Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick

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This book was so good, the stories about each or the characters, including Marcellus the octopus, are so wonderfully intertwined that you can't stop reading--you can't wait to find out what's next in each of their lives. While the portrayal of the octopus seems beyond what he could possibly see and do, it forced me to do some research about the ability of giant octopi to accomplish some of the things that Marcellus did--yes, there are examples of these creatures accomplishing what he does. (Obviously, no one actually can verify what they think, but these creatures have been observed doing many of the things that he does in the book.) The best part of the way the book is written is that all of the characters are developed well and their lives, while they seem to be totally separate one not truly influencing the others, are slowly intertwined as the book continues.

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. 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. For fans of A Man Called Ove, a luminous debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.The Midnight Library: Nora Seed discovers a magical library filled with endless books, each containing an alternative life she could have lived. As she contemplates her regrets, she embarks on a journey to uncover the essence of a truly fulfilling existence. I am besotted with the octopus. Besotted! This first-time novelist presents a marvelously erudite creature narrating how much he KNOWS, and I must confess that his knowing(s) really melted my heart -- like my dog does, always devotedly attending and perfectly, albeit without a word. For me, this story amplifies my wonder at how seamlessly non-human nature can communicate with us, offering incredible kinds of conversation – even from inside a tank at a marine-life aquarium. Matthew Perry's 'Friends' cast mates mourn their friend, say they are 'all so utterly devastated' VIEW I was brought here as a juvenile. I shall die here, in this tank. At the very most, one hundred and sixty days remain until my sentence is complete. Humans… For the most part you are dull and blundering. But occasionally you can be remarkably bright creatures.”

Remarkably Bright Creatures” What an enjoyable book! The characters were not only likable but lovable. And the important thing about that is they were not perfect characters. They had flaws, they were trying to find their way in life, especially the 20 something boy. It was a good lesson in how we may feel like we meander through life with things not working out, but it does all work together at the end. The octopus had such a special role for the elderly woman and what a beautiful friendship that ended up being. It was also a lesson and how two lonely souls, one elderly and one young, found each other, became friends and were so respectful of each other. I really liked it and think of it often. I may actually re-read this one at some point. 8. SMCNEELY Review Remarkably Bright Creatures 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. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she's now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and children. Meanwhile, we also meet Cameron Cassmore of Modesto, California, a 30-year-old who was abandoned at age 9 by his mother to live with his Aunt Jeanne. Cameron has no idea who is father is, and there is a persistent heartache and resentment for both these losses. One day, Cameron thinks he figures out his dad’s identity, and if he’s right this could change his life. The man is a millionaire. Cameron sets out to find him.The best books about grief find a way to illuminate the darkness of loss, and Remarkably Bright Creatures offers a masterclass.”— Marie Claire After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors - until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. As sappy as it sounds having an octopus as a leading character—Shelby absolutely makes it works brilliantly… (feelings are all so real)… 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.

After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. 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. I missed Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures when it came out this past May, but its weird premise kept calling to me. An elderly woman named Tova works nights at an aquarium on the Puget Sound; she doesn't need the job, but scrubbing floors and fish tanks keeps her mind off her teenage son's disappearance 30 years ago. Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut about what it feels like to have love taken from you, only to find it again in the most unexpected places. . . . Memorable and tender.” — Washington Post 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.

Listened to the audiobook narrated by the stellar Marin Ireland with a bit of help from Michael Urie as Marcellus (the Giant Pacific Octopus). If you have a choice, the audiobook is a fantastic way to experience this lovely, heartwarming book. I received this audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley and Harper Audio. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this wonderful story! 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?

You won't be able to put it down because when you're not reading this book you'll be hugging it .' Jamie Ford Dive into the extraordinary depths of friendship, redemption, and the power of hope with “Remarkably Bright Creatures”! In this captivating debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, we embark on a heartwarming journey alongside Tova Sullivan, a widow seeking solace in the late-night solitude of Sowell Bay Aquarium. Shelby's characters are unique and yet completely relatable ... It is a fresh and fascinating story full of heart and humour and I loved it . -- Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost ThingsAfter 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 the Puget Sound over 30 years ago. An angry, powerful book seething with love and outrage for a community too often stereotyped or ignored. Secrets are everywhere. Some humans are crammed full of them. How do they not explode? It seems to be a hallmark of the human species: abysmal communication skills.”