Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a spring book pick from Jenna Bush-Hager’s “Read With Jenna” Book Club. The quirky aspect of this book is that one of the characters and narrators happens to be a giant Pacific octopus. No kidding. I was skeptical and started reading reviews. Everyone I read was overwhelmingly positive. There was a long waiting list to check it out at my local library so that told me other readers must be curious too. Trust me on this one, it’s a beautiful, heartwarming book and I’m highly recommending it!
The story takes place in Washington state, where Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow, is the night janitor at the local aquarium. She’s fond of all the sea creatures especially Marcellus, the octopus, whom she talks to while she works. Tova likes to stay active and her job keeps her mind from wandering to a dark place. Her son vanished at 18 years old.
You’ll also have the pleasure of meeting more compelling characters. Cameron, the 30-year-old who can’t seem to hold a job, Aunt Jeanne, who raised him, and Ethan, the manager at the local grocery store. All of them are weaved through the story brilliantly.
I adored this book for many reasons. On page one, you are introduced to Marcellus. As I read further into the book and got to know him, it became apparent how much I appreciated his human qualities and emotions. That includes a little side of rebellion!
Another reason I enjoyed the book is the premise seems so absurd but it works beautifully. The story is true feel-good fiction at its finest. It touches deeply on friendship, death, and love in 355 pages.
I wasn’t sure in what direction this book was going then, bang, it happens. I looked forward to reading it every day because of how it progressed and all the characters were extremely likable.
Bravo on this book pick, Jenna! I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t read it. If you find pleasure in reading an interesting, sweet, and emotional story, please pick up Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. You won’t regret your choice. Please remember to come back to this post after you read it and let me know your thoughts. Enjoy!
Melanie R
You are the second person I’ve seen recommend this book! My library has it, so it’s on my to-read list. I just started Barbara Kingsolver’s newest book which is over 500 pages long…and, of course, I have hundreds of other books here at home to read. But that won’t stop me from picking up other books at the library!
Judy Palermo
I would highly recommend it! It’s such a feel-good book. It was a fast read for me because I liked it so much!