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Raleigh Women 30+

This is a book club for women in their 30's and up. We read a variety of fiction and non-fiction.

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel (Deluxe Edition)

This deluxe edition features sprayed and stenciled edges, silver foil, and a reading group guide.

A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick

Soon to be a Netflix Film

Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and tender.” —Washington Post 

A charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. 

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

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Published Apr 29, 2025

384 pages

Average rating: 8.18

7,685 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

MonFen
May 28, 2025
9/10 stars
There’s joy, sadness, laughter. Overall wholesome and a fun read!
josiereadsalot
May 26, 2025
10/10 stars
10 stars. What a wonderful book. I’m so sad to be done with it.
literaturebabe
May 24, 2025
1/10 star
Unfortunately this book was not enjoyable. I did finish it, but hated every chapter. Sorry
Cbriz
May 23, 2025
8/10 stars
Such a great book you can’t help but fall in love with Marcellus the octopus. Easy read and Tova is an excellent strong female character.
Anonymous
May 21, 2025
8/10 stars
4.5 stars, I loved this book and Marcellus was the best, he gave me grumpy cat vibes.

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