In no particular order.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt perfectly captured the voice of an octopus, and my heart, with her novel “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” From Marcellus’ very first line,
“Darkness suits me”
to his last,
“But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures,”
I was hooked. I’ve never considered what the voice of an octopus would sound like, but the minute I read Marcellus’ voice, I thought, “Oh yeah, this is exactly what an octopus would sound like.” I loved him and never wanted his chapters to end.
I was taken by the stylistic choice to have only Marcellus’ perspective be first-person. In one sense, I was observing the story from a bird’s-eye view, watching the characters as they try to untangle and uncover their pasts. In another sense, I was inside Marcellus’ brain as he tried to understand human error. The author’s use of perspective in this way made me feel as if I was also some sort of wildling, shaking my head at humans’ naivety.
I have read a lot of harsh criticism of one of the main characters, Cameron. I don’t understand the hate. Cameron is faulty, complicated, and messy, mush like are many other characters, and humans, I’ve come across. I personally did not find him unbearable in any sense. Abandonment by a parent is a deep cut, and I think Van Pelt did a great job showing us one way this pain can manifest. I also enjoyed his character arc and found I was rooting for him the entire time.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is an endearing and unique novel about humanity and hope. I highly recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
“Sammy, we were together. When I’m honest with myself, the most important parts of me were yours.”
A platonic love story that would make even those who are the most apathetic towards video games utterly fascinated with them (*cough* me), this was an incredibly moving novel that I could not put down. It broke my heart.
Zevin created characters that I truly cared about. Sadie and Sam are flawed and can at times, be infuriating, but I loved them and rooted for them the whole way. This story is unique because it explores a very emotional and intimate friendship, one that, initially, you think should be romantic. However, the way their friendship unfolded really challenged the way I think about love and relationships.
I’ve already recommended this book many times over. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sea of Tranquility
“When have we ever believed that the world wasn’t ending?”
Emily St. John Mandel wrote a thought-provoking and beautiful story about time travel, pandemics, and the meaning of life (or the simulation). Mandel’s writing is creative and intelligent. The way all the pieces fit together in this book impressed me, and the ending threw me. It’s the sort of story that will have you thinking, “Oh, I get it!” at the end. But also, you won’t totally get it, which is sort of the point. The ending provides you with some answers, but will also have you asking more questions.
This novel spans from 1912 to 500 years later, and tells the stories of multiple characters, who, at first, have no clear connection. As the story unravels and the connections between these characters are uncovered, we start to explore themes of time, reality, and the meaning of our exsistence.
Even when I wasn’t quite sure where it was going, I was enthralled. Once I saw how it all came together, I was amazed. I very much recommend my favorite book by this author. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small Things Like These
Small Things Like These is the perfect example of how powerful a short novel can be. A quote on its cover by Hilary Mantel reads, “Every word is the right word in the right place, and the effect is resonant and deeply moving.” This quote perfectly encapsulates this novella.
With this work of fiction, Keegan opened my eyes to the very real Magdalen Laundries of Ireland, which I honestly knew very little about before reading this book. The history of these laundries, where “fallen women” were sent to give birth to babies conceived out of wedlock and ultimately experience abuse, neglect, and even death, is an absolute horror. This story sheds light on the power of the church and also how diverged the church can be with morality. Most importantly, it highlights the bravery and virtue needed to do the right thing, even when doing the right thing feels incredibly scary. We can all learn something from Bill.
I highly recommend Small Things Like These. It’s a quick, eye-opening, and emotional story that will have you thinking about it for much longer than it took you to finish it.
“He found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another?” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Demon Copperhead
Demon Copperhead is an addictive, compelling, and heart-wrenching novel that feels timely and significant.
This novel is written in first-person and Demon’s voice is spell-binding. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t actually exist, this is how real Kingsolver makes him. From the very beginning, you are invested in Demon’s heart-breaking story. It’s not a short book, but it’s a compulsive read. It’s so good, that I cannot open it up without immediately being drawn back in.
Demon was destined for a difficult life after being born to an actively addicted, teenage single mother. His story brings you to Southern Appalachia and simultaneously tells a story of one boy’s tribulations and triumphs through foster care, athletics, addiction, and love while also teaching you about a poverty-stricken community that has been targeted and victimized by big pharma. Having read Dopesick by Beth Macy, I have some background knowledge on this topic, and I believe we all need to become more aware of the blood that’s on big pharma’s hands.
Kingsolver weaves humor and tragedy to tell a modern tale inspired by David Copperfield. I bought both books together, thinking I would read Dickens first, but thankfully I changed my mind and didn’t wait to read Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Don’t let another day go by without reading Demon Copperhead.
“I got up every day thinking the sun was out there shining, and it could just as well shine on me as any other human person.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Moons Reaching for Me 
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