Helpful Score: 6
===This is a review of the audiobook===
My attention was drawn to Remarkably Bright Creatures by a fellow book blogger, and I thought it would be an excellent choice as an audiobook. I was right. The narrators' voices were perfect for Marcellus, Tova, Cameron, and the other characters.
I'm one of these people who've always had closer relationships with animals than I have with people, and I've always talked to animals like they could understand everything I say. (You may be surprised at how often they do understand.) So, I was a tasty sea cucumber just waiting for Marcellus to single me out. At first, there just weren't enough chapters from Marcellus' point of view, but then Tova and a young man named Cameron began to get their hooks into me.
It is oh-so-easy to fall under the spell of these characters, to want them to have their happy-ever-afters. And once the author lets us in on just what Marcellus knows, the hook is set. I could no more turn away from this book than I could stop breathing.
If you're in the mood for a "feel good" read, I've got the perfect one for you: Remarkably Bright Creatures. But take a word of advice: have a hanky close by as you near the end.
[Note: this book touched me so much that, when a local aquarium announced that their giant Pacific octopus was nearing the end of her life, and-- if you wanted to come see her to say goodbye, you'd better hurry-- I had a tear in my eye. It's all your fault, Marcellus.]
My attention was drawn to Remarkably Bright Creatures by a fellow book blogger, and I thought it would be an excellent choice as an audiobook. I was right. The narrators' voices were perfect for Marcellus, Tova, Cameron, and the other characters.
I'm one of these people who've always had closer relationships with animals than I have with people, and I've always talked to animals like they could understand everything I say. (You may be surprised at how often they do understand.) So, I was a tasty sea cucumber just waiting for Marcellus to single me out. At first, there just weren't enough chapters from Marcellus' point of view, but then Tova and a young man named Cameron began to get their hooks into me.
It is oh-so-easy to fall under the spell of these characters, to want them to have their happy-ever-afters. And once the author lets us in on just what Marcellus knows, the hook is set. I could no more turn away from this book than I could stop breathing.
If you're in the mood for a "feel good" read, I've got the perfect one for you: Remarkably Bright Creatures. But take a word of advice: have a hanky close by as you near the end.
[Note: this book touched me so much that, when a local aquarium announced that their giant Pacific octopus was nearing the end of her life, and-- if you wanted to come see her to say goodbye, you'd better hurry-- I had a tear in my eye. It's all your fault, Marcellus.]
Helpful Score: 2
Would have been 5 stars if there were more chapters written by the octopus.
Helpful Score: 2
I've been disappointed in the past by books claiming to be like A Man Called Ove or Eleanor Oliphant, but not this time! Van Pelt makes an octopus as a main character work really well and Tova's story will stay with me for a long time. The characters are realistic and I'm honored to have spent time in their world.
I really enjoyed this book, a delightful, heartwarming story. A few chapters are told from the perspective of a giant octopus. Sounds weird, but this had me completely engrossed.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
This is one of the best books I have ever read! I love, love, love this book with all my heart! I listened to the audio book and I didn't want to stop listening. It's an amazing experience with wonderful characters! I will seek out the print book to read as well and to keep as a treasured book on my shelf!
