“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” -Marcellus, Giant Pacific Octopus

 

Endearing, clever, and utterly addictive.  This book filled my weary heart to overflowing and left me with the biggest, most satisfying smile as I turned the last page.  This is the kind of book I devour, yet hate to see end.  

 

Tova knows loss.  She’s had more than her share.  But her trick is to stay busy.  Little does she know that the job she’s taken as a diversion from grief will be the thing that leads her to answers she’s been seeking for more than 30 years…and it will produce one of the loveliest of friendships from the most unlikely source, a giant pacific octopus named Marcellus.   

 

Dear Tova!!!  I was fully besotted with her.  I wanted to go through the book and adopt her as my grandma. 

 

But as much as I adored Tova, Marcellus was the star of this book.  He’s snarky and brilliant and has the biggest heart.  (Well, technically he has three.)  His determination and sense of adventure endeared me to him, and his quick witted one liners made me laugh.  His point of view was so unique, and it I couldn’t have loved him more.  

 

I partnered the physical book with the audiobook, which gave me the *full* experience.  Both are exceptionally well done and can easily stand alone, but I found such joy in the combination.  Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie (both favorites of mine), the audio depiction of the characters was extraordinary.   

 

This REMARKABLY uplifting book is a phenomenal debut and has been chosen as the @readwithjenna pick for May.   

 

Thank you @ecco @harperaudio and @bibliolifestyle for this #gifted copy