The Amazing Literary Adventures of Amber and Eleanor the Cat / Remarkably Bright Creatures

By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times

Ya know when you’ve been putting a book on the back burner for so long you almost forget about it?  Forget about the high praise from your best friend?  The fact the cover of the book seems way too “bright” for the current mood you’re in? No? Only Eleanor? That has become a running theme in this literary-loving household and, due to this most recent read, is now on our top priority of things to change, because holy catnip, this novel (here it comes) has been our most favorite of 2026!

Born and raised in The Pacific Northwest, Remarkably Bright Creatures author Shelby Van Pelt takes readers on an emotionally charged, introspective journey of a woman trying to find her footing after the loss of both her son and husband. Although the main character, Tova, does have a small group of friends, it is apparent that her life is one of solitude. Working part-time as a cleaner at an aquarium on the Washington coast, Tova finds joy cleaning each exhibit, saying hello to her “lovelies.” Although we find all of the warm fuzzies in her connection to this small aquarium, nothing prepares you for the grand slam kind of love the reader gains for Tova’s most special and unique bond with the aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus. 

I have always had a deep connection to marine life (anyone who knows me knows how much I follow the Pacific Northwest resident orcas, J-Pod, and how much Eleanor adores salmon, although we share this marine passion for vastly different reasons), neither of us were quite prepared for the inspiring character development of the marine life in the book.  It has been some time since we’ve  read a novel where an animal not only has a voice in the story, but narrates the entire book, putting pieces of this mysterious puzzle together right before the reader’s eyes. Van Pelt not only gives Marcellus credibility as the high-ranking marine animal of the aquarium, but also gives him voice akin to the intelligence and wisdom of David Attenborough.

While Van Pelt does introduce other main characters, each one circles back to the fundamental relationship of Tova and Marcellus. Characters from all walks of life and backgrounds find their home in this sleepy, coastal tourist town. Just hours away from Seattle, the identity of this burg relies on its coastal residents, both above and below the sea. It is akin to life on the mountain. There are several scenarios within the book where Tova’s friends come to her aid, showering her with support and attention (even when it’s not welcomed). Eleanor and myself, in some of our darkest times, know we are always watched over by our close mountain friends, almost never left feeling alone.

This book could have very well been another sad story of a woman’s struggles in letting go, travelling the familiar literary roads of finding inner peace, concluding that sometimes there are just no answers. Van Pelt refuses to drive readers down a street of presumed endings. She is direct, she is purposeful. And that, dear readers, is why this book meant so much to Eleanor and me. It seems it has become common practice for authors to put the interpretation of the ending  on the reader, to allow us to imagine the final thoughts of each character. Although that was fun for a few Jodi Picoult books, clear and concise endings are a must for this over-thinker. Van Pelt gave direction when needed, gave passage when stuck, and gave us a great and deep respect for the giant Pacific octopus. 

Although Netflix has recently turned this best seller into a movie on its streaming service, (starring every 80s and 90s- baby’s dream mom, Sally Field), it is imperative that you, as Eleanor always says, read the book first.