I am sure all of us, at one time, had to read a book we really didn’t want to read…maybe it wasn’t our genre…or maybe we just weren’t in the mood to read…or maybe just because you were forced to read it. Sometimes, I feel compelled to read my book club book because, well, it is for book club. That was true with this book. I had skipped the previous month’s book so made myself read this one. Read that line again – MADE myself read this book. Well, I am glad I did because this was such a GREAT read!!!!!
Synopsis: (Amazon link)
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
I know what you are thinking – an octopus? Acquainted? Friendship? Y’all, this book is REMARKABLY (no pun intended but the word just worked well) well-written. It just worked! I do admit it took a few chapters to get into. I had to figure out the characters. Once I did, though, I couldn’t put the book down. This was a sweet story and one you will not regret reading!
Pacific Northwest (the setting)
Giant Pacific octopus link (honestly, I learned so much reading the book but here is information that coincides with the book)
Giant Pacific octopus – additional information (with video)…in all honestly, Tova is one strong lady because I would be totally freaked out by this thing
