Remarkably Bright Creatures

Bookseller recommendation

“I absolutely loved the Remarkably Bright Creatures audiobook. It was such a warm and comforting listen—full of heart, hope, and gentle wisdom. The narration was beautifully done, and the characters felt so real and endearing. A truly cozy story that stayed with me long after it ended. Highly recommend!”

— Katie • Mary Who? Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A heartfelt story about challenging assumptions and healing from trauma with a fun cast of characters set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Tova is a kind-hearted, stubborn, and ultimately courageous heroine whose friendship with an octopus (one of the story's narrators!) helps to awaken a new chapter of life with connection, love, and adventure. Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is funny, touching, and ultimately life-affirming.”

— Jeffrey • Riverstone Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Beautiful , funny, heartwarming story that intertwines interesting characters that you relate to, fall in love with and root for. ”

— Kimberly • Volumes Bookcafe

Bookseller recommendation

“Tova Sullivan is the pragmatic, diminutive widow who diligently scrubs the Sowell Bay Aquarium each night after the guests have gone. Cameron is a brilliant, yet clumsy man-child without parents, a job, or a plan. Marcellus is an octopus. And he is literally counting the days until his death. In this funny, bittersweet, beautifully plotted tale of luck and love, joy and despair, trial and error, Tova, Marcellus, and Cameron find their fates entwined with a decades-old tragedy that shook a sleepy town at the edge of the Pacific Northwest–and discover that what is lost is never truly gone.”

— Charlotte • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Told in multiple perspectives, we follow Marcellus (a giant Pacific octopus being held "captive" at the Sowell Bay Aquarium), Tovah (a widowed older woman still learning to cope with the death of her son thirty years earlier), and Cameron (a chronically unemployed drifter who finds his way to Sowell Bay in search of a rich relative). We learn early on that Marcellus knows more about the humans around him than they know about themselves, and seeing them through his "alien-like eye" is one of the many delightful quirks Van Pelt brings to this story. This book is beautiful and heartfelt and clever and one that I will be recommending for a long time.”

— Tee • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm and uplifting story about unexpected friendship, second chances, and healing. The chapters from Marcellus the octopus are the true standout. His clever, dry, and surprisingly tender voice brings the whole story to life, especially in the audiobook where the narrator captures exactly how an intelligent sea creature might sound. Perfect for readers who want a gentle, emotional read with heart, humour, and a little mystery woven through.”

— Danielle • The Next Chapter GP

Bookseller recommendation

“A night custodian for an aquarium is often alone with the sea creatures as she works. She befriends a mischievous octopus with his own intriguing history and we slowly learn their backstories overlap in a wonderful way. Written realistically (not fantasy), it made me wish I could be at the aquarium with them. A marvelous ending. ”

— Patience • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Absolutely delightful story that is read by the perfect narrators! This is a feel good story that will have you laughing and crying. Michael Urie perfectly captures the curmudgeonly octopus's voice.”

— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“I almost didn't give this one a try. The description just didn't grab me. However, it was so popular on the book truck, I decided to give it a try. The idea of an octopus as a narrator may seem strange, but I was hooked after his first chapter. Who knew they were so intelligent? This story will make you laugh and cry in the best way. ”

— Linda • Word on the Street Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I did not want this book to end! It's the latest book I’ve fallen 'deep' for — and moved right into my instant recommendation booklist. A very particular septuagenarian keeps busy at her aquarium job, tidying up while keeping to herself — like her equally senior and solitary octopod acquaintance (who provides us with his own narration). I just loved this story that's full of heart, multiple even. Narrator Marin Ireland, who is always masterful in her vocal performance, is matched by Michael Urie who voices the octopus with perfect aplomb and a touch of cephalopodic sass. A delight to the ears.”

— Ernio • River Bend Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Enjoyed the characters, relationship, and journey. The voice of Marcellus is wonderful.”

— Linda • Book Vault

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful story that weaves together multiple characters in a wonderfully heartwarming way. The narration and the way the voices play off each other is fantastic and adds even more to the book. ”

— Rebecca • The Pile Bookstore