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Reviews tagging 'Death'
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
6 reviews
acsmallwood's review against another edition
I stopped at the end of chapter 6 when Kali dies. It is absolutely gut wrenching and didn’t need to happen. She spent her whole life cooped up and when she was moved to a tank that they hadn’t ensured was octopus proof, she escaped and died. The fact that they didn’t have a 24/7 watch on her despite knowing that it might not be secure is shockingly lax. The author does not do nearly enough exploration into what it means to hold such intelligent creatures in captivity, especially non-display animals. Really disappointing and I couldn’t keep reading even though I was almost done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Chronic illness, and Suicide
mkelso's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This book touched me, made me think, and forever changed me. I have loved octopuses for as long as I can remember, and this book has deepened my respect and admiration for the sensitive animal more than I could have thought. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
laneyreadz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot, but it did have some slow moments throughout. I found the chapters named after the octopuses to be the strongest and most interesting. I definitely recommend if you already love the animal and want to learn more about them!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Death
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
aspi8tionalpile's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I would highly recommend the audiobook format. The author is a very engaging and enthusiastic storyteller, so just let go and enjoy. Her experiences with octopuses leave you envious and I became quite attached to these wondrous beings. Other of her experiences like learning to scuba dive weren’t as engaging. She builds her case with respect to soul throughout the book while never overtly talking about it, then draws her conclusion on the matter at the very end. It would have been interesting to approach the topic earlier. I did thoroughly enjoy the book. I lost sleep because I just couldn’t put it down. Sign of a good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Cannibalism, Dementia, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
jourdanicus's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Great book. I learned a lot, not only about octopuses but other sea creatures and non human animals. Originally having heard about this book from the Currently Reading podcast, I heard it described as very emotionally moving and even life changing. I already knew non human animals were awe-some (in the literal sense of the word), so what I learned here may be more astounding to a reader who is new to the natural world. Regardless, it's worth a read; an excellent example of narrative non fiction that really breathes soul into an already interesting topic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death, Mental illness, and Suicide
parkyparkpark's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Animal death
Moderate: Suicide, Death, and Child death
Minor: Death of parent
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