I'm a lilttle late in sending a review of this book, but it was so good as you well know by now. It was hearwarming, and I learned about Octopi because of this book. Very well done. It's been a big hit in two of my book groups.

I loved this fun, heartwarming story! Marcellus, the octopus, has a sarcastic, fun personality and his reflections on the human race are hilarious and endearing. Marcellus’ bond with Tova is very sweet, and he’s able to help the trajectory of her life in a beautiful way. The way she returns the favor by setting him free for his death is a wonderful touch, and I couldn't help but tear up when the title of the book was incorporated as a great touch. I also found myself chuckling, smiling, and just experiencing all the feels throughout this read. There’s a little bit of a mystery mixed in that never really gets solved. There are a couple of loose ends that I would have liked to see come together by the end, but overall, and especially for a debut, this is a great book!

Story 3.0
Narration: 5.0
Audiobook experience 4.0

The well-loved performance calibre of Ireland with Urie’s well-known voice, elevates the entertainment factor of this literary novel. The story is touching during most of the book as it navigates grief and self-discovery in more than one character. At times, some of the moments seem to move away from the core story, but the ends do tie up. A story of found family while looking for family.

Thanks to HarperCollins Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

My ratings and reviews are my own.

This was one of my very favorite novels of 2022. It was completely outside my usual genres, but I couldn't put it down. Get your tissues and enjoy this miracle.

I was very surprised by some aspects of this book, there are sentient creatures you may not expect to be given a POV, but it was very well done and didn't distract from the story. I enjoyed all the characters and how their stories came together in the end.

Remarkably Bright Creatures has become one of the hottest titles of the summer. I have recommended this to more patrons at our library and fellow librarians involved in reader advisory than I can count. We highlighted in in our library systems suggested summer reads on our social media channels. We cannot keep it on the shelves. The narration is stellar and makes the audio a favorite. It has also started an "all things octopus" theme. A joy!.

4.5 stars. A charming novel about the friendship between a Pacific Ocean Octopus and the elderly woman who cleans the aquarium where he is living in "captivity". Honestly, I wasn't that excited by the description, but saw the positive reviews and decided to give the audiobook (an advanced copy from NetGalley) a listen...especially as it is read in part by the very talented Marin Ireland.
I didn't know much about the octopus prior to this book, but as the title suggests, they are fascinating and "remarkably bright creatures". Marcellus, the preternaturally wise and laconic Octopus of this story, is spending his final days languishing in a run down aquarium in coastal Washington state. Marcellus has all kinds of Houdini-like maneuvers to escape his enclosure at night, foraging for tastier snacks in other tanks, until he is found out by nighttime cleaner Tova when he gets entangled in some cords. And thus begins one of the more delightful and unlikely friendships between two different species.
Of course humans have plenty of their own peculiarities, of which Marcellus is a keen observer. He knows that Tova is grief-stricken, having been recently widowed. But she has dealt with far greater tragedy in the past, and the novel deals sensitively with her heartbreak and loss.
Meantime, outside of Sacramento a rudderless young man named Cameron has just been fired from another job and dumped by his girlfriend. Eventually his story will intersect with Tova's, as he journeys north to Solveig, Washington to try to solve a mystery of his own personal identity.
It did take a while to get invested in Cameron's story, and the beginning part of the novel did drag a bit for me. But eventually all the characters and plot threads fall into place.

This was such a pleasant surprise! Marcellus has won my heart. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Say hello to my most recent favorite, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES! This book immediately caught my attention when I saw that it's for fans of A Man Called Ove, which is one of my favorites.

This book centers around Tova Sullivan, who started working at the local aquarium after her husband passed away. The peace and quiet and the long list of cleaning tasks helped her cope with grief -- not only from her husband, but also for her son who disappeared over thirty years ago. While cleaning, she develops an unusual friendship with the aquarium's highly intellectual, extremely observant Giant Pacific Octopus named Marcellus -- who, despite being a hilarious curmudgeon, uses his abilities to try to show Tova the truth, hope, and happiness that she's been yearning for.

I absolutely ADORED this book-- the charming characters will steal your heart, the witty + easy-to-read plot will keep you intrigued and the themes (friendship/family/grief/hope) will absolutely pull at your heartstrings. I especially loved the theme of human & animal friendships because they are SO real!

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced audiobook version! I will be recommending this for many years to come!

In the mood for a heart warming read? Then wrap your tentacles around Remarkably Bright Creatures for a charming ride with Marcellus, Tova, Ethan and Cameron. Wait, did I mention Marcellus is an octopus?

Told in 3 POVs (of course, Marcellus’ viewpoint is my favorite), the book delves into some serious topics (aging, grief, finding your way, loneliness) that tug at your heartstrings, yet with a continuous touch of optimism that leaves the reader smiling.

I chuckled, I teared up and couldn’t get enough of this book. Beautifully written debut novel… I look forward to more by this author. Oh, and the audiobook was a fabulous way to read this one… the intelligent voice of Marcellus and the Scottish accent of Ethan added so much to the experience!

Thank you NetGalley for the delightful ARC!

This is a cute book with a fanciful narrative. I liked that the book switched between the view points of the octopus and the woman. This was an Elinor Oliphant type book and one of the better ones of a market that’s become slightly flooded with them. I liked both narrators but found the narrator for the octopus slightly annoying to listen to after awhile.

This was a surprisingly great novel of individual stories that all connect together in the end. I also really enjoyed that one of those characters and the connector of the narratives was an octopus in captivity.

Who would have ever guessed I’d be cheering for a 70-old-woman and her friend, a giant Pacific octopus? Well=developed characters can be a challenge for debut authors, but Van Pelt has mastered that. Tova, lives in a small town north of Seattle. She needs something to occupy her time so she cleans the aquarium at night, where she befriends Marcellus, the octopus, who has tried to explore outside his tank but has reached the end of his ability to survive outside the water. Tova’s lost not only her husband, but her son, who died just before his graduation. She’s lonely and the friendship she creates with Marcellus is beautiful. A surly young kid comes into town looking for his father. He’s been raised in California by his aunt and is positive his father can solve all his problems. Cameron is befriended by the man who owns the small-town grocery store. Needing work, he also has a part-time evening job at the aquarium and its Marcellus who unearths the connection between Tova and Cameron. I enjoyed the multiple point of view in the story. The narration is terrific and I particularly, enjoyed the educated voice of Marcellus. If you’re looking for an audio book to listen to on a summer car trip this is what you are looking for.

The book Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt, was so good! I gave this book 4 1/2 stars! This is the story about Tova, who is widowed and who lost her son many years ago. She works in an aquarium. The star of the book was definitely Marcellus, an octopus who lives at the aquarium. I loved him in the narration and figured that is exactly how he would sound. The other character is Cameron, who is new to town and looking for his father, who he has never met. All the characters will interact and connect. I don't usually read this type of book, but I loved it! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

By far the best book I have read this year! Each character is flawed yet lovable….. The story is a slow burn to a very satisfying ending. While the octopus is a main character she is not what the book is really about. This book is about family and love and the family we create. This is a book and a story that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it.

This is a lyrically beautiful read that will give you hope but also make you cry. Great character development through their stories and actions and lovely descriptions of the environment abound.

Such an enjoyable read! I will recommend this book to wide range of readers. It's heartwarming and so human, even though one of the narrators is an octopus. A very feel-good read without being sappy.

I loved this book. The narrators are really good, and I enjoyed the entire story!
A lot of wonderful, funny and sweet passages that will stick with me going forward.
I love that there is a different narrator for Marcellus the Octopus. He is a snarky boy and deserved to be represented by such a charming reader.
Thank you for letting me read this book ahead of time! I am very lucky, and I think this book is going to capture the hearts of a lot of people.
I am an ocean lover and will be suggesting this book to everyone this summer!

What a beautiful story this is! I absolutely loved Tova and Marcellus and the sweet bond they formed. I also loved that this definitely gave A Man Called Ove vibes but was wholly it’s own heartwarming story that will keep you thinking about it long after you finished.

And the audiobooks is EXCELLENT! I highly recommend it!

Funny, sarcastic, and entertaining, this debut novel is filled with nuggets of wisdom and humor!

This story is told by a giant Pacific octopus, an octogenarian janitor, and a young dude living in a camper and searching for his father in the Northwest. Set in a small town, toss in a Scottish shopkeeper with a nosh for gossip and a group of best friends, The KnitWits. All of these threads are woven together to create a delightful tapestry about friendship and community. Author Shelby Van Pelt balances the seriousness of loss with sharp-edged humor and even a few tender moments. Her quirky style reminded me of TJ Klune.

I kept listening to this tale with baited (pun-intended) breath. The American Library Association Summer Reading Theme is “Oceans of Possibilities” and this book fits right in!