A review by r_j_setser
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Even though I finished most of this (like 80%), I'm marking Remarkably Bright Creatures as a DNF and not rating it because I skimmed and skipped most of Cameron's POV chapters. For one, he's not even mentioned on the back of the book, so I was confused why we suddenly have so much POV from this random character that seemingly has little to do with the plot and who is painful to read about. The man is 30-years-old and acts more immature than my 12-year-old brother. I was so irritated with him throughout the book that I didn't even want to finish reading it, and the redemption arc felt incredibly weak. Even when I stopped skimming to read his latter chapters, I still ended up irritated because he just whines about everything and blames everyone else for his problems. Not to mention the emotional manipulation of using his sob story to get what he wants. He's just toxic and I hate that he was such a major part of the book. And believe me, I'm usually a HUGE advocate for redemption stories, so this shocks me as much as it does you, no doubt.

Tova and Marcellus, who the book is supposed to be about, should've been in the spotlight WAY more. Cameron should've had those teeny tiny chapters that Marcellus had and Marcellus should've had Cameron's chapters. I loved their side of the story and would've given that 5 stars. But Cameron completely ruined the book for me. Which is a shame. 

Content Disclaimers: Lots of cursing and vulgar, sexual remarks made by many of the characters. Some trigger warnings for dr*g use, alcoholism, lack of personal hygiene, toxic behavior and manipulation, and various themes of loss.