05/23/2026
Remarkably Bright Creatures
By: Shelby Van Pelt
shelbyvanpelt.com
🛍️ https://bookshop.org/p/books/remarkably-bright-creatures-a-novel-shelby-van-pelt/80d8bf54665f88a8
🛍️ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=9780063204164
🛍️ https://a.co/d/0ccp9HMb
Beans And Bookends Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review ⬇️
Heartwarming, charming, and cozy. I absolutely adored this book!
I loved the different POVs in the novel and how they captured seemingly relatable experiences of grief, finding out who you are or are becoming, making new friends, and genuine care for other beings.
First, we have Marcellus. What a gem! I could not get enough of his witty, dry humor and astute observations about human interactions and the characters at the aquarium. Some of his comments had me giggling out loud and I could have read an entire novel full of his thoughts.
Tova, what a sweet soul. Tova’s perspective is such a gentle exploration of aging and navigating life after tragedy and loss. She is spunky and stubborn, but deeply caring. My heart was broken and mended over and over again as she healed and made peace with her circumstances, while taking Cameron under her wing.
Cameron and Tova’s friendship that blossoms throughout the pages made me so happy. Young, grumpy guy that is just trying to get by, but is actually a big softy with no power to stand up to the sweet old lady. What a pair these two are! I also adored Ethan’s patient pining for Tova and the Knit-Wits really added an element of fierce friendship through the harsh realities of getting older.
I was so glad that I read the book before watching the film adaptation. Not because the film wasn’t great (because it absolutely was!), but because it made specific moments in the film hit so much harder. When I tell you that I was SOBBING…but I loved every minute of it!
*Please note that this is my personal review and rating and is subjective to my personal preferences. I encourage you to read this book for yourself if you are interested!