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kal_self's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
ellas_novels's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookswith_chels's review against another edition
4.0
Quickly switched from a 3 to 4.5 about 1/2 way through!
I did feel it was a bit of a slow start so it took me a little bit to get into, I wasn’t really sure where this was going at first but man does Marcellus steal your heart. Beautifully written & worth the hype
I did feel it was a bit of a slow start so it took me a little bit to get into, I wasn’t really sure where this was going at first but man does Marcellus steal your heart. Beautifully written & worth the hype
deanneuh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mathman329's review against another edition
3.0
2023 Book Review - Book No. 14: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” written by Shelby Van Pelt, narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie
Date started: 4/14/23
Date finished: 4/23/23
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (would recommend reading if you like the Pacific Northwest, Finding Dory, and smug cephalopods)
Spoiler free review: Another book that came highly recommended, this one just didn’t hit for me. The narration was well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed the condescending tone of Marcellus (courtesy of Michael Urie). I also thought the setting of the story was well described, easily giving the impression you were there with the characters. And of course, everyone’s favorite grocer/deli manager Ian gave the book even more life than the main characters. There was a lot of good about this book.
So why only 3 stars then? For one thing, it felt like it took the characters wayyyy too long to figure out the “surprise”. It seemed easily telegraphed, but it was like they were blind to it until the final 50 pages (maybe less? This was an audiobook so I’m guesstimating). Secondly, Cameron was kind of annoying. I said it. He didn’t feel like he was all that intelligent (though we were told over and over again how smart he is), and really just felt like a lackadaisical bum. This might be a bit harsh, but I’ll stand by my assessment.
And finally - and this is 100% harsh . . . I could only allow myself to believe the Octopus was smart to a certain extent. For example, his grasp of the English language was far greater than any invertebrate should be able to express. Now maybe he learned from humans coming to watch him at the aquarium, but have you ever tried to decipher what’s being said when you’re under water? No way he picked it up to that level of expertise. On top of that - the dude solved the mystery before any humans involved. I mean, really? Is there a scientific study that shows an octopus is truly capable of this? And like I mentioned before, he’s a bit smug. Sure he comes around at the end, but it was too little too late for me. Alright, alright, in all seriousness, this is nitpicking. I liked it, but I didn’t love it the way I expected to.
Date started: 4/14/23
Date finished: 4/23/23
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (would recommend reading if you like the Pacific Northwest, Finding Dory, and smug cephalopods)
Spoiler free review: Another book that came highly recommended, this one just didn’t hit for me. The narration was well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed the condescending tone of Marcellus (courtesy of Michael Urie). I also thought the setting of the story was well described, easily giving the impression you were there with the characters. And of course, everyone’s favorite grocer/deli manager Ian gave the book even more life than the main characters. There was a lot of good about this book.
So why only 3 stars then? For one thing, it felt like it took the characters wayyyy too long to figure out the “surprise”. It seemed easily telegraphed, but it was like they were blind to it until the final 50 pages (maybe less? This was an audiobook so I’m guesstimating). Secondly, Cameron was kind of annoying. I said it. He didn’t feel like he was all that intelligent (though we were told over and over again how smart he is), and really just felt like a lackadaisical bum. This might be a bit harsh, but I’ll stand by my assessment.
And finally - and this is 100% harsh . . . I could only allow myself to believe the Octopus was smart to a certain extent. For example, his grasp of the English language was far greater than any invertebrate should be able to express. Now maybe he learned from humans coming to watch him at the aquarium, but have you ever tried to decipher what’s being said when you’re under water? No way he picked it up to that level of expertise. On top of that - the dude solved the mystery before any humans involved. I mean, really? Is there a scientific study that shows an octopus is truly capable of this? And like I mentioned before, he’s a bit smug. Sure he comes around at the end, but it was too little too late for me. Alright, alright, in all seriousness, this is nitpicking. I liked it, but I didn’t love it the way I expected to.
teamlarson's review against another edition
5.0
Incredibly wholesome. I wish I could say I didn’t think I would cry over an octopus, but that would be a lie. Beautiful story about family, grief, and kindness.
worm_dust's review against another edition
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
becca_t's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jayellesmith's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75