The History Book Club discussion

The book that will be the October 2016 Book of the Month is The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery.

by Sy Montgomery

Synopsis:

In this astonishing book from the author of the bestselling memoir The Good Good Pig, Sy Montgomery explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus—a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature—and the remarkable connections it makes with humans.

Sy Montgomery’s popular 2011 Orion magazine piece, “Deep Intellect,” about her friendship with a sensitive, sweet-natured octopus named Athena and the grief she felt at her death, went viral, indicating the widespread fascination with these mysterious, almost alien-like creatures. Since then Sy has practiced true immersion journalism, from New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, pursuing these wild, solitary shape-shifters. Octopuses have varied personalities and intelligence they show in myriad ways: endless trickery to escape enclosures and get food; jetting water playfully to bounce objects like balls; and evading caretakers by using a scoop net as a trampoline and running around the floor on eight arms. But with a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue covered with teeth, how can such a being know anything? And what sort of thoughts could it think?

The intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees was only recently accepted by scientists, who now are establishing the intelligence of the octopus, watching them solve problems and deciphering the meaning of their color-changing camouflage techniques. Montgomery chronicles this growing appreciation of the octopus, but also tells a love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about consciousness and the meeting of two very different minds.

About the Author



Sy Montgomery is part Indiana Jones, part Emily Dickinson, as the Boston Globe describes her, Sy Montgomery is an author, naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and radio commentator who has traveled to some of the worlds most remote wildernesses for her work. She has worked in a pit crawling with 18,000 snakes in Manitoba, been hunted by a tiger in India, swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon, and been undressed by an orangutan in Borneo. She is the author of 13 award-winning books, including her national best-selling memoir, The Good Good Pig. Montgomery lives in Hancock, New Hampshire.

Praise and Reviews:

“Enter the mysterious intelligent alien world of the octopus. Experience a real intelligence based on a sense of touch that humans can barely imagine.” (Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation)

"Renowned author Sy Montgomery's latest gem is a must read for those who want to dissolve the human-constructed borders between "them" (other animals) and us. Surely, there are large differences among nonhuman animals and between nonhuman and human animals, but there also are many basic similarities. Connecting with other animals is part of the essential and personal process of rewilding and reconnecting with other animals, and The Soul of an Octopus is just what is needed to close the gap." (Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional lives of Animals)

"Diving deeper than Jules Verne ever dreamed, The Soul of an Octopus is a page-turning adventure that will leave you breathless. Has science ever been this deliciously hallucinatory? Boneless and beautiful, the characters here are not only big-hearted, they're multi-hearted, as well as smart, charming, affectionate...and, of course, ambidextrous. If there is a Mother Nature, her name is Sy Montgomery." (Vicki Constantine Croke, author of Elephant Company)

"In The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery immerses readers into an intriguing, seductive world just beneath the ocean waves and the lives of the creatures living within. In this beautifully written book, she brings empathy, insight, and an enchanting sense of wonderment to the bonds we inherently share with other beings—even those seeming far different from us." (Vint Virga, DVM The Soul of All Living Creatures)

“A captivating book on an intelligence as ‘alien’ as one from outer space. And its not science fiction.” (Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven)

"Can an octopus have a mind and emotions, let alone a soul? Sy Montgomery faces these questions head-on in her engaging new book as she explores the world of octopuses, making friends with several and finding heartbreak when they die. They aren't, she discovers, simply brainless invertebrates, but personable, playful, conscious beings. Montgomery's enthusiasm for animals most of us rarely see is infectious, and readers will come away with a new appreciation for what it means to be an octopus." (Virginia Morell, author of ANIMAL WISE: How We Know Animals Think and Feel)

"With apparent delight, Montgomery puts readers inside the world of these amazing creatures. A fascinating glimpse into an alien consciousness." (Kirkus Reviews)

"The Soul of an Octopus is one of those works that makes you hope we can save the planet if for no other reason than to preserve the wondrous beasts we are fortunate enough to share it with." (Steve Lysaker, Outward Hounds)

"Sy Montgomery’s joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures will have you rethinking that order of calamari." (Library Journal Editors' Spring Pick)

"Sweet moments are at the heart of Montgomery's compassionate, wise and tender new book... Only a writer of her talent could make readers care about octopuses as individuals... Joins a growing body of literature that asks us to rethink our connection to nonhumans who may be more like us than we had supposed." (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

"I can't do justice to the wonder of this book, the joy and pain and fellowship and grief that Montgomery brings to life with her words...Completely engrossing and accessible." (malcolmavenuereview.blog)

"Montgomery's passion for other species is infectious...[Her] warmth and exuberance...make good reading, and her awe and admiration are uplifting... I felt informed, moved, and inspird - whieh is all a reader could possibly hope for from a book." (Union Leader)

"An engaging work of natural science... There is clearly something about the octopus’s weird beauty that fires the imaginations of explorers, scientists, writers." (The Daily Mail - UK)

"Delightful." (NATURE)

"Fascinating... touching... informative... Entertaining books like The Soul of an Octopus remind us of just how much we not only have to learn from fellow creatures, but that they can have a positive impact on our lives." (DAILY BEAST)

"A gripping new book bridges the gap between humans and one of this planet's strangest and most wondrous creatures." (Global Newswire)

"Journalistic immersion... allows Montgomery to deliver a deeper understanding of the 'other,' thereby adding to our understanding of ourselves. A good book might illuminate something you knew little about, transform your world view, or move you in ways you didn't think possible. The Soul of an Octopus delivers on all three." (New Scientist)

"Charming and moving...with extraordinary scientific research." (The Guardian (UK))

"[Montgomery's] compassion and respect for the species make for a buoying read." (Newsday)

"Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what Helen Macdonald 's H Is for Hawk did for raptors." (New Statesman (UK))

"Informative and entertaining, part memoir and part scientific exploration, reminds us that if we are the best creatures on the planet at thinking, we can benefit by thinking about the creatures that may be doing it in some other way." (Columbus Dispatch)

"Naturalist Montgomery writes exceptionally affecting and enlightening books inspired by both rigorous scientific curiosity and enraptured wonder and empathy for all living beings...In prose as gripping and entwining as her
subjects’ many arms, Montgomery chronicles the octopus’ phenomenal strength, dexterity, speed... She also tells funny and moving stories about her friendships... Montgomery’s uniquely intimate portrait of the elusive octopus profoundly recalibrates our perception of consciousness, communication, and community." (Booklist (STARRED review))

“What makes this book unusual is that Montgomery doesn't try to answer this question [about consciousness] by sifting through piles of research. Instead, she ... listens. She develops extensive relationships with a handful of individual octopuses at the New England Aquarium, each with its own personality, its mundane dramas and tragedies. She records every small moment, treating each octopus like a character in a Jane Austen novel. The effect is wonderful. By the end, it's hard to shake the feeling that these bizarre creatures really do have rich internal lives, even if we still lack the imagination to grasp them entirely.“ (Vox)

“Montgomery’s journey of discovery encourages the reader to reflect on his or her own definition of consciousness and 'soul.' In the end, the book leaves one with the impression that our way of interacting with the world is not the only way or the most superior way and that sentience similarly comes in a variety of equally astounding forms, all worthy of recognition and compassion.” (Science Magazine)

“Montgomery’s journey of discovery encourages the reader to reflect on his or her own definition of consciousness and “soul.” In the end, the book leaves one with the impression that our way of interacting with the world is not the only way or the most superior way and that sentience similarly comes in a variety of equally astounding forms, all worthy of recognition and compassion.” (Shelf Awareness, Best Book of 2015 List)

A Notable Book of the Year (Huffington Post)

"The Soul of an Octopus is an astoundingly beautiful read in its entirety, at once scientifically illuminating and deeply poetic, and is indeed a worthy addition to the best science books of the year." (Science Friday, NPR)

KIRKUS REVIEW

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

Remember the following:

Everyone is welcome but make sure to use the Goodreads spoiler function.

If you come to the discussion after folks have finished reading it, please feel free to post your comments as we will always come back to the thread to discuss the book.

The rules

You must follow the rules of the History Book Club and also:

First rule of Book of the Month:
Respect other people's opinions, no matter how controversial you think they may be.

Second rule of Book of the Month:
Always, always Chapter/page mark and spoiler alert your posts if you are discussing parts of the book.

To do these spoilers, follows these easy steps:

Step 1. enclose the word spoiler in forward and back arrows; < >

Step 2. write your spoiler comments in

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(view spoiler)

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State a Chapter and page if you can.
EG: Chapter 24, page 154

Or say Up to Chapter *___ (*insert chapter number) if your comment is more broad and not from a single chapter.

Chapter 1, p. 23
(view spoiler)[I know everything now about chapter one and I am going to post it here - oops I better place this in a spoiler alert so I do not ruin the book for others (hide spoiler)]

If you are raising a question/issue for the group about the book, you don't need to put that in a spoiler, but if you are citing something specific, it might be good to use a spoiler.

By using spoilers, you don't ruin the experience of someone who is reading slower or started later.

Thanks.

You can copy and paste below to get your spoiler right:

<spoiler>Put Text Here</spoiler>

Contents

CHAPTER ONE - ATHENA
Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk 1

CHAPTER TWO - OCTAVIA
This Shouldn't Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams 30

CHAPTER THREE - KALI
The Fellowship of the Fishes 61

CHAPTER FOUR - EGGS
Beginning, Ending, and Shape-Shifting 93

CHAPTER FIVE - TRANSFORMATION
The Art of Breathing in the Ocean 125

CHAPTER SIX - EXIT
Freedom, Desire, and Escape 154

CHAPTER SEVEN - KARMA
Choice, Destiny, and Love 180

CHAPTER EIGHT - CONSCIOUSNESS
To Think, to Feel, to Know 210

Acknowledgements 243

Selected Bibliography 247

Index 253

About the Author 263

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE A SUGGESTED WEEKLY SYLLABUS

OCTOBER 1ST THROUGH OCTOBER 9TH
Chapter One - Athena - Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk 1
Chapter Two - Octavia - This Shouldn't Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams 30

OCTOBER 10TH THROUGH OCTOBER 16TH
Chapter Three - Kali - The Fellowship of the Fishes 61
Chapter Four - Eggs - Beginning, Ending, and Shape-Shifting 93

OCTOBER 17TH THROUGH OCTOBER 23RD
Chapter Five - Transformation - The Art of Breathing in the Ocean 125
Chapter Six - Exit - Freedom, Desire, and Escape 154

OCTOBER 24TH THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST
Chapter Seven - Karma - Choice, Destiny, and Love 180
Chapter Eight - Consciousness - To Think, to Feel, to Know 210

Acknowledgements 243
Selected Bibliography 247
Index 253
About the Author 263

Those of you who are going to read The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness use the spoiler html because this is a single thread discussion.

1. Read message 4 and that message shows you the rules for the buddy read discussion and how to do the spoiler html.

2. Message 5 actually shows you the spoiler html code. Use it on this thread.

3. Where is the Table of Contents and the reading syllabus? - Message 4 and 5.

All, we do not have to do citations regarding the book or the author being discussed during the book discussion on these discussion threads - nor do we have to cite any personage in the book being discussed while on the discussion threads related to this book.

However if we discuss folks outside the scope of the book or another book is cited which is not the book and author discussed then we do have to do that citation according to our citation rules. That makes it easier to not disrupt the discussion.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week One

(view spoiler)[Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 1 - 29

We begin by learning a little about octopuses. They are venomous with a beak and ink. They come in all sizes and can weigh as much as a human and be as long as a car. They can change color and shape. They have 1,600 suckers that can each lift 30lbs and they can escape a tank. We are introduced to Athena, the octopus that author Sy Montgomery is studying. Athena is a giant Pacific octopus and appears friendly to Sy on their first meeting. We then get some history of how octopuses have been portrayed in historical references, books, and films. Athena is feisty, active, and prone to excitement. We learn that octopuses understand humans in that they will reach out to someone they like, but will spray sea water from their funnels at a person they do not like. They will also remember a person over time, even if they have not seen them for a while, like a dog or cat welcoming an owner who has been away. The author goes into some details on the strength of an octopus and the way they use their tentacles and suckers. They often do crazy things when bored and will escape and explore. The author describes two return visits to see Athena when she is being fed. She explains how each sucker carries the food slowly to the mouth like a conveyor belt. Perhaps it is how the octopus slowly tastes its food.


Sy Montgomery visited the New England Aquarium to meet Athena, the aquarium’s forty-pound, five-foot-long, two-and-a-half-year-old giant Pacific octopus.

Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 30 - 60

We now meet Octavia, who the author visits not long after the loss of Athena. In stark contrast to Athena, Octavia is shy. Generally, aquariums will add a pup when an older octopus is showing signs of aging, allowing the pup to grow up around visiting people. Athena died suddenly so the aquarium acquired Octavia who was grown and not use to people, thus hiding most of the time. The author discusses the intelligence of other animals and their ability to sleep and dream. There is also a discussion on the strength of an octopus and their ability to change colors / camouflage when needed. Sy introduces some of her radio listeners to Octavia who showed that she could multitask. We also learn more about the way an octopus uses its funnel for play and entertainment. As Octavia begins to age, her demeanor and color begin to fade. A new baby octopus is added to the aquarium.


Octavia (hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions – Kick Off and Introductions

(view spoiler)[1. Introduce yourself and tell us what interest you have in this book.

2. Have you ever encountered an octopus?

3. Have you ever read any other works by Sy Montgomery?

(hide spoiler)]

Welcome everyone to the October Book of the Month selection of The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness. Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what interest you have in this month's selection.

I will be posting a synopsis every week as well as some daily discussion questions to get our conversation going. You do not have to answer the questions but I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment on any part of the week's reading or anything prior to the current week and use spoilers when discussion anything about the book.

Looking forward to a great discussion.

Week One Discussion Questions – The Soul of an Octopus

(view spoiler)[This book is not so much a book of science as it is a book of emotions and connection with animals.

1. Do you believe that humans are unique in their capacity for self-awareness? Why or why not.

2. Do you believe animals / all living beings have souls? Some? Why or why not.

3. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, and intentions to non-human entities and is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. Given what science knows now about the consciousness of animals, is anthropomorphism a problem? If so, why?

(hide spoiler)]

Let's dig into chapter one today! Tell me what you think of Athena.

Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 1 - 10

(view spoiler)[In these first few pages, we learn a lot about octopuses (note the proper plural term). They are one of the fastest-growing animals, hatching from an egg the size of rice, white is the color of a relaxed octopus, and they are highly individual. They can like and dislike people they encounter and react accordingly.

1. Did you learn anything new about octopuses in this week’s reading? Any surprises?

2. What are your initial thoughts on Athena?


A tiny newborn octopus (hide spoiler)]

Re: Week One

(view spoiler)[I do believe that animals have souls. You only have to love any animal and it is as if they know you better than any other human being on earth - I think they have very special antennae that humans just do not have the senses to observe. But not the animal kingdom or in my case - my dogs - they are really deeply connected to humans at all levels. (hide spoiler)]

Week One - Discussion Questions - Athena

Response to Bentley - The Soul of an Animal

(view spoiler)[I wholeheartedly agree. In my case it's my cat, my constant companion. I can tell when she's mad, depressed, and happy. She knows and remembers people that visit, and knows if someone new is a stranger.

We're constantly learning about how smart animals are. Elephants, primates, birds, etc. It's amazing to watch and engage with any animal. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Very very true Teri - they can pick up on all sorts of things - my dear dog picked up on my father being close to passing and he started shaking as if were very frightened. Very unsettling. He also at the exact time of my father's passing - he was beside us in the room - let out this sad sad sigh. You have to sense that they know a lot more than we do. And look at the dogs who can sniff for diseases - very impressive. (hide spoiler)]

Bentley - Can animals predict death?

(view spoiler)[That reminds me of this story about Oscar the cat:

Can animals predict death?

More:
by David Dosa (no photo)

(hide spoiler)]

For those of you who missed the story of Inky the Octopus, here is a link:

(view spoiler)[ I don't recall the story of Inky the Octopus being in this book. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't, but in any case, here it is:

http://daily.jstor.org/flight-inky-oc... (hide spoiler)]

Jimmy - Inky

Welcome, Jimmy! Can you place the article in our spoiler thread? You can find it here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

You have no spoiler in your post but be sure to put any comments back to me in spoiler tags since I'm about to talk about Inky in the book. Thank you.

(view spoiler)[Here's a video of Inky's escape: https://www.theguardian.com/environme...

I was so fascinated by the small crevices and holes that octopuses can get themselves into. They seem like such playful characters. After reading the story, I wonder if / how much Inky went out exploring before making its escape. Had you seen the video? (hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 11 - 20

(view spoiler)[1. An octopus has 1600 suckers each able to lift 35lb of weight for a total of 56,000 lbs. What concerns would you expect to encounter? These suckers are capable of more than just holding weight. Check out this page on Nat Geo about these suckers: http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com... Thoughts?

2. We also learn a bit about sea stars in this section? What differences do you see in these two similar but very different animals?


Nine-armed Sea Star (hide spoiler)]

Bentley wrote: "Re: Week One



(view spoiler)[ You are so right. I believe animals have souls. My dog is very connected to me and has such feelings and perceptions. They are so perceptive and they make great therapy dogs and help people in so many ways. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[ This is an interesting book. I never knew that octopuses had such feelings and perceptions. I know that there are alot of smart animals as Teri mentioned but had not equated it with the octopus. I really was quite amused on the story about how an Octopus has to keep occupied so as not to get bored and then try to get into trouble by getting out of the tank. They are very intelligent to be able to unknot things and open things. I love stories about animals and nature so this book connects with me.,/spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

Welcome Helga. This is a fascinating book to me. I now want to go to the local aquarium and check out the octopuses.

Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[I was humored by the story of putting a crab in a locked box for the octopus to figure out how to open, then they nested that box in others and eventually put two crabs in, only for the octopus to get so excited it broke a bit of the box. Like an excitable kid. (hide spoiler)]

Teri wrote: "Welcome Helga. This is a fascinating book to me. I now want to go to the local aquarium and check out the octopuses.

Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[I do too. I will make an effort to next time I get a chance. I want to watch one closely. (hide spoiler)]

currently reading Soul of an Occupus

Welcome, Judith! Take a stab at some of the questions posted or just give us your thoughts so far - up to and including chapter 2.

Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 21 - 29

(view spoiler)[We read about Guinevere, an octopus that bit Bill, one of the workers the aquarium. Although octopuses are dangerous, they rarely harm people. Check out this webpage about potential danger of octopuses and squids: http://animals.mom.me/octopuses-squid...

1. What are your thoughts about the danger of octopuses? Knowing these dangers, would it keep you from coming into contact with an octopus?

2. Were you surprised to learn how easily George was able to open the locked boxes? What can you infer about octopuses from this story?


Octopus Suckers (hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 30 - 39

(view spoiler)[1. What differences do you see between Octavia and Athena? How about the other octopuses we’ve read about so far?

2. This chapter has a short discussion on animals and dreams. Do you think animals dream? Check out this article: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/20...


Myrtle the Turtle (hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 40 - 49

(view spoiler)[1. Octopuses are playful and like to explore. What are your thoughts about an octopus’ ability to escape their tanks and explore? Watch this video of some interesting escapes: https://www.theguardian.com/environme...

2. Why do octopuses change color and texture? There is an amazing video on the ability of cephalopods being able to camouflage themselves that you should watch: https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/how-o...


An Octopus Adapting to Its Surroundings (hide spoiler)]

You guys have been a quiet bunch this week. How's is it coming? What are your thoughts so far?

Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 50 - 60

(view spoiler)[1. What are your thoughts on Octavia “tasting” Sy Montgomery? Would you let an octopus do some exploring on you?

2. Were you surprised to learn that octopuses may suffer dementia like humans? Do you think other animals do the same?


Giant Pacific Octopus (dying) (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I'm not surprised that octopuses go through a process of senescence as, especially the way it's described by Jennifer and Alexa, I can imagine that kind of breakdown happening to all living creatures. What strikes me in Sy's depiction of Octavia's senescence and the cases of dementia she describes isn't so much the similarities in how they each manifest; it's rather how similar Sy's reaction -- and ours as well, I'd think -- to each situation seems to be. Namely one of great loss at no longer being recognized, of mapping the decline of someone or something we care deeply about. I feel like this actually makes a strong counter-point to a lot of what Sy is saying in these first few chapters, as it illustrates how much of our definition of intelligence and awareness is rooted in our OWN perception of a subject, and what that subject means to us. The pet we have doesn't need to be particularly bright for us to be devastated were something to happen to him/her.

Though I wonder how close Sy's sense of what Octavia tastes reflects what Octavia is actually processing, I was touched by the passage where Sy caresses her for an hour. I'm sure that being handled by slimy, wet tentacles feels really discomfiting at first, though I can believe that with time, you get over it, and start picking up on the nuances in the tentacles' movement...and gradually understanding what the octopus is trying to do or to express. Sounds like an amazing experience! (hide spoiler)]

Marc wrote: "I'm not surprised."

Welcome to the conversation Marc!

Animals and Senescence

(view spoiler)[Thanks for your comments, I had not thought about the counterpoint to Sy's comments. An animal also does not need to be bright to have a connection to humans and vice versa. Aging and death will affect everyone differently whether it's a pet or family / friend.

I can only imagine how it feels to have those tentacles on you. I had assumed it would just feel like a sucking sensation, but in retrospect, I wonder if there is some kind of energy felt. Very interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions – Weekly Wrap Up

(view spoiler)[1. What did you think of Athena and Octavia?

2. Was there a topic that came up in the reading that we did not talk about?

3. How does Montgomery describe the different personalities that the octopuses have? Do you agree with her assessments of their attributes? Can you relate to the emotions that she interprets them to have?


A Coconut Octopus (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[1. What are your thoughts about the danger of octopuses? Knowing these dangers, would it keep you from coming into contact with an octopus?

Coming from Australia we have a blue ring octopus which is quite deadly, and small. We always tell the children to keep away. Add to this the stories we have been told in fictional books and simply the size of one of these larger octopuses would convince me not to get too close. Having read the experiences of Sy, however, it now sounds like a great idea to get to know an octopus, but in an aquarium, not in the wild. (hide spoiler)]

Glad I'm finally able to update :) Been a hectic week here in Florida. Here goes!
Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 1 - 10
(view spoiler)[
[In these first few pages, we learn a lot about octopuses (note the proper plural term). They are one of the fastest-growing animals, hatching from an egg the size of rice, white is the color of a relaxed octopus, and they are highly individual. They can like and dislike people they encounter and react accordingly.

1. Did you learn anything new about octopuses in this week’s reading? Any surprises? I've learned so much this first chapter. I love that they have such strong personalities. I'm also fascinated by their ability to taste through their suckers.

2. What are your initial thoughts on Athena? I love her personality! Very fun, yet she seems quite wise too.
(hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 11 - 20
(view spoiler)[
1. An octopus has 1600 suckers each able to lift 35lb of weight for a total of 56,000 lbs. What concerns would you expect to encounter? These suckers are capable of more than just holding weight. Check out this page on Nat Geo about these suckers: http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com... Thoughts? I would be very nervous of being pulled underwater. I am a really good swimmer, but have no doubt that I would be helpless against the strength of an octopus.

2. We also learn a bit about sea stars in this section? What differences do you see in these two similar but very different animals? Sea stars seem to do everything more by instinct. My sister got her Master in Marine-Bio and her thesis was actually on starfish. She had to keep them seperated because they would get in fights, (if you can believe starfish fight.)
(hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – 21 - 29
(view spoiler)[
1. What are your thoughts about the danger of octopuses? Knowing these dangers, would it keep you from coming into contact with an octopus? I never worried about them before, but now....Well I don't think they are that common around Florida waters.

2. Were you surprised to learn how easily George was able to open the locked boxes? What can you infer about octopuses from this story?I loved this. I wonder if they ever get bored with the same box?
(hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 30 - 39
(view spoiler)[
1. What differences do you see between Octavia and Athena? How about the other octopuses we’ve read about so far? Out of all the octopuses, Octavia seems the most standoffish. I also feel really bad for her. She is probably a little stressed being in a new environment. I'd be grumpy too being in her situation.
(hide spoiler)]

Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 40 - 49
(view spoiler)[
1. Octopuses are playful and like to explore. What are your thoughts about an octopus’ ability to escape their tanks and explore? I loved all those stories. They remind me of children. For creatures that are so intelligent and are so curious it seems kind of a shame that they must be relegated to a tank.
(hide spoiler)]

Frank wrote: "1. What .."

Welcome Frank!

Frank - Dangerous Octopuses

(view spoiler)[I had always assumed the octopuses were dangerous. So this book has surprised me in many ways. Now I'm very interested in going to the aquarium to watch them. Not sure if I'm ready to touch, but I definitely want to watch. Do you see many in Australia near the beaches? (hide spoiler)]

Kaleen wrote: "Week One Discussion Questions - Athena – Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk – "

I'm so glad you all are safe, Kaleen. Did you guys get much damage where you are?

Kaleen - Athena - Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[What a great introduction to the octopus, right? I love Sy's writing as well. I also like that she introduces other animals as well and how they interact with octopuses like the sea stars. I'm sure your sister's paper was fascinating. What a fun sounding thesis.

Like I said to Frank, I now want to go to an aquarium to just watch some of these sea animals in a different light. I'm not ready to encounter some at the ocean, but an aquarium definitely.

How fun it would have been to watch George and those boxes. I would say that they'd probably get bored after a while, but then again, I keep playing Sudoku over and over without getting bored. HA. (hide spoiler)]

Kaleen wrote: "Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 30 - 39"

Kaleen - Octavia's personality

(view spoiler)[I have to agree with you, I think she was the most standoffish too, but I think that made for a great experience for Sy. I wonder if part of Octavia's personality was due to her maybe being older. I definitely think stress was a big part of that. (hide spoiler)]

Hi gang ~

I'll be traveling this week from Monday to Thursday for work. I'll be back mid day Thursday. I'll do my best to post questions daily before or after my meetings, so don't be surprised if you don't see responses or posts til late (or possibly not at all).

Keep reading! This week's read is fascinating. I'll add this coming week's synopsis and kick off questions before bed tonight.

Teri wrote: I'm so glad you all are safe, Kaleen. Did you guys get much damage where you are?

My area was lucky. Just a little bit of rain and some wind. My college town of Saint Augustine had the worst damage in the state. Luckily all friends and family in the area are safe and sound.

Do you see many in Australia near the beaches?

We have the blue ring octopus hiding in the rock pools around the coast. Other octopuses hide nearby, but you don't see them on the beaches. The Jelly fish are a bigger problem in Australia.

Kaleen wrote: "Week One Discussion Questions - Octavia – This Shouldn’t Be Happening: Tasting Pain, Seeing Dreams – 30 - 39
1. What differences do you see between Octavia and Athena? How about the other octopuses..."i>

(view spoiler)[It seems that Octavia was an older octopus and probably not that happy being pulled from the wild and dumped in a tank. She seemed to get friendlier as time when on. I really liked the story of her trying to "steal" the bucket (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week Two

(view spoiler)[Chapter 3 – Kali – The Fellowship of the Fishes - 61 - 92

In this chapter we meet Kali and learn about the differences between male and female octopuses. The author also talks about octopuses (and animals in general) and their interaction with humans. There seems to be a marked difference in octopuses that live in their natural type habitat and have regular interaction with people. They are less “bored.” There is a discussion on slime, its uses, and how it protects sea animals. The author also discusses the interaction, or lack thereof, between octopuses. Generally, they are lone wolves that only seek to be around others near the end of their life, for mating purposes. We learn how an octopus can secure its home and protect itself from predators.


Baby Octopus

Chapter 4 – Eggs – Beginning, Ending, and Shape-Shifting - 93 - 124

Octavia has laid eggs and Sy visits her to observe. We learn about the process an octopus goes through in laying eggs. A giant Pacific octopus may lay between 67,000 and 100,000 eggs. The end of a female octopus’s life is dedicated to tending to these eggs. Kali bites Anna, a teenager visiting Kali’s tank. Anna finds visiting the aquarium to be therapeutic. The aquarium is slated for major changes.


Octopus Beak (hide spoiler)]