Reviews with content warning for Death - Remarkably Bright Creatures

Reviews tagging 'Death'

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

570 reviews

kateyroo's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

One of the most beautifully written books I’ve read. The characters all had such unique voices and I fell in love with every single one.

Content Warnings

kimreadz's review against another edition

4.75

emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I liked this book a lot! So much more than I expected to. It got a lot of hype, but I didn't plan to read it because - an octopus that relates to humans?! I only picked it up because it was a book club selection. I started reading and wasn't impressed because the octopus was doing things like dismantling his case and escaping the tank. Then he explained that he timed how long he could survive out of water. That led me to google Giant Pacific Octopus and guess what? They really CAN think and use their tentacles to dismantle their cage, they CAN solve puzzles and mazes, and they CAN live out of water up to 30 min. Once I learned that this wasn't completely fantasy, I was able to buy into the story and I'm glad a did. I last chapter gave us a peak into the future of the characters, but I would have liked an epilogue that spelled out what happens rather than hint at the future.

Do Tova and Ethan take their friendship to the next level? What about Cameron and Avery? And I would REALLY like to know more about the rift between Tova and her brother Lars. Why did he quit coming around after her son Eric died?

But I really did like this book. In fact, I rated it higher than anyone else in my book club — 4.75 stars!

Content Warnings

suchallie's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

An excellent debut. The writing style is engaging and crisp, the story moves well, and nothing was obvious too soon. The idea is original and the story is so devastating and sweet at the same time. Will eagerly read this author again!

Content Warnings

bookishmrsnelson's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I’ve been trying to rate books more critically this year but this gets a rare five. Simply beautiful. I cared about the characters, I loved how their lives intertwined, and it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. I can’t recommend it enough.

Content Warnings

jpauline's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

ladyettejin's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

jmodef's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad 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: Complicated

Content Warnings

abhacado's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A little slow to start but worth the commitment.

Thoughts after reading (No reference to direct plot moments but I'll spoiler just incase anyone wants to avoid character descriptions):

Tova's determination to abandon her past was frustrating at first; but I don't think I would be any different in her shoes. Maybe that's why Marcellus's bold gestures of aid were so welcome and charming. I will always look forward to a story with a memorable animal character, and this one did not disappoint. Bonus points for adding a little bit of mystery through Cameron's journey.

Emotions and themes that stuck with me throughout this book:
- love for the small ways that we preserve culture in our families
- the resilience of older generations living through grief and change
- that fuzzy warm feeling you get from realizing that you've had a friend on your side all along
- the benefits of practicing emotional regulation and getting some sleep

I'm looking at you Cameron

- kind of wish I also had a local shop-keep who unintentionally caused chaos all the time

Content Warnings