November Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an imaginative mystery at its core. Not only does it have an original story arc, but the story has the added bonus of having an octopus as one of the narrators! Talk about next-level creativity.

Once you get past the initial shock, it becomes clear that the heart of the story is about loneliness, loss, friendship, and hope. Tova Sullivan and the other characters are so well-crafted, they take up residency in your brain, and you won’t be able to put this book down. And the way Shelby van Pelt weaves together all the intricately plotted threads of the story is so skillful, it’s hard to believe this is her debut novel.

I listened to the audiobook, and in my opinion the male octopus voice and point of view is a big part of what made the book so touching. I’ve heard rumors that Remarkably Bright Creatures will be made into a movie. If I were you, I’d read the book first because it’s rare that the movie is better. Remarkably Bright Creatures is my favorite read of 2023 so far, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.