Remarkably Bright Creatures

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

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

“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

“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

“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

“Meet a hardworking widow, a lost soul, and a giant Pacific octopus (yes, an octopus) in this heartfelt story that reveals there’s still plenty of living to do for those with their eyes — and hearts — open to the unexpected. A bright debut!”

— Annie Romano • An Unlikely Story

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

“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

“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