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What Members Thought
4.5 stars!! This book has been on my to read list for a minute and I’m so glad I read it. I thought this book started off slow but once the plot thickens oh wow buckle up!!
This is a truly beautiful story so much so tears are streaming down my face as I’m writing this review. I won’t spoil the main turn of events in this story but it ends better than you can think for everyone. It was truly a heartwarming book I didn’t know I needed. I can’t believe this isShelby’s debut novel, I can not wait to ...more
This is a truly beautiful story so much so tears are streaming down my face as I’m writing this review. I won’t spoil the main turn of events in this story but it ends better than you can think for everyone. It was truly a heartwarming book I didn’t know I needed. I can’t believe this isShelby’s debut novel, I can not wait to ...more
I enjoyed this book very much. Seventy year old recently widowed Tova has an evening job cleaning at the aquarium. She gets involved in an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a Giant Pacific Octopus who relates his story in days of captivity. Tova lost her son Erik 30 years ago in a drowning accident. In a concurrent story line we learn about Cameron who was raised by his aunt Jean. Marcellus is brilliant, and figures out not only that Cameron is Tova's grandson, but he also lets Tova know. How?
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I love this book.
I laughed, I cried, I'm a sucker for found family stories, and Marcellus and Tova (among others, of course) were delightful characters to read. Their bond had me SOBBING but in a good way. ...more
I laughed, I cried, I'm a sucker for found family stories, and Marcellus and Tova (among others, of course) were delightful characters to read. Their bond had me SOBBING but in a good way. ...more
Very solid read, especially the audiobook version. It’s a very accessible novel (so a really good book club pick, which was my reason to read it) but also includes good character development and an interesting plot. Accessibility does not often enough intersect with with both of these features, so this was a pleasure. You will likely finish reading this one with an intense interest in the octopus.
very sweet story. predictable and comforting and unique. i listened to the audio and the guy who did marcellus was perfect, sounded very octopus-like.
I can see why people like this, but it wasn't for me. The first half started weird and I was into it. I think the narrator for Marcellus nailed the tone.
However, the second half of the book became sentimental and bland. I was glad when this book was over because I could not take the cheese-fest for one more minute. ...more
However, the second half of the book became sentimental and bland. I was glad when this book was over because I could not take the cheese-fest for one more minute. ...more
What a phenomenal story and so impressed that this is her first book! It’s a must read
2.5 stars. This is a cute story and I really like the octopus. But, it's a bit cheesy and predictable, which made it drag a bit.
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Loved the book, didn’t expect to but it was a wonderful read.
Feb 16, 2022
Dee
marked it as to-read
Jul 19, 2022
Margaret
marked it as to-read
Aug 10, 2022
Laura
marked it as to-read
Nov 25, 2022
Kelly Gonzalez
marked it as to-read
Dec 04, 2022
Dee S
marked it as to-read
Jan 02, 2023
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Dec 30, 2023
Janie
added it
Jan 05, 2024
Kristin
marked it as to-read
