Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt

Book Overview

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF SUMMER by: Chicago Tribune * The View * Southern Living * USA Today

"Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and tender." -- Washington Post

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0063204150
• ISBN13: 9780063204157
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Touching

I loved this story - this is my favorite book I have read this year (2024). I have recommended Remarkably Bright Creatures to so many people.

4 stars

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt I heard/read the audiobook was excellent so I placed a hold on it through the LibbyApp. Despite the 4+ week hold, I was willing to wait. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed this story! I felt for Tova; her heartbreak and loneliness. I was not a fan of Cameron. He’s supposed to be this flawed yet lovable character, but I found him to be whiny and insufferable. Dude, stop blaming everyone and own up to your poor life choices! I wanted *more* of Marcellus’ wit and curmudgeonly observations. Who knew a giant Pacific octopus would be such a complex character? His chapters added so much humor and depth to the story. While the plot was predictable and a bit slow, the overall story made up for it. The bittersweet ending left me feeling hopeful and sometimes that’s just what one needs. **All the stars for the audiobook! It was brilliantly narrated/perfomed by Marin Ireland. Michael Urie’s voice as Marcellus was buttery perfection. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Joy to read!

I just finished reading this novel and I'm reveling in the after glow of a good read! Author Camilla Gibbs wrote fiction matters "because it offers intimate insight into the heads of others...allows us to feel a certain empathy, allows us to recognize the parallels in our very basic human struggles to create meaning and attachment in our lives..." For me this book does all that. Sure Marcellus's actions were fantastical, in spite of the high intelligence of octopi. Nevertheless, his insights and intent are endearing. This is a wonderful feel good read!

Loved!!

This book made me laugh and cry in a way I haven't done with a book in a long time. The unique story and friendship that was also rolled into a page turning mystery was absolute genius. Im watching for her next book!!!! Amazing!!!!

Was marvelously a wonderful read!!

Anyone an everyone old an young should read this book!! I loved that it was so real life, full of so much living an people full of lots of character! Lvlvlvlvlvlvlvlvlved the Octopus!! Which she would write a follow up of all the characters an how their life's went on an intertwined!! Thank U for an exceptional read!!

Love this book

Playful, sad, fun, thought provoking. The story itself is unbelievable but beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a nice break from some of the more serious stuff I like to read.

Disappointing

Seems like a great idea but doesn't pan out. The parts told by and about the octopus are the most interesting. The rest reads like it was written by or for a middle schooler. Surprises me that the person who can write the octopus part so well cannot write the other parts better.

Pulls you in and weaves its tentacles into your being.

This is the best book I have read in a while. I just didn't want it to end. Loved all the characters. Loved the slow reveal to the characters the stuff we knew was coming right from the start. I really hope Shelby Van Pelt comes out with more, and soon!

Endearing characters

The book is an easy read, I completed it in one day. The characters were endearing and you become vested in them from the very beginning. It answered my questions and did not leave me hanging in regards to the outcome of the main characters.

Remarkably enjoyable read

The characters were well written, flawed, realistic but endearing. I love how the story wove together, the legs of an octopus coming together. Absolutely recommend. I'm hoping there is a sequel.

endearing characters and plot

sweetest story. loved the characters. still think about it months later.

Couldn’t put it down!

Wonderful story! Brilliantly written with dynamic characters and the most lovable octopus.