Will I love Remarkably Bright Creatures?

The voice actors on the audiobook were outstanding.

It was so emotional and evocative without being schmaltzy or over the top. I learned about octopus intelligence while being drawn forward by the characters and their stories.

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but when I saw this one, it was love at first sight: the blue waters, the orange octopus, and the little pink fish swimming along the yellow-sprayed page edges.

However, the story matches the promise of the cover. The friendship between a widow working the night shift at the aquarium and an incredibly smart octopus reminded me that connection can be found in the most unlikely places.

Van Pelt’s genius is how she uses the scientifically proven fact that octopuses are bright. In the story, Marcellus, the octopus, sees… show more.

I developed a great affinity for Marcellus, the octupus and Tova, the kind-spirited woman who befriended him. For a debut novel, the writing was witty and refreshing. The character development could have used a little more depth, but the pace and exploration of Tova's personal story kept me interested! Also, after attending a talk by the author, I admired her down-to-earth approach to writing and her delightful sense of humor!

Besides microbes, what other kind of minds could be alien to ours—yet communicate with us?

In this book, a lonely woman, Tova, who cleans aquariums, finds an escaping octopus named Marcellus. The octopus reveals his own personality, his longing for diverse fare such as cockles and abalone, and above all, his determination to return to the sea. Trying to help each other, Tova and the octopus embark on various adventures until each finds a surprising reward.

This unusual friendship of human and sea creature offered me a unique experience that will stay with me long after reading.

The hype is real: this book is original, heartwarming, and perfect!

It is a wonderful feeling when we meet several characters and see their lives intersect in surprising ways. These characters span ages and species and nationalities. The writing brilliantly give each character a unique voice. In many ways we are following their everyday normal lives but we start to see how beautiful each of our efforts are.

One of my all-time favorite books is A Man Called Ove, and this reminded me of that--charming, witty, and lots of heart with every-day characters you really care about. And an octopus narrator? So unexpected, but it works.

I loved the unique characters in this book, and I enjoyed how their kindnesses emerged.

The modest hero is quite unlikely — a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. He is wise and brave, and surprisingly believable. Marcellus is also willing to do the right thing even at great risk.

Van Pelt has created a refreshing and admirable character, whose kindnesses are original and not always obvious. This is a recent novel, whose unique octopod has been warmly embraced by a public that is in great need of modest heroes.

I love anthropomorphic stories and writing from an octopus viewpoint was fascinating.
And fun!