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Remarkably Bright Creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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review
Robotswithpersonality
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

A touching story. A tad melodramatic perhaps, but even the presence of my least favourite plot device, miscommunication, did not prevent me from enjoying it. The octopus POV was my favourite part, but I am glad for the growth and closure Tova and Cameron experienced.

8 likes1 stack add
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Robotswithpersonality
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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The octopus providing the human with enrichment? 😏

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steph_phanie
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recently widowed, Tova Sullivan works nights at Sowell Bay Aquarium as a cleaner. She forms an unlikely connection w/ its giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus, who is a keen observer. When Tova is unable to work for a few weeks, the aquarium hires a young man named Cameron, who has come to SB to find his father. Marcellus realizes the humans can't see what's right before them, so he uses his escape-artist skills to bring the truth to light.

steph_phanie CONTINUED: This is a heartwarming story of second chances, human connection, and finding love after loss. Quite a cast of characters is involved! I thought the level of anthropomorphism given to Marcellus was brilliant. He was, by far, my favorite narrator in the book. I appreciated that most characters felt fully developed, even those who only played a small part in the story. 1d
5 likes1 comment
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rebbyj
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
Pickpick

Lovely.

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Robotswithpersonality
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Eloquent cephalopod.
I love animal POVs.

6 likes1 stack add
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Scochrane26
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Why am I so emotional about an octopus?! 😢❤️.
More of a review will follow after work

29 likes1 stack add
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Bklover
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

If you ever have a bad day and just want to read something relaxing and comforting, this is for you. I loved it!📚🐙

LoveToReadLiveToRead Oh I have this to read! 2w
TiredLibrarian Sounds like just what I need right now! 2w
Julsmarshall This book was perfect in every way! 2w
See All 8 Comments
Tamra I enjoyed it too! 😊 2w
Suet624 Thanks for the recommendation. Sometimes I overdo the heavy reads. 2w
dabbe LOVE Marcellus! 💙🐙💚 2w
Bklover @dabbe He‘s wonderful!!!❤️❤️🐙 2w
94 likes3 stack adds8 comments
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BookNAround
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

This book is a warm hug. A grieving and lonely old woman befriends an aging octopus in an aquarium and he helps her life fill up again. It sounds ridiculous but it‘s not. It‘s just lovely (and maybe a tad predictable too but in a forgivable way). Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2023/04/review-remarkably-bright-creatures-by.ht...

LeahBergen What a great review! 2w
83 likes1 comment
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Cortg
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Such a beautiful story of friendship and
family. And Marcellus the octopus was a wonderful addition to the story. All the feels for this one. Looking forward to a book club discussion next month.

38 likes2 stack adds
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SanjanaGhosh
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

"Maybe we all have sea monsters living in our brains...."

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Eringogreen
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Mehso-so

I love Marcellus! Give me more Marcellus chapters.

Some of this book I loved, but I also did a lot of skimming. This is just a little too much monotony and people not communicating with each other for me.

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LaurenMags
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I loved this book. I call this genre "happy books for sad people."

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Meshell1313
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I was surprised by how much I loved this. It is not at all what I typically read but it was such a beautiful story. I was sobbing at the end. Loved the unique point of views and how the stories intertwined. A great comeback story with flawed people just doing their best. 🐙🐙🐙🐙 1/2 stars/octopi

AmyG Same here. I just loved this book. 2w
46 likes1 comment
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BoleyBooks
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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LoverOfLearning Also on my TBR 3w
BoleyBooks @LoverOfLearning I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! 😊 3w
LoverOfLearning @BoleyBooks my friend loved it which slightly worries me since we have such different tastes haha! But fingers crossed! 3w
49 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Lovely and heartwarming. I've been reading a lot of heavy stuff lately, so this was just the right palate cleanser. Light, but not total fluff; emotional, but not devastating.

When I read Marcellus' POV, I heard Peter Dinklage's voice in my head. My coworker heard a very proper, snotty, British man (with a monocle). If you've read it, what did you imagine?

AmyG Dinklage‘s voice is perfect! (edited) 4w
Aims42 Ooo great question!!! I heard the snooty British man‘s voice 🧐🐙 4w
92 likes2 comments
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JenniferP
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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I loved this charming book about the unlikely intersection of several lives, including a “remarkably bright” octopus. I don‘t usually enjoy books that are too sentimental, so I was a little worried about this one, but I‘m glad I gave it a chance because I thought it hit just the right tone. And it was both my #bookspin AND #roll100!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4w
PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 4w
41 likes2 comments
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squirrelbrain
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Loved this story of Marcellus, a giant octopus living in an aquarium who knows he is coming to the end of his life, so decides to help out some friends.

Marcellus is as lovely as Six Thirty (Lessons in Chemistry) and Claude (Still Life) so if you liked those books you‘ll love this one too. I‘m also pleased to have read a book about an anthropomorphic sea creature that didn‘t traumatise me, after Pod! 🤣

rockpools I have so many questions. I almost feel I should read Pod to see why I shouldn‘t read Pod. And anthropomorphic sea creatures are acutely lacking in my reading diet. 4w
TrishB Lovely review ❤️ 4w
squirrelbrain If you want to read Pod, Rachel @rockpools , you should, but don‘t come running to me when you don‘t like it! 🤣 (dolphin gang rape? Nope, not for me… 😬). Now this one, on the other hand, is warm and life affirming. 4w
See All 8 Comments
Oryx I really liked this one too 🐙 4w
JenniferP I'm reading this too, almost finished, and really loving it! 4w
julesG Your copy doesn't have the octopus on the cover. 😳 4w
squirrelbrain No, @julesG - but I think the UK paperback, coming out in July, does have the 🐙 on. The horse is kind of relevant but not a huge part of the story. 4w
julesG I wouldn't have recognised this cover as the "octopus book" 4w
73 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Elizabeth2
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I loved this book! Tova, a woman who lost her son when he was young and more recently her husband, works at a local aquarium in her small Pacific Northwest town just so she can stay busy. She works nights, cleaning. Marcellus is the Giant Pacific Octopus who resides at the aquarium. He is no ordinary creature. He is a remarkably bright creature and he is one of the narrators of this remarkably sweet and moving novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

AmyG This was such a lovely, heartwarming story. 1mo
Elizabeth2 @AmyG it really was. I read it with my little book club, and all four of us loved it. We were away together this past weekend in Rehoboth, DE (beach town) and looked for Marcelluses everywhere. There are lots of octopuses around when you look for them! We each bought one to take home. ❤️🐙 1mo
Elizabeth2 Added note: one of my girlfriends listened to this on audio and it was fantastic. Marcellus‘s voice is so well done. Laugh out loud moments, for sure. 1mo
AmyG I listened to it. Read perfectly. I, too, have a new appreciation for the octopus. 🐙 (edited) 1mo
38 likes4 comments
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Suzze
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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My reading wrap-up for April. I just happened to rate them all 4 stars.

Magpiegem Ooh the sensory comic anthology looks good. I haven‘t seen that one! 1mo
32 likes1 comment
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Jenken1998
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

A grieving mother/widow. A lost young man searching for his past and future. A very smart, regal, and mischievous octopus. Three paths cross and make one amazing tale. Made me tear up. 4 🐙 🐙🐙🐙

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MatchlessMarie
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the tagged book is because the title made me think of the Dan the Man Album Brightly Coloured Creatures. As you can see one track in particular is nearly on target. I was a little hesitant to start because I have seen quite a few meh reviews. But I really loved this story. The beginning seemed disjointed at first but it was neat seeing how the individual stories intertwined. #bookmusicpairing #thingsincommon

Clwojick I adored it! One of my favourites by far! Marcelias ❤️ 1mo
51 likes1 comment
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MatchlessMarie
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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“Day 1,361 of My Captiv—Oh, Let Us Cut the Shit, Shall We? We Have a Ring to Retrieve.”

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OutAndAbout
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I love when you find an amazing book for vacation. I loved this story of finding family, whether from old connections, new friends, or even a mysteriously intelligent octopus narrator. Highly recommend this one for anyone looking for something heartwarming and creative. Amazing especially as a first novel for this author!

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Elizabeth2
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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I love art on book pages! My youngest is having his wisdom teeth removed. Poor kid. Hoping this book can distract me for the next hour, while I wait. Third kid to have them removed, and the waiting is not really any easier. (My second son had his out a few years ago just before Covid, my oldest just three weeks ago, and my daughter hasn‘t needed to yet).

AmyG All 3 of my kids had theirs out. Rite of passage. And wonderful book! 1mo
Elizabeth2 @AmyG it certainly is (a rite of passage). Doc told us they all came out intact - he didn‘t have to break any of them, so healing should be easier. 🤞They are saving them so they can show him at our follow up in 10 days. 😂 My oldest only had 3 of them, and his recovery wasn‘t so bad. We just went through it, so all of the after care is fresh in my mind, which helps. 1mo
dabbe Hoping he heals quickly! 💙 1mo
37 likes3 comments
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britt_brooke
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A captive, ornery Giant Pacific Octopus knows he‘s at the end of his days and starts living life to the fullest. I‘m happy to say this lives up to the hype! I feel like that doesn‘t often happen. This is a thoughtful, full-circle story of an improbable friendship. That said, I wanted more Marcellus. Such a fun POV! Incredible debut; looking forward to hearing what both of my book clubs think! #bookclub

AmyG I didn‘t realize this was her debut. Such a sweet story. 1mo
Cortg This is my book club's choice for June and I can't wait! 1mo
britt_brooke @AmyG Very sweet! 1mo
britt_brooke @Cortg Hope you all enjoy!! 1mo
99 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Lizwarnerpdx
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
Pickpick

I‘ve never read a book from an octopus‘ point of view. Marcellus (the octopus) and Tova (an old lady) become friends and solve a mystery. How awesome is that?! Really though it is a fascinating story and I highly recommend it.

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Elizabeth2
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Starting this one for my little book club‘s next book! Excited to read it. We vote out of 5 or so choices for our next read, and this one was unanimously the first choice. That has NEVER happened in 25 years of book club! ❤️📚

dabbe I loved it! Can't wait to read what you think! 😊 2mo
39 likes1 comment
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SB_92084
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
Pickpick

I finished this book 4 weeks ago, and have been thinking about it ever since…which made me realize that I should write a review and share my recommendation. This was a rewarding read! I have always had a deep interest in octopuses, so this book was right up my alley! The point-of-view characters (the octopus, especially) were endearing without being like a Hallmark movie, and you genuinely rooted for them! It‘s a quick read, so give it a go :)

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AmyG
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Just the sweetest. Perfectly read audiobook. Marcellus? All the ❤️‘s and ⭐️‘s. My favorite part? The Grateful Dead t-shirt. I understood that deep in my bones. 🤣

#Pantone2023 @Clwojick

CBee I‘m so glad you finally read this 🐙 2mo
AmyG @CBee You said I‘d love it. 👊🏻 2mo
Clwojick An all time favourite of mine! I adore this one so so much. ❤️ 2mo
See All 6 Comments
CBee @AmyG 📕 👯‍♀️ 2mo
dabbe Marcellus and Six-Thirty (from LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY) are my two new favorite animal characters! 🐙 + 🐕 = 💚 2mo
AmyG @dabbe Yes! Love them both. @Clwojick Thank you Litsy for putting this on my radar. 2mo
71 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Susanita
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Podcasts, book clubs, bibliographies, and especially Litsy. Tagged book has popped up on more than one podcast and also here. #sundayfunday

CBee It‘s a GREAT book 😊😊😊 2mo
Bookwormjillk It‘s so good! 2mo
ozma.of.oz I‘ve seen great things about the tagged book! Thanks for posting! 2mo
rockpools Which podcasts would you recommend? I‘ve only been listening to Books On The Go recently - would love some more to try. 2mo
Susanita @rockpools Bookriot has a “stable” of podcasts. I listen to All the Books (new releases) and Read or Dead (mysteries and thrillers). Strong Sense of Place is a delightful mix of books and travel. The Book Case with Kate and Charlie Gibson features author interviews. What Should I Read Next is hosted by the lovely Anne Bogel as she suggests books for guests based on their likes and dislikes. 2mo
45 likes5 comments
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kera_11
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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This was a really good audiobook. I loved Marcellus the octopus as a narrator, it was so unique and I love him. Marcus was rescued and forms a friendship with the cleaning lady, Tova, and he helps her find out what happened to her son. I was skeptical that I‘d enjoy this book and be entertained with so much revolving around grief, loss, growth, etc but I did really enjoy it.

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Lauram
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

“But I do not like the hole in her heart. She only has one, not three, like me. Tova‘s heart. I will do everything I can to help her fill it.” ♥️

50 likes3 stack adds
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angel1
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Absolutely fell in love with this story and of course Marcellus the octopus! I honestly didn't think I would like this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!🐙❤️🌊

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BookwormAHN
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

This was a fantastic tale about Marcellus, the octopus who was "rescued" and placed in the Sowell Bay Aquarium. There, he befriends Tova, who works the night shift and helps her solve the mystery of what happened to her son ?
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#LMPBC
#Naturalitsy #fiction @AllDebooks

xxjenadanxx I adored this book 2mo
TheAromaofBooks I've seen loads of positive reviews for this one - I may have to check it out!! 2mo
62 likes3 comments
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CollapsingLibrary
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Another great audiobook! This book gave me A Man Called Ove vibes and so it was an easy pick for me. Cute, engaging, funny, this book was great to make bread to and putter around the house with. Cleaning with Tova was a joy 😉

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janerzy
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

A remarkably heartwarming and touching story about family, love, loss and healing. What a truly one and only exceptional octopus! 🐙🧡

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ReadingRachael
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I throughly enjoyed this sweet story that demonstrates the healing power of community, compassion, and companionship. I must not forget to mention the star of the story, a brilliant octopus named Marcellus McSquiddles. Marcellus requests that you please not mistake him for a squid - he considers this to be an insult of the worst sort. I found the book to be a bit slow getting started, but then I was was hooked 🙂

mcctrish This was such a delightful book 💜 2mo
ReadingRachael @mcctrish It really was 😊🐙 2mo
dabbe My fave so far this year. Love your stuffed octi! ❣️ (edited) 2mo
ReadingRachael @dabbe Thank you! I saw him near the checkout out at a garden centre and couldn‘t help myself! ☺️ I tend to find myself reading heavy content much of the time so this was so lovely and refreshing. 2mo
dabbe @ReadingRachael That's the PERFECT word: “refreshing.“ ❣️ 2mo
17 likes5 comments
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CollapsingLibrary
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Starting my next audiobook today while at the gym! Already enjoying the playful nature of an octopus narrator so I‘m excited!

AmyK1 I loved this one! 2mo
Aims42 This is my go-to book when someone asks for a recommendation 🥰 2mo
49 likes2 comments
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canbku
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I loved this so so much. I was skeptical that a book about grief could be so entertaining and heartening. I had a lot of fear that it would be too sad to bear, but I loved it

Karisa I loved this book! Such a great read and the octopus 😍🐙 2mo
Bette ❤️🐙 I loved it too. 2mo
84 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3mo
44 likes1 comment
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LadyCait84
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Oh what a delight this one was!

Such a tender tale of grief and loss, of growing pains and fresh starts.

And then there‘s the rather exceptional octopus who steals the show (among other things).

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dmanto00
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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It‘s a very gloomy, rainy day and #Bookmail always makes it better!!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🤍🖤💗

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AmyK1
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Who knew I would love a book told (partially) from the perspective of an octopus? But this was lovely and sweet, even if it was very predictable. In this case I didn‘t mind that. Loved Marcellus and could read a whole book just about him 🐙❤️

This was my #bookspin for March @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3mo
55 likes1 comment
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LeafingThroughLife
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

I (like everyone?) loved this SO MUCH. The wise, trouble-making octopus, the older woman trying to determine what course her life should take after the death of her husband, the perennial screw-up searching for his mother and a place to belong. Pretty sure I clutched this book to my chest after weeping through the end of it, so if you‘re one of the four people who didn‘t read and love it last year, don‘t let it pass you by! 😜🐙📚

Aims42 Great review!! I also clutched it when I finished so I could wipe away happy tears 🥹🐙🤧 3mo
AmyK1 It‘s my bookspin for this month! I‘m looking forward to it. 3mo
Clwojick One of the best books I read last year! I adored it!🥹 3mo
30 likes1 stack add3 comments
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AmyK1
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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The tagged is my March #bookspin and Meet Me in Monaco is my #doublespin. Excited to read these!

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3mo
LeafingThroughLife Hope you like Remarkably Bright Creatures as much as I did. 😃🐙 Meet Me in Monaco is on my TBR, so I‘ll be interested to hear how you like that one, too! 3mo
AmyK1 @LeafingThroughLife I‘m starting it tonight! 😁🐙 3mo
49 likes3 comments
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dabbe
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Closing out February. 😊

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BookwormAHN
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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MaleficentBookDragon Wow. I‘m sorry. It must have taken a very long scenic trip to you. 3mo
ImperfectCJ I was thinking the same thing about my package (that it must have taken the scenic route). Tracking said it should have arrived on the 13th and then didn't actually get there until the 21st. No idea what adventures it was up to in the intervening time! 3mo
56 likes2 comments
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Amiable
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

A cute, heartwarming story that‘s as predictable as they come. A friend of mine urged me to pick it up after she stayed up all night to read it. I enjoyed it, but apparently not as much as she did. I probably won‘t remember much of it a year from now.