Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, and I thank the author and Goodreads for the chance to read this coming-of-age story. Thanks to Unsplash and Carol Highsmith for the gorgeous free image.

Remarkably Bright Creatures was everything I hoped. I know some readers hated Cameron. I didn't. He's a product of being brought up to almost his tweens by a mom who didn't seem to care.

The heart of the story is between Tova, an older aquarium cleaner whose son mysteriously vanished decades earlier, and Marcellus, the escape-artist octopus that befriends Tova. Their relationship mesmerized me.

The story is mostly about relationships and how life goes on, no matter what is thrown your way. Tova's a widow, trying to make the most of being completely alone with no heirs, no spouse, and a family-built home that's becoming a bit too much.

Marcellus is smart, as octopi are, and he has his own secrets. However, he doesn't talk, so sharing things he knows is a challenge, if not impossible.

I needed to read the book before I watch the movie, but now I'm eager to watch the movie, too.