Will I love Remarkably Bright Creatures?

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.

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!

A story about a giant pacific octopus seems so implausible, but it's a terrific, poignant, oh so believable tale.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an exceptionally original, light, and bright novel by Shelby Van Pelt. It is a story of friendship, personal growth, and hope, with the unlikely addition of a giant Pacific octopus who serves as a hero journey's mentor of sorts.

In truth, there are two mentors. The first is Marcellus, who studies humans from his tank inside the aquarium more than humans study him. The second is Tova Sullivan, the night shift cleaning lady at the aquarium. Both are prisoners in their own way—Marcellus is mainly confined to a tank, and Tova is confined to a life… show more.