Scan barcode
alrightcalv's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
I really loved this book but didn't enjoy strong message of 'if you don't have kids or grandkids, who will look after you when you're older' and for this, I've marked it down from a 4.
Weird and wonderful concept. Very enjoyable.
Weird and wonderful concept. Very enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide and Child death
taural41's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I liked the concept behind this book - the Marcellus parts were the most interesting, and I found myself skimming through some of the story lines around Tova’s move and Cameron’s people in order to get to the Tova-Marcellus interactions. My favorite things about Marcellus was just the premise (an incredibly intelligent, aquarium-roving octopus) and his eventual deep love for Tova, but I didn’t love his personality or the tone with which he spoke. I know it added humor to the book and I’m sure absolutely delighted a lot of readers, but it struck me as a little dark and condescending and I don’t love that in a main character. I appreciated the sweet, easy ending as I wasn’t in the mood for it to end on a sad note. Overall, the book was fine, but I didn’t love it. I get why others do, but I don’t think the characters were deep and nuanced enough for me to really love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Animal death, and Abandonment
biscuitgale's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Wow, what an unexpected journey in navigating grief and finding unexpected care from unexpected places! The most of the characters are well developed and have very realistic pain and motivations. I did guess the twist in the story somewhat earlier on, but the story also reveals it to us pretty quickly. Despite the there being tension, this book wasn’t stressful to read. I do have issues with how adamant the book is on blood relationships over found family , but I did enjoy the story overall.
By far my favorite character is Marcellus the Octopus. My least favorite is Cameron; although we do see growth he points blame in other places instead of reflecting on his actions.The way he behaves can’t entirely be chalked up to not having parental figures, at some point he needs to take accountability, but we don't see that happen in the book. Quite frustrating!
By far my favorite character is Marcellus the Octopus. My least favorite is Cameron; although we do see growth he points blame in other places instead of reflecting on his actions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Cancer
Minor: Addiction and Drug abuse
jacquinotjackie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Addiction
amaya_s's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Pregnancy
leighkelly's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death of parent, Grief, Drug use, Death, Child death, Drug abuse, and Abandonment
sdvora's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Suicide attempt and Addiction
sarabookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
4.0
Warm and sweet, even though the plot twist was a bit predictable. But nonetheless, a lovely story that deals with quite difficult topics with heart and compassion. Oh and I absolutely wish we got more of the octopus' POV and backstory, since it was the best character in the story for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death
kaori_yugen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Death, Animal death, and Child death
kal_self's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death