Remarkably bright creatures

By Shelby Van Pelt

Book Overview

A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club PickNow a Netflix Film"Remarkably Bright Creatures is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1526649675
• ISBN13: 9781526649676
• Release Date: July 2023
• Publisher: BLOOMSBURY
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.7" x 1.1" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Heartwarming

I read the book before I watched the movie and I’m so glad I did. There is so much more detail on how people bond with other people and creatures of the sea. Is the octopus smarter than humans? You’ll need to read the book to find out. Great read.

Unique story that made me laugh and cry!

I thought the book was a little slow to start with chapter after chapter switching to different characters. By the time the storyline started to reveal how the characters intertwined, I was hooked. Loved the characters (especially Marcellus). Was expecting this book to be about an octopus and a lady but it was much more.

Very nice book about an octopus who actually had human like qualities who brought a family together.

This book was a lovely story about how a locked up octopus in an aquarium that had made friends with an older women that cleaned every night. He was able to escape his tank and bring together her grandson who she did not know she had by hiding items and then both of them finding them. Very remarkable story!

The perfect summer read

Interesting story line and easy read. Tender story with believable characters, even the creature.

A sweet sweet story

The octopus 🐙

Wonderful Book with an octopus as a main character

This book is such a delight, with well drawn characters, good character development and excellent exploration of the profound link between all creatures on this earth. The movie is good, but the book is better.

The best kind of cry

All the characters in this felt real and relatable. I bought a copy for my mom after I read it and she was incredibly hesitant about the sentient octopus. But it’s such a well done little story with such heartbreaking scenes, and a third party watcher (the octopus) that narrates it so well. I was crying at work near the end - I love a book that leaves you wondering “surely they wouldn’t, they couldn’t… could they?” as you just hope everything works out. Best book I read last year.

Heartwarming

It’s. Nice, heartwarming story but I figured out the “twist” so early on and it felt like it took too long for the other characters to figure it out. Maybe it’s bc I watched way too many soap operas as a kid.

Bright Beautiful Creatures is a very touching story.

This story is told in a leisurely manner but it is still compelling. The main character is admirably strong willed but at the same time struggling with her grief in a relatable way.

Shipping goo on front cover! NEW copy!

My new book had shipping goo on the new cover. When I pulled it out of the package it was stuck to the inside of the package! So now it has white marks on the front where the cover peeled off. USPS shipping.

A really sweet uncomplicated read!

I wasn't sure how this story was going to go when I started the read. I was pleasantly surprised how it developed and became a fun story. The remark from Marcellus near the end was priceless. By the way, I no longer eat Octopus! If you like audiobooks, this one is a winner for listeners.

Love Marcellus but no real love-able characters otherwise

I loved Marcellus. I honestly read the other character portions just to get back to his. It took me almost 2/3 of the book before I found myself wondering why happens next when not reading it. Other than Marcellus there wasn’t a truly loveable character. All in all I felt this book was okay. The way Marcellus read was fantastic but I had to push to finish this book. Not typical for me.

One of a kind read!

This is an interesting page turner. It was recommended to me and at first it was a little difficult to get into but once I understood what was going on, could not put it down. About a widow who begins working as a cleaning lady at night at an aquarium. The octopus, Marcellus, is very interested in all the 'fishy' action going around the aquarium. This is a good and interesting book. We enjoyed this immensely. This was recommended by a friend's book club and they always recommend excellent reads.

I loved this book.

This book is written in way that tugs at your emotions.

A great feel good book!

Loved the characters and relationships in this book. Especially loved the octopus and his perspective!

Happy distraction

Really enjoyable story. Light read; perfect distraction from busy hectic life.

Loved it!

I absolutely adored this book and cared about the characters in it! Looking forward to Van Pelt’s next book.

Comfort book.

This is a great comfort book. I absolutely love the Octopus.

Heavy damaged book

I bought a very good condition book and paid more than I normally do and the condition was very poor. The spine was broken and I was very disappointed. I will not be ordering for a while.

Wonderful read

I belong to a book club and we read this book 6 months ago. We’re still talking about it and all agree that it was one of the most interesting and unique story line. Characters were well developed and diverse. Beautiful and remarkable book.

Cancel order please

Please cancel is order Duplicate

Bought a “New” book and it was delivered damaged. Book was shipped in a bag, no protective bubble wr

Excited to read this book!

Great book unique story.

It was a great book. You will have to read it to find out! The hero of the story is rather unique.

Loved it

I loved this book!!!

Great book!

Easy and interesting read. I really enjoyed this story.

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 ⭐️

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!!!!

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.