Remarkably Bright Creatures

Bookseller recommendation

“In turns funny, heart-warming, and poignant, Remarkably Bright Creatures is the most unlikely tale of how broken hearts can be mended, in this case with the help of a brilliant giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus, observing humanity from his tank in a Puget Sound aquarium.It is only Marcellus who is bright enough to see a connection between two lost souls who have entered his sphere - Tova, the 70-year-old cleaning woman, and Cam, a 30-year-old drifter who works part-time at the aquarium. Marin Ireland is a remarkable narrator, allowing us to lose ourselves in proper Tova, a Scots grocer and slacker Cam. But my favorite passages are the first-person chapters where we hear Marcellus, narrated by actor Michael Urie, in a haughty voice dripping with superiority, and in the end, love.”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books

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

“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

“Marin Ireland and Michael Urie narrate, and they are my new favorite narrator duo. If this, plus all the other buzz out there over the last few years, isn't enough to get you to listen, what are you even waiting for? ”

— Jay • Whistler's Daughter Books

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

“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

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

— Linda • Book Vault

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

“If you need a nice book, one that is generally feel-good but with a little depth and a very interesting perspective then this book is for you! It is an astonishing debut that finds three unlikely personalities - a lonely widow, a lost young man, and an aging octopus - in the same small town north of Seattle. Each one of them has had sadness in their lives but they've survived and through these new unlikely friendships will find what is missing from their lives. The audiobook is particularly great as the amazingly snarky Michael Urie voices Marcellus the Octopus bringing some great humorous moments and Marin Ireland elicits great humanity in both Tova and Cameron. It is not to be missed!”

— Kimi • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“The narrator, who is the voice of the octopus, is utterly delightful. A touching story of a woman finding what she never knew she lost. ”

— Sue • Maria's Bookshop

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

“This book! A book that starts with sad truths and involves into an ending full of beauty, depth, and a longing to go to befriend an octopus! This story is full of growth and grace! I could not recommend it more! ”

— Madison • Commonplace Books