thought the first half was very good and I even chuckled at parts. After a while, I realized that I'm constantly waiting for Marcellus to show up. I love his POV and it reminds me of the octopus in "Resident Alien" TV show. While waiting for him, I become increasingly annoyed by one of the characters. 😫 And I'm sorry to say, I have very little interest in the other character.
I feel like I might regret not giving it a higher rating, a bit of "Frick Island" Deja Vu.
I feel a bit disappointed like I read a different book. I thought the first half was very good and I even chuckled at parts. After a while, I realized that I'm constantly waiting for Marcellus to show up. I love his POV and it reminds me of the octopus in "Resident Alien" TV show. While waiting for him, I become increasingly annoyed by one of the characters. 😫 And I'm sorry to say, I have very little interest in the other character.
I feel like I might regret not giving it a higher rating, a bit of "Frick Island" Deja Vu.
July 11, 2022
5 just go with it stars
There have been lots of books between dogs and cats forming impressive bonds with humans. But this is the first that involves an octopus and a human. Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. And he’s nearing the end of his expected life span. Tova is the seventy year old woman that cleans the aquarium where Marcellus is a prisoner, as he sees it. She’s a widow and her 18 year old son went missing decades earlier.
I had enjoyed watching My Octopus Teacher on Netflix earlier this year. And Van Pelt does an equally good job of showing the reader how smart octopuses are.
The story weaves in other characters - a thirty year old still trying to find his footing and also the father he never knew, a transplanted Scot who runs the local deli and store. I found myself drawn to each and every one of them. This is a lovely heartwarming story. It deals with growing old alone, grief, growing up belatedly. It grabbed my heart. I loved the magic realism of this story.
Both narrators do a great job. This made for a delightful audio experience. Michael Urle was superb as Marcellus. Marin Ireland always does a great job and this time is no exception.
There have been lots of books between dogs and cats forming impressive bonds with humans. But this is the first that involves an octopus and a human. Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. And he’s nearing the end of his expected life span. Tova is the seventy year old woman that cleans the aquarium where Marcellus is a prisoner, as he sees it. She’s a widow and her 18 year old son went missing decades earlier.
I had enjoyed watching My Octopus Teacher on Netflix earlier this year. And Van Pelt does an equally good job of showing the reader how smart octopuses are.
The story weaves in other characters - a thirty year old still trying to find his footing and also the father he never knew, a transplanted Scot who runs the local deli and store. I found myself drawn to each and every one of them. This is a lovely heartwarming story. It deals with growing old alone, grief, growing up belatedly. It grabbed my heart. I loved the magic realism of this story.
Both narrators do a great job. This made for a delightful audio experience. Michael Urle was superb as Marcellus. Marin Ireland always does a great job and this time is no exception.
October 17, 2023
I wish I could rate this book higher.
I loved Tova and Marcellus so much. They get 5 stars easily.
But Cameron is such a horrible cry baby/man child I give him 0 stars. How is he 30, but every decision he makes is so infantile and selfish? For example, if he had to cancel a date, why wouldn't he call the person instead of going to her place of business and telling her tèenager? Sure, he becomes less horrible by the end, but I disliked him so much by then that I didn't care, and honestly, I doubted his character arc. No one that far behind in life would be able to become a functional adult so quickly.
Also there were a lot of things in this debut novel that didn't ring true for the modern era and seemed to take up a lot of time just to add drama. Like the hunt for the real estate guy just took so long. Any middle-aged real estate agent would have a Facebook page. Cam could have looked him up and dmed him, no need to drive a fuel inefficient vehicle all over Washington.
I can see why this is such a popular book there are a lot of heart warming aspects like the Octopus detective and the rich character descriptions are great, but I just couldn't stomach Cameron who thought it was OK to walk around with chocolate on his face, smelling like other people's urine.
I loved Tova and Marcellus so much. They get 5 stars easily.
But Cameron is such a horrible cry baby/man child I give him 0 stars. How is he 30, but every decision he makes is so infantile and selfish? For example, if he had to cancel a date, why wouldn't he call the person instead of going to her place of business and telling her tèenager? Sure, he becomes less horrible by the end, but I disliked him so much by then that I didn't care, and honestly, I doubted his character arc. No one that far behind in life would be able to become a functional adult so quickly.
Also there were a lot of things in this debut novel that didn't ring true for the modern era and seemed to take up a lot of time just to add drama. Like the hunt for the real estate guy just took so long. Any middle-aged real estate agent would have a Facebook page. Cam could have looked him up and dmed him, no need to drive a fuel inefficient vehicle all over Washington.
I can see why this is such a popular book there are a lot of heart warming aspects like the Octopus detective and the rich character descriptions are great, but I just couldn't stomach Cameron who thought it was OK to walk around with chocolate on his face, smelling like other people's urine.
May 17, 2022
I'm sure many may disagree with this review, based on the love that this book has received, but I really didn't find anything special here. I found the relationship with the octopus charming but the rest of the story was very middle of the road, and achingly slow... the characters were very 2D and trite.. the boy was annoying to the point of cartoon angst.... it's interesting, but it's not groundbreaking at all
July 27, 2022
I finished this book with a bittersweet feeling and a smile. How important is that? For me it's priceless. How rare was that for this reader? Pretty darn rare. Maybe I've been reading the wrong books.
Three wonderful characters and one giant octopus. Tova. Cameron, Ethan, and Marcellus. All searching for something and as I listened I so wanted them to succeed. If the wily Marcellus has his way, Tova will get hers. I should mention that one learns a bit about the lives of giant octopi and how Marcellus came to live in a tank in a aquarium.
The narrators were great. Ethan's Scottish voice made me melt and Tovas voice fit my picture of her wonderfully. Well done!
Three wonderful characters and one giant octopus. Tova. Cameron, Ethan, and Marcellus. All searching for something and as I listened I so wanted them to succeed. If the wily Marcellus has his way, Tova will get hers. I should mention that one learns a bit about the lives of giant octopi and how Marcellus came to live in a tank in a aquarium.
The narrators were great. Ethan's Scottish voice made me melt and Tovas voice fit my picture of her wonderfully. Well done!
November 17, 2022
Audiobook….read by Marin Ireland and Michael Urle
….11 hours and 16 minutes
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book!
A debut classic is born!!
I have fully fallen in love with this gem as others have.
Thank you to *Cheri* for her wonderful review who first turned me on to this priceless quirky novel.
Note of interest… unrelated per say…
But scientist recently figured out why female octopuses self-destruct.
After she lays her eggs she does with any new parent would…carefully watch over her progeny. She stays with them and protects them from predators blowing water over them to keep them oxygenated, writes Nicolas Bakalar for the New York Times”.
“But then her behavior turns bizarre; she stops eating and begins to self mutilate, tearing off her skin or even eating her own arms. She’s dead before the eggs can hatch”.
Our ‘A-Star-is-Born’ octopus
in “Remarkably Bright Creatures” — is a male …. so Marcellus has about a 4 year life span…(as Marcellus himself will tell us)…
If Marcellus was a female octopus she would die [self-destruct] soon after she lays her eggs.
By the time a young octopus wiggles out of its egg, its mother is already dead.
….Shelby Van Pelt (tons of talent), is going to have her challenges following up with her next novel…but I don’t doubt for a second that she won’t continue to surprise readers again and again.
As sappy as it sounds having an octopus as a leading character—Shelby absolutely makes it works brilliantly… (feelings are all so real)…
and if readers look closer —wise symbolism is sprinkling throughout.
….Themes of love, loss, grief, loneliness, and friendships, are strong.
The characters are gloriously genuine.
….You can bet, I’ll choose to read Shelby’s next book!
The audiobook-narrators empowers this story exceptionally!!
….11 hours and 16 minutes
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book!
A debut classic is born!!
I have fully fallen in love with this gem as others have.
Thank you to *Cheri* for her wonderful review who first turned me on to this priceless quirky novel.
Note of interest… unrelated per say…
But scientist recently figured out why female octopuses self-destruct.
After she lays her eggs she does with any new parent would…carefully watch over her progeny. She stays with them and protects them from predators blowing water over them to keep them oxygenated, writes Nicolas Bakalar for the New York Times”.
“But then her behavior turns bizarre; she stops eating and begins to self mutilate, tearing off her skin or even eating her own arms. She’s dead before the eggs can hatch”.
Our ‘A-Star-is-Born’ octopus
in “Remarkably Bright Creatures” — is a male …. so Marcellus has about a 4 year life span…(as Marcellus himself will tell us)…
If Marcellus was a female octopus she would die [self-destruct] soon after she lays her eggs.
By the time a young octopus wiggles out of its egg, its mother is already dead.
….Shelby Van Pelt (tons of talent), is going to have her challenges following up with her next novel…but I don’t doubt for a second that she won’t continue to surprise readers again and again.
As sappy as it sounds having an octopus as a leading character—Shelby absolutely makes it works brilliantly… (feelings are all so real)…
and if readers look closer —wise symbolism is sprinkling throughout.
….Themes of love, loss, grief, loneliness, and friendships, are strong.
The characters are gloriously genuine.
….You can bet, I’ll choose to read Shelby’s next book!
The audiobook-narrators empowers this story exceptionally!!
June 7, 2022
This must be my Year of the Octopus. After watching and loving My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, I’m more than a little obsessed with these amazing, intelligent creatures. This is my second book featuring octopuses (no, it’s not octopi), in as many months.
Tova, the 70-year-old cleaning lady at the aquarium, is grieving the recent loss of her husband, and the son who disappeared 30 years ago. Outside of work, I enjoyed the interactions she had with her friends, the Knit Wits. Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives in the aquarium, is nearing the end of his short (4-ish) life, having never known freedom, despite his nightly escapes to other tanks to get a tasty snack. Cameron is the new employee, a struggling young man who is on a quest to find the father he never knew.
The chapters alternate between these three characters, and while I enjoyed all three, I wanted more of Marcellus. He is a grumpy old man with a heart of gold. The best part is we are privy to his witty and snarky thoughts, usually about humans. Snark gets me every time.
How these three lives intertwine makes for a heartwarming, feel-good story. There’s a mystery to solve, one Marcellus has figured out. He only has to find a way to get the humans to piece the puzzle together. He might be curmudgeonly, but he has a soft spot for these two, especially Tova, with whom he shares a strong bond. You know where the story is going, but it’s OK, because the journey there is charming and delightful. Marcellus, of course, stole my heart, putting a smile on my face, and a lump in my throat.
Readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman, (although he’s hit or miss with me), will likely love this one too.
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Tova, the 70-year-old cleaning lady at the aquarium, is grieving the recent loss of her husband, and the son who disappeared 30 years ago. Outside of work, I enjoyed the interactions she had with her friends, the Knit Wits. Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives in the aquarium, is nearing the end of his short (4-ish) life, having never known freedom, despite his nightly escapes to other tanks to get a tasty snack. Cameron is the new employee, a struggling young man who is on a quest to find the father he never knew.
The chapters alternate between these three characters, and while I enjoyed all three, I wanted more of Marcellus. He is a grumpy old man with a heart of gold. The best part is we are privy to his witty and snarky thoughts, usually about humans. Snark gets me every time.
How these three lives intertwine makes for a heartwarming, feel-good story. There’s a mystery to solve, one Marcellus has figured out. He only has to find a way to get the humans to piece the puzzle together. He might be curmudgeonly, but he has a soft spot for these two, especially Tova, with whom he shares a strong bond. You know where the story is going, but it’s OK, because the journey there is charming and delightful. Marcellus, of course, stole my heart, putting a smile on my face, and a lump in my throat.
Readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman, (although he’s hit or miss with me), will likely love this one too.
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2024
Did I miss something?
Everyone else seems to have been enchanted with this story. Not I.
In the first third of the novel, it was painfully obvious how the story would conclude.
Do you remember Romeo and Juliet? Mr. Shakespeare was the King of Spoilers when he tells us the outcome of the ill-fated lovers in the very first paragraph. But he told a story worthy of rippling through the ages.
In contrast, Remarkably Bright Creatures is boring. The storytelling needed sharpening because most of the book was superfluous and should have been distilled to the dialogue.
Additionally, the narrative voice is lackluster (aside from the Marcellus/octopus sections). This book would have benefited from some hilarious moments or some snarky comments. Van Pelt shines when writing in the first person, and all of the sections should have been written using that perspective.
Bored stiff and couldn't wait for this to end.
Sorry, Tova.
How much I spent:
Hardcover text – Free through Mel-Cat (Michigan Library System)
2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta My Bookstore at Pango
Everyone else seems to have been enchanted with this story. Not I.
In the first third of the novel, it was painfully obvious how the story would conclude.
Do you remember Romeo and Juliet? Mr. Shakespeare was the King of Spoilers when he tells us the outcome of the ill-fated lovers in the very first paragraph. But he told a story worthy of rippling through the ages.
In contrast, Remarkably Bright Creatures is boring. The storytelling needed sharpening because most of the book was superfluous and should have been distilled to the dialogue.
Additionally, the narrative voice is lackluster (aside from the Marcellus/octopus sections). This book would have benefited from some hilarious moments or some snarky comments. Van Pelt shines when writing in the first person, and all of the sections should have been written using that perspective.
Bored stiff and couldn't wait for this to end.
Sorry, Tova.
How much I spent:
Hardcover text – Free through Mel-Cat (Michigan Library System)
2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta My Bookstore at Pango
August 22, 2022
jesus fucking christ
January 3, 2024
2.5
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
May 4, 2024
I can’t say enough good things about this story. So so good on audio!
June 29, 2022
This is a good book for a 12-year-old who wants to read a book about adults. The writing style and plot are at the middle school level. There’s nothing really wrong with it if you look at it from that perspective, but this book is simply not complex enough for an adult who reads regularly and has the ability to read between the lines.
May 11, 2022
4.5 Stars
I wish there was more Marcellus in the book! I love that Octopus! I loved Tova too!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
I wish there was more Marcellus in the book! I love that Octopus! I loved Tova too!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
May 14, 2022
Given the current state of the world, one needs a charming story that tugs at the heart yet is uplifting. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is the perfect novel that will take your mind away from current politics and an unsettled world. Plus, an octopus is one of the main characters! Who doesn’t love a good cephalopod story? For those who are familiar with octopuses and their clever antics, you enjoy this story.
Marcellus McSquiddles, a giant Pacific octopus who is held in Sowell Bay Aquarium (and a bit of a curmudgeon) begins the story narrating his life in captivity. He has a special relationship with the nightly cleaner, Tova Sullivan. Tova is a widower whose eighteen-year-old son went missing over thirty years ago, and she still feels the loss daily. Tova is an excellent cleaner who takes her job seriously. She’s seventy years old and is on the verge of retiring. Yet she loves all her exhibits of sea life.
Tova is part of a group of women who call themselves “the Knit-Wits” who also provide some smiles in this wonderful read, and she works at the aquarium at night. Marcellus has been getting bold in his endeavors to find tasty fresh seafood. Yes, he has fun escaping a nibbling on other exhibits and keeping Tova on her toes.
Other main characters are Ethan, a Scotsman who owns the local grocery story, and has a romantic interest in Tova, although she doesn’t see it. A young man named Cameron comes to Sowell Bay in search of his father. He finds a job in the grocery store working for Ethan.
Author Shelby Van Pelt expertly weaves the characters’ stories together. Although each character has sad emotional issues such as loss, grief, aging, and secrets, the story remains hopeful. Van Pelt keeps the secrets hidden from the reader, and the unveiling of the secrets is a reader’s joy. Marcellus has the best secrets.
The chapters are short which leads to the reading enjoyment along with the wonderful prose and observations. Life is sad and can be devastatingly difficult to endure, yet Van Pelt writes of the human spirit, the human need to find light and happiness.
This is a remarkably endearing read!
Marcellus McSquiddles, a giant Pacific octopus who is held in Sowell Bay Aquarium (and a bit of a curmudgeon) begins the story narrating his life in captivity. He has a special relationship with the nightly cleaner, Tova Sullivan. Tova is a widower whose eighteen-year-old son went missing over thirty years ago, and she still feels the loss daily. Tova is an excellent cleaner who takes her job seriously. She’s seventy years old and is on the verge of retiring. Yet she loves all her exhibits of sea life.
Tova is part of a group of women who call themselves “the Knit-Wits” who also provide some smiles in this wonderful read, and she works at the aquarium at night. Marcellus has been getting bold in his endeavors to find tasty fresh seafood. Yes, he has fun escaping a nibbling on other exhibits and keeping Tova on her toes.
Other main characters are Ethan, a Scotsman who owns the local grocery story, and has a romantic interest in Tova, although she doesn’t see it. A young man named Cameron comes to Sowell Bay in search of his father. He finds a job in the grocery store working for Ethan.
Author Shelby Van Pelt expertly weaves the characters’ stories together. Although each character has sad emotional issues such as loss, grief, aging, and secrets, the story remains hopeful. Van Pelt keeps the secrets hidden from the reader, and the unveiling of the secrets is a reader’s joy. Marcellus has the best secrets.
The chapters are short which leads to the reading enjoyment along with the wonderful prose and observations. Life is sad and can be devastatingly difficult to endure, yet Van Pelt writes of the human spirit, the human need to find light and happiness.
This is a remarkably endearing read!
April 15, 2023
As Swaye is my witness, I called this book’s ending on page four. Well, half the ending.
And you probably will, too.
This novel isn’t out to surprise (or, if it is, that's a big fail-o-rama), save with its novel octopus POV. Mostly, it’s a bittersweet reflection on grief and aging and loneliness and family.
And all of these topics are worthy of meditation.
As for the writing itself: some of it feels inspired, but most of it does not. Around our female lead, Tova, everything crackles and glows. The dialogue feels right. The sorrow and grit are there. Same with our octopus lead, Marcellus. But the other characters feel less fully realized.
My advice if you plan to read this novel: lay down any expectations of elegant prose and intricate character development in all but the two main players. And even there, don’t get crazy. This is a simple, mainstream novel, with an interesting sea creature twist. It’s a beach read, or a palette cleanser in between meatier works. Sorry, but them’s the facts.
Two things did really bother me during this mostly decent, if unremarkable, read. May I get them off my chest?
First, Shelby Van Pelt is not a master of nuanced foreshadowing. I can’t give you specific examples, or I’ll spoil the plot, but I was bludgeoned by hints of things to come. I found myself thinking: I’m not an idiot, lady. You don’t have to hit me over the head with your clues.
Second, Van Pelt is absolutely in love with the word “some,” and not in a good way. Normal people probably won't trouble at this, but I get OCD with my pet peeves. Please allow me to give you three examples of how the author’s use of the word “some” drove me apeshit by story’s end:
1. “Two clicks to download some travel app he saw a commercial about, with some schtick about guaranteeing rock-bottom prices” (104).
So... to clarify: do you not know which travel app he used? Or, could you not make one up?
2. “I was watching some show on the travel channel the other day” (245).
Which show, now?
3. “They were interviewing him about trends in vacation home sales or some boring thing” (245).
Wait, please. Were they interviewing him about trends in vacation home sales, or about “some” other “boring thing”? What exactly did this supposed interview entail, Ms. Van Pelt? You’re the only one who knows for sure, and I’d really like to be looped in.
…
I’ve given you three examples here, but the author does this at least 100 times in 360 pages. I’m not exaggerating. And to me, this feels lazy. An author’s job is to create a believable world, full of believable details. Vagaries do not achieve this end, especially in such abundance.
In closing, I was really looking forward to reading this story, and I was mildly disappointed with it. Really, I got more pleasure from reading other people’s reviews about the novelty of an octopus narrator than I got from reading the actual book. Oh well, that’s life sometimes.
My consolation prize, stimulating dialogue with a savvy buddy-reader, more than makes up for this otherwise lackluster experience.
Book/Song Pairing: Never Let Me Go (Florence + The Machine) youtu.be/zMBTvuUlm98
And you probably will, too.
This novel isn’t out to surprise (or, if it is, that's a big fail-o-rama), save with its novel octopus POV. Mostly, it’s a bittersweet reflection on grief and aging and loneliness and family.
And all of these topics are worthy of meditation.
As for the writing itself: some of it feels inspired, but most of it does not. Around our female lead, Tova, everything crackles and glows. The dialogue feels right. The sorrow and grit are there. Same with our octopus lead, Marcellus. But the other characters feel less fully realized.
My advice if you plan to read this novel: lay down any expectations of elegant prose and intricate character development in all but the two main players. And even there, don’t get crazy. This is a simple, mainstream novel, with an interesting sea creature twist. It’s a beach read, or a palette cleanser in between meatier works. Sorry, but them’s the facts.
Two things did really bother me during this mostly decent, if unremarkable, read. May I get them off my chest?
First, Shelby Van Pelt is not a master of nuanced foreshadowing. I can’t give you specific examples, or I’ll spoil the plot, but I was bludgeoned by hints of things to come. I found myself thinking: I’m not an idiot, lady. You don’t have to hit me over the head with your clues.
Second, Van Pelt is absolutely in love with the word “some,” and not in a good way. Normal people probably won't trouble at this, but I get OCD with my pet peeves. Please allow me to give you three examples of how the author’s use of the word “some” drove me apeshit by story’s end:
1. “Two clicks to download some travel app he saw a commercial about, with some schtick about guaranteeing rock-bottom prices” (104).
So... to clarify: do you not know which travel app he used? Or, could you not make one up?
2. “I was watching some show on the travel channel the other day” (245).
Which show, now?
3. “They were interviewing him about trends in vacation home sales or some boring thing” (245).
Wait, please. Were they interviewing him about trends in vacation home sales, or about “some” other “boring thing”? What exactly did this supposed interview entail, Ms. Van Pelt? You’re the only one who knows for sure, and I’d really like to be looped in.
…
I’ve given you three examples here, but the author does this at least 100 times in 360 pages. I’m not exaggerating. And to me, this feels lazy. An author’s job is to create a believable world, full of believable details. Vagaries do not achieve this end, especially in such abundance.
In closing, I was really looking forward to reading this story, and I was mildly disappointed with it. Really, I got more pleasure from reading other people’s reviews about the novelty of an octopus narrator than I got from reading the actual book. Oh well, that’s life sometimes.
My consolation prize, stimulating dialogue with a savvy buddy-reader, more than makes up for this otherwise lackluster experience.
Book/Song Pairing: Never Let Me Go (Florence + The Machine) youtu.be/zMBTvuUlm98
October 29, 2023
4.2⭐️ what a ride through a genre I didn't know existed 🥺💙
✔️ domestic fiction
✔️ feel-good mystery
✔️ exploration of friendship
✔️ coastal setting
✔️ three povs
-random older lady's pov (Tova)
-random young man's pov (Cameron)
- giant pacific octopus's pov
Tova works in the town's aquarium and is still grieving about her son she lost at sea years ago, presumed dead and ruled a suicide. Tova has doubts about the unanswered questions surrounding the mystery of her son's death.
When an unlikely friendship develops between Tova and Marcellus, we learn from the fresh perspective of a tale told by an octopus that her mother's intuition was right and that there was more to the police report of her greatest tragedy.
We see Cameron, a young man who can't get hisshit life together long enough to keep a job or girlfriend go on a quest to find his deadbeat dad some free cash. When he arrives in Sowell Bay just in time to be a temp for Tova's job as a cleaner in the aquarium, these characters's stories intersect beautifully to create a heartwarming read that's wise and quirky. A wonderful portrayal of how to thrive in loneliness ❤️❤️
***
not my boss asking me to read this book and let her know if it's actually good so she doesn't have to waste her time on it WHAT- ✋🏽😭😭
✔️ domestic fiction
✔️ feel-good mystery
✔️ exploration of friendship
✔️ coastal setting
✔️ three povs
-
-
- giant pacific octopus's pov
Such are the secrets the sea holds. What I would not give to explore them again. If I could go back in time, I would collect all of it—the sneaker sole, the shoelace, the buttons, and the twin key. I would give it all to her. I am sorry for her loss. Returning this key is the least I can do. - Marcellus, the giant pacific Octopusthis isn't a thrilling story, it didn't particularly give me joy but it did give me feelings I do not know how to properly articulate.
Tova works in the town's aquarium and is still grieving about her son she lost at sea years ago, presumed dead and ruled a suicide. Tova has doubts about the unanswered questions surrounding the mystery of her son's death.
When an unlikely friendship develops between Tova and Marcellus, we learn from the fresh perspective of a tale told by an octopus that her mother's intuition was right and that there was more to the police report of her greatest tragedy.
We see Cameron, a young man who can't get his
***
not my boss asking me to read this book and let her know if it's actually good so she doesn't have to waste her time on it WHAT- ✋🏽😭😭
May 25, 2022
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a heartwarming, sweet story! I loved the characters in this book, especially Marcellus, the octopus! I liked that I learned a lot of awesome facts about octopuses while enjoying this book. The storyline was engaging, and it was a warm, emotional story. This book definitely pulled at the heart strings and I know this will be one that sticks with me for awhile. Highly recommend!
December 10, 2022
Goodreads Choice Award: Nominee for Best Fiction (2022), Nominee for Best Debut Novel (2022)
Hopefully now it will get the attention it deserves!
🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙
Remarkably Bright Creatures: 11 hours 16 minutes
Wonderfully narrated by Marin Ireland and with Michael Urie as Marcellus
“I’d like to be…under the sea, In An Octopus’s Garden, in the shade…” 🐙 (The Beatles)
Day 1,299 of Captivity
The book opens with Marcellus McSquiddles (named by the 4 year old daughter of the Aquarium’s manager) introducing himself to us with a warning that the life span of a Giant Pacific Octopus is only 4 years (1,460 days) so our time with him WILL be brief. He was “rescued” as an injured juvenile and has, at most just 160 days left, until his sentence is complete.
Crabs, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Cockles, Abalones, fish and fish eggs would be his normal diet in the sea…but, he is served Mackerel, Halibut and Herring at the Sowell Bay Aquarium-MOSTLY herring due to their low cost. Ick!
So, you cannot blame “the guy” for escaping from his tank, overnight when something “tastier” is within reach.
Day 1,300 of Captivity
Marcellus almost didn’t survive the 159 days remaining.
If the aquarium’s oldest employee, a 70 year old cleaning lady, named Tova Sullivan hadn’t found him right as the 18 minutes he could survive outside of water was just about up, day 1,300 may have been his last.
Because the Octopus is a “remarkably, bright creature”-a bond is formed, but unfortunately, Tova is injured while helping the 60 pound Cephalopoda.
Tova can’t just sit home at night. Evening is the most difficult time for the widow who recently lost her husband of 47 years, and has no surviving children after losing her only son Erik, when he was just 18. So, she decides to “train” the new guy, Cameron Cassmore, who will be temporarily cleaning the Aquarium while she recovers.
She, (and Marcellus-who is more observant than ANY human) will find themselves involved in the mystery about what brought the “new guy” to town-JUST the stimulation a bored Octopus needed!
I was concerned about picking up this book when it first became popular on my Goodreads feed. I didn’t want to become attached to Marcellus just to read about him getting injured or dying.
NOT TO WORRY! The details of his final day are NOT described in this story.
Marcellus IS the star in the way that a “supporting actor” often steals the show! He is the thread that binds the three narratives together despite having the fewest chapters.
But, this is just as much a story about a community, and a gentle reminder that ENDINGS also bring about new BEGINNINGS.
Sometimes you find something that you didn’t even realize you were looking for!!
This is a NOT TO BE MISSED delightful DEBUT that had me joyfully humming that Beatles tune for days after finishing ! AVAILABLE NOW!
A buddy read with DeAnn! Check out her amazing review for additional thoughts!!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the Audible and a Physical copy of the book. It was fun toggling between the two! 💕
Hopefully now it will get the attention it deserves!
🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙
Remarkably Bright Creatures: 11 hours 16 minutes
Wonderfully narrated by Marin Ireland and with Michael Urie as Marcellus
“I’d like to be…under the sea, In An Octopus’s Garden, in the shade…” 🐙 (The Beatles)
Day 1,299 of Captivity
The book opens with Marcellus McSquiddles (named by the 4 year old daughter of the Aquarium’s manager) introducing himself to us with a warning that the life span of a Giant Pacific Octopus is only 4 years (1,460 days) so our time with him WILL be brief. He was “rescued” as an injured juvenile and has, at most just 160 days left, until his sentence is complete.
Crabs, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Cockles, Abalones, fish and fish eggs would be his normal diet in the sea…but, he is served Mackerel, Halibut and Herring at the Sowell Bay Aquarium-MOSTLY herring due to their low cost. Ick!
So, you cannot blame “the guy” for escaping from his tank, overnight when something “tastier” is within reach.
Day 1,300 of Captivity
Marcellus almost didn’t survive the 159 days remaining.
If the aquarium’s oldest employee, a 70 year old cleaning lady, named Tova Sullivan hadn’t found him right as the 18 minutes he could survive outside of water was just about up, day 1,300 may have been his last.
Because the Octopus is a “remarkably, bright creature”-a bond is formed, but unfortunately, Tova is injured while helping the 60 pound Cephalopoda.
Tova can’t just sit home at night. Evening is the most difficult time for the widow who recently lost her husband of 47 years, and has no surviving children after losing her only son Erik, when he was just 18. So, she decides to “train” the new guy, Cameron Cassmore, who will be temporarily cleaning the Aquarium while she recovers.
She, (and Marcellus-who is more observant than ANY human) will find themselves involved in the mystery about what brought the “new guy” to town-JUST the stimulation a bored Octopus needed!
I was concerned about picking up this book when it first became popular on my Goodreads feed. I didn’t want to become attached to Marcellus just to read about him getting injured or dying.
NOT TO WORRY! The details of his final day are NOT described in this story.
Marcellus IS the star in the way that a “supporting actor” often steals the show! He is the thread that binds the three narratives together despite having the fewest chapters.
But, this is just as much a story about a community, and a gentle reminder that ENDINGS also bring about new BEGINNINGS.
Sometimes you find something that you didn’t even realize you were looking for!!
This is a NOT TO BE MISSED delightful DEBUT that had me joyfully humming that Beatles tune for days after finishing ! AVAILABLE NOW!
A buddy read with DeAnn! Check out her amazing review for additional thoughts!!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the Audible and a Physical copy of the book. It was fun toggling between the two! 💕
July 8, 2022
4.5, rounded up
I want suction marks on MY arm!
You don’t give me a huge, wise old octopus and then have him take a back seat. Well, toward the end of the book, he (our octopus named Marcellus) gets more airtime, but at the beginning I’d say his presence is a tease.
My favorite things were the suction marks that Marcellus made when he wrapped his tentacles around an arm of Tova, a 70-year-old janitor at an aquarium. I was jealous! Branded by an octopus, hot diggety! I know, most people wouldn’t like having suction marks all over their arm—the big purple dots would probably look like hickies. And what is an old lady doing with a bunch of hickies on her arm anyway? (Forget that fantasy, please!) But I pictured the marks as perfectly round polka dots, a beautiful and unique henna design. Tattoos to love! (I’m also assuming they didn’t hurt, of course.) No one would every guess they were suction marks made by a friendly octopus. We see lots of secrets in our lit, but come on, has anyone ever had to keep THAT kind of secret?! Imagine her spilling the beans when someone asked her what the hell those bruises on her arm were. “Oh, an octopus was wrapped around my arm for a bit. No biggie.”
This is the story of Tova the janitor and Marcellus the octopus, both old-timers. Don’t worry, we don’t have a talking octopus here (he and Tova don’t have conversations)—that would have been a turnoff for me. Instead, we get to hear Marcellus’s clever thoughts as he observes the humans around him. He’s a wise creature who occasionally escapes his tank in search of food treats. He’s funny and smart. (In real life, octopuses are smart—a cool fact that had me running to Google to learn more.) Oh, and Marcellus is curmudgeonly—but yet he’s also very helpful. Putting tape over my mouth because I don’t want to give anything away.
The story is also about a guy named Cameron, who is searching for his dad. The chapters alternate between him, Tova, and Marcellus. I loved Marcellus’s chapters the best. His observations about humans are a riot (like, why do they call him a “smart cookie”?). His chapters are short and I always wanted more; it was a jolt to move to a realistic story all of the sudden and it was always a slight comedown.
Oh, the realistic story is well done, don’t get me wrong. I loved both Tova and Cameron—both sympathetic and well-drawn. The writing is good. The plot is interesting and fast moving, but there is one huge coincidence that you have to buy into. I overlooked that the situation was unlikely because I liked the book so much. Also, the ending is a little too tight for my liking, but then again, it’s heartwarming. Who doesn’t want a feel-good ending these days?
It didn’t hurt that the book is set in my hood, a town near Seattle. I had to laugh—Tova doesn’t like to drive on freeways anymore. And she had to head to Bellingham, a (real) town two hours away. I’m the same age and I won’t drive on freeways anymore, either—and a friend moving to Bellingham was a disaster for me because I couldn’t drive to visit her. I loved that little similarity—funny that it was the very same town! Although Tova and I had age and a fear of freeways in common, I did not identify with her need to clean. But I can definitely see myself liking an octopus like she did.
I realize that I like more edge, which I thought I would get, of course, with an octopus as a main character. The deal is, it’s realistic fiction with a dab of magical realism. It sort of reminds me of Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here, which I loved. In Wilson’s book, we have a realistic story line, but it also happens to have kids who explode. Here, we also have a realistic story line, but it’s an octopus that’s the weird part. Marcellus reminds me a little of cool Charlotte the spider in the kids’ book, Charlotte's Web.
I loved this book—and its bright cover—and I’ll be checking out the author’s next offering. This is a strong debut! And of course, I’ll be reading more about those smart-cookie octopuses!
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance copy.
I want suction marks on MY arm!
You don’t give me a huge, wise old octopus and then have him take a back seat. Well, toward the end of the book, he (our octopus named Marcellus) gets more airtime, but at the beginning I’d say his presence is a tease.
My favorite things were the suction marks that Marcellus made when he wrapped his tentacles around an arm of Tova, a 70-year-old janitor at an aquarium. I was jealous! Branded by an octopus, hot diggety! I know, most people wouldn’t like having suction marks all over their arm—the big purple dots would probably look like hickies. And what is an old lady doing with a bunch of hickies on her arm anyway? (Forget that fantasy, please!) But I pictured the marks as perfectly round polka dots, a beautiful and unique henna design. Tattoos to love! (I’m also assuming they didn’t hurt, of course.) No one would every guess they were suction marks made by a friendly octopus. We see lots of secrets in our lit, but come on, has anyone ever had to keep THAT kind of secret?! Imagine her spilling the beans when someone asked her what the hell those bruises on her arm were. “Oh, an octopus was wrapped around my arm for a bit. No biggie.”
This is the story of Tova the janitor and Marcellus the octopus, both old-timers. Don’t worry, we don’t have a talking octopus here (he and Tova don’t have conversations)—that would have been a turnoff for me. Instead, we get to hear Marcellus’s clever thoughts as he observes the humans around him. He’s a wise creature who occasionally escapes his tank in search of food treats. He’s funny and smart. (In real life, octopuses are smart—a cool fact that had me running to Google to learn more.) Oh, and Marcellus is curmudgeonly—but yet he’s also very helpful. Putting tape over my mouth because I don’t want to give anything away.
The story is also about a guy named Cameron, who is searching for his dad. The chapters alternate between him, Tova, and Marcellus. I loved Marcellus’s chapters the best. His observations about humans are a riot (like, why do they call him a “smart cookie”?). His chapters are short and I always wanted more; it was a jolt to move to a realistic story all of the sudden and it was always a slight comedown.
Oh, the realistic story is well done, don’t get me wrong. I loved both Tova and Cameron—both sympathetic and well-drawn. The writing is good. The plot is interesting and fast moving, but there is one huge coincidence that you have to buy into. I overlooked that the situation was unlikely because I liked the book so much. Also, the ending is a little too tight for my liking, but then again, it’s heartwarming. Who doesn’t want a feel-good ending these days?
It didn’t hurt that the book is set in my hood, a town near Seattle. I had to laugh—Tova doesn’t like to drive on freeways anymore. And she had to head to Bellingham, a (real) town two hours away. I’m the same age and I won’t drive on freeways anymore, either—and a friend moving to Bellingham was a disaster for me because I couldn’t drive to visit her. I loved that little similarity—funny that it was the very same town! Although Tova and I had age and a fear of freeways in common, I did not identify with her need to clean. But I can definitely see myself liking an octopus like she did.
I realize that I like more edge, which I thought I would get, of course, with an octopus as a main character. The deal is, it’s realistic fiction with a dab of magical realism. It sort of reminds me of Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here, which I loved. In Wilson’s book, we have a realistic story line, but it also happens to have kids who explode. Here, we also have a realistic story line, but it’s an octopus that’s the weird part. Marcellus reminds me a little of cool Charlotte the spider in the kids’ book, Charlotte's Web.
I loved this book—and its bright cover—and I’ll be checking out the author’s next offering. This is a strong debut! And of course, I’ll be reading more about those smart-cookie octopuses!
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance copy.
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