Part 2: Page 88-177 (up until Expect the Unexpected)

Fully Immersed in Remarkably Bright Creatures

I posted my taste test last week, and I have to say—using an audio-to-text transcriber has been a game-changer. It’s made my notes clearer and helped me track my thoughts as I go. I was able to add more detail, making my reflections sharper than when I write them down manually.

Tova, Marcellus, and the Magic of Connection

Let’s talk about the best part of this book: Tova and Marcellus. I could read an entire novel of just their interactions. Their dynamic is adorable, even though we only get bits and pieces of it. But when we do—like Marcellus giving Tova her old house key? That’s peak cutesy-patootsie. (Yes, I actually wrote that in my notes, and trust me, I’m cringing as much as you are.)

Something about these two just puts me at ease. The way Tova naturally becomes a caregiver to Marcellus is so sweet, and how protective she is—I mean, she comes in injured and still “rescues” him—just makes their bond even more endearing.

I love their little friendship. I love that he helped her find that little doohickey. (LOL.) I just love them. And if Marcellus dies at the end of this book, I will be devastated. Crushed. Sobbing. I am not emotionally capable of handling the death of this octopus, okay? Not emotionally capable. Thank you.

“As for the previous cleaning woman, I can only surmise she is not coming back.”

Marcellus clearly knows something about Erik, and I need to figure out what it is. He recognizes the shape of the key. He’s seen clothes at the bottom of the ocean. There’s a mystery here, and I am dying to know how it all connects.

Cameron’s Bad Luck & A Glimpse of Hope

Cameron’s streak of bad luck continues—his bag gets lost, he gets a flat tire, and he has to ask his aunt for money. Elliot steps in to help, possibly connecting him with someone who has a camper, but overall, Cameron is just down on his luck. Hopefully, things start looking up for him soon.

Meanwhile, the mystery deepens with connections to Soul Bay High School and the ring, but Simon Brinks’ involvement feels more like a distraction than a real lead.

Then there’s Avery—a new character introduced surprisingly late in the story. She’s immediately a lot, and Cameron is completely thrown by her. And her comment about being a “sucker for injured creatures” is… something. We’ll see where this goes.

Also, let’s be real—it’s not surprising if Erik turns out to be Cameron’s dad. So the real twist would be if he isn’t the dad, and instead, Erik was trying to protect Cameron’s mom or something. And Marcellus recognizing Cameron’s walk? If that’s not a giant flashing clue, I might have to hang up my detective hat.

Themes and Overall Impressions

This chapter focused on Tova’s house and the way it holds the weight of her grief. The attic, the plans for grandchildren that never happened—the what could have been. It’s heartbreaking. Then she has this dream about the octopus bringing her joy in her loneliness, and it’s just… weird but also kind of beautiful.

Tova is so clinical and matter-of-fact. Cameron, on the other hand, is so cynical, constantly acting like the world is ending. And yet, the book is so simple to read. Some books feel like a trudge, but this one? It’s smooth, easy, sentimental, but still leaves you with that lingering question.

And the Hamlet connection? Very interesting. Hamlet is about avenging a father’s murder (ahem, The Lion King), and now we have a missing father, a distant uncle, and a potential son returning to uncover the truth. The parallels are right there.

Midway Thoughts

I’m officially halfway through, and this book is great. I’m really happy with this pick—it’s fun, heartfelt, and engaging. Right now, it’s sitting at a solid four-star read.

Will it get bumped up to five? Maybe.
Will it drop to a three? Absolutely not.
This is a strong four-star contender.

Amazing job, Shelby Van Pelt.