From the Bookshelf of Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge…

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Shelby Van Pelt

Start date: August 1, 2025

Finish date: August 31, 2025

Discussion: Current Monthly Group Read

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Current Monthly Group Read

September Group Read Discussion: Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
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last updated Sep 06, 2025 09:01PM

September Challenge--I finished!
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What Members Thought

Oct 11, 2022 Beth Given rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio

2025 REVIEW: I reread this for book club (in print form). Marcellus is absolutely the star of this story. Really a heartwarming read.

2022 REVIEW: Tova is the meticulous custodian for a small aquarium on Puget Sound, but when she sprains her ankle at work, she considers retiring: her husband, brother, and son have all passed away, and she is alone; who would care for her when she is too old to take care of herself? She puts a plan in motion to sell her home and move into a luxury assisted living ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 19, 2023 Kris Springer rated it really liked it

Sweet/bittersweet and satisfying. Characters to root for. The characters and plot effectively promote the idea that we (humans and animals) need each other—that our lives aren’t fully lived without caring for others, whether they’re related to us or not. Also strong thread about appreciation for different kinds of intelligence and that we shouldn’t discount those people or animals that we don’t understand.

A great read!

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 26, 2023 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, general-fiction, own-the-book, book-challenge-2023

What a charming book. Certain to become a new favorite to recommend.

The real magic is the author wrote this (her first book) while in quarantine in 2020 with two small children. No small feat. Kudos to her and congratulations on the feel-good book of the year. 🐙

2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 02, 2022 Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: animals, ebooks, read-in-2022

For me, this book is ABSOLUTELY worth the hype. Every component of the story works - from the kindhearted Tovar mourning the loss of her husband and son, to Marcellus the octopus grasping the arm of whoever reaches into his tank. It's a very sweet and sentimental story, and I'm glad I read it. ...more

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May 24, 2022 Christine rated it it was amazing

An absolutely beautiful journey through loss, love, and family. Van Pelt gifts us the ability witness the powerful role quiet observation can play in seeing who someone really is when the world only observes the surface of a person in hurried passing. While the story is very different from TJ Klune's books I found the same warmth in this reading experience as I did with Under the Whispering Door. I loved the growth we have a window to for each of the characters and the insight Marcellus McSquidd ...more

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Jan 18, 2023 Larissa rated it it was amazing

What a cute story! A book narrated partially by an octopus sounds absurd but the author not only made it work but those parts were some of my favorite parts of the book. I do love books about animals so I am sure that helped! The human characters too are are all so endearing. The story is an exploration of flaws and loss and love and family and hope! I loved it. This was a heartwarming and entertaining book I really enjoyed and would highly recommend for a happy escape in your day!

(Trigger warn ...more

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Jul 04, 2023 Cari rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-read

OMG I love Marcellus (the octopus) and Tova, his stoic, Swedish, older woman friend sooooo much. This is a lovely story that I devoured happily. One of the primary characters is an irritating "man child" who can't sort out his own life, but that's ok because MARCELLUS is the best. We all need an octopus philosopher in our lives. Or at least - I do. ...more

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