La Crosse County Library discussion

Our Goodreads book club pic for the month of June is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.



"REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES tells the story of a widow who befriends an aquarium-dwelling octopus. When a grifter comes to town, the three unlock a truth tied to her son's disappearance thirty years ago." Did I mention the Octopus is also a detective?

If you haven't read it, time to grab your copy or put a hold on the book at the library! This has been a popular title and there is still a hold list so add your name to it so you can join in the fun!

This one I have read. Or listened to - I had the audio book. I gave it 4 stars and thought it was quite charming.

I plan to read this fairly soon.

Ok. I'm in.

Thanks for the comments. And tell us what you thought when you finish reading.

I have read this book and am looking forward to the discussion!

Check out this interview with the author!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3L24A2-SzQ

Please pick a question or two and share your thoughts with us! There's a lot to discuss about this book!


1. Marcellus is extremely smart-smarter than any human he encounters. Have YOU ever had encounters with animals-octopuses or otherwise, who have demonstrated surprising levels of intelligence, emotional or otherwise?

2. Remarkably Bright Creatures takes place in a Pacific Northwest coastal town in the recent past. The watery Puget Sound setting plays a major role in the plot, but how else does the setting inform the novel? How do you think the novel would be different if it were set somewhere like Arizona or Wisconsin?

3. Marcelllus remarks on page 59 that "fingerprints are like keys, with their specific shape. I remember all keys, too." From the house key Tova loses to the ring of keys Marcellus finds at the bottom of the sea, the novel is filled with various types of keys. What do you think keys symbolize in the novel?

4. Tova's Swedish Dala horses are some of her most treasured possessions. Why do you think that is? Are their heirlooms in your family that carry a similar significance?

5. The novel explores different characters who are faced with major choices: They can open themselves up to something new and take an unexpected, daring opportunity or they can continue on as they have always been. Have YOU ever faced a moment in your life where a critical choice could change everything? Did you take the leap or not?

Finally got this one done. I am behind on the book club reads here.

I really did enjoy this book. Had some tears toward the end. I love books that have different view points (animals, trees, etc). This book had some good themes and nice lessons.

Mandy wrote: "Finally got this one done. I am behind on the book club reads here.

I really did enjoy this book. Had some tears toward the end. I love books that have different view points (animals, trees, etc)..."

I agree. I love it when an author can write different view points well. Seeing scenes unfold or interpreting things from different viewpoints is just so enjoyable.

Just added it to my TBR......just a see but behind on my reading!

Patricia (Irishcharmer) Yarian wrote: "Just added it to my TBR......just a see but behind on my reading!"

Good luck catching up on your reading!