Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Cover of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures came out in 2022 and had such a strong reception! A New York Times bestseller and even named the Best Book of the Summer by several publications, the Chicago Tribune and USA Today included. It deals with addiction, grief, death, abandonment, and pregnancy.

Tova works at the aquarium at night and takes her work very seriously, it’s her job to make sure the place looks tip top for the customers the next day. Living in a small town, it’s nice to work in the quiet aquarium and to get away from all the gossips that know about the death of her husband, and the death of her son, and the recent death of her brother (they weren’t close). Meanwhile, in California, Cameron receives a box of his estranged mother’s possessions and finds something interesting. A class ring and a picture of his mom with a guy Cameron doesn’t know. A guy that could be his dad. Taking a huge leap of faith and hoping for a pay out, he travels to Washington state to find the mystery guy. What do these two people have in common? A sassy, orange great Pacific octopus named Marcellus.

Oh my goodness guys, read this book. If you like marine animals, read this book. If you like reading, read this book. If you know how to read, read this book. It was phenomenal. Marcellus is possibly my favorite non-bipedal character ever. Filled with dynamic main characters that you can’t help but love and charming secondary characters that make you smile, writing that keeps you engaged and does not feel rushed or monotonous, and a plot that will have you shaking your head in frustration (but don’t worry, Marcellus feels the same way), I can’t say enough about this book. Do I have anything bad to say - I do not.

Read this book, you won’t regret it.

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but I’m giving Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 5 stars. I cannot wait to see if Shelby comes up with something new, hopefully it’s soon. So far my favorite book of 2025, and I think it’s a real contender for my favorite of the year.

For more information about Shelby Van Pelt, visit https://shelbyvanpelt.com/

Pairs well with creamy rice pudding and an authentic Dala horse.