The Hooked-on Books Club gathered for another enjoyable meeting on Tuesday, March 11th to discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The heartwarming and beautifully written novel captivated everyone with its unique perspective and emotional depth.
Hostesses Annie Seay, Michelle Lippold, Kim Hall, Beth Smith, and Cindy Hansen showcased remarkable creativity and mindfulness to detail in embracing the novel’s theme. Guests were captivated by the international editions of Remarkably Bright Creatures that were on display, food, and beverages.
To begin our “confinement” of the afternoon, an engaging icebreaker activity inspired by Marcellus and Tova added to the excitement at the start of the meeting. Participants embraced their inner Marcellus, searching through their purses for a specific “treasure” to present to the group, adding an extra layer of excitement to the start of the meeting.
To pay tribute to Marcellus and his sneaky, snack-loving ways, the hostesses curated a seafood-inspired menu served on octopus-themed plates, and attendees dove into the offerings, which included shrimp tartlets, crab dip, pickled shrimp, Marcellus-themed veggies and dip, a palm tree fruit tray, and a fresh green salad. The meal was delightfully concluded with Annie’s infamous bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
In the “ocean water” section of the meeting room, a variety of beverages were available. These included Blue Lagoon Cocktails crafted with vodka, lemonade, and Blue Curaçao liqueur, along with spa water infused with lemons, limes, and cucumber. A variety of wines were available for tasting. In honor of the novel’s Washington state setting, Hostess Michelle Lippold’s roots, Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay was a special treat.
Several book club members wore nautical clothing. Several shirts were made with fish print, one had coastal shells and Beth had an octopus t-shirt.
As usual, the participants commenced the meeting with a discussion of characters, quotes from the book, and discussion questions. The group also had a lively conversation about the novel’s blend of human connection, healing, and mystery — all told in part through the unexpected narrator, Marcellus the octopus. Many members praised the author’s imaginative storytelling and characters, especially the sections written from Marcellus’s perspective, which added humor and heart to the story.
Members who had viewed the Netflix documentary film, My Octopus Teacher, in which a filmmaker forges a relationship with an octopus, to view the documentary as an enrichment to the reading. Annie showed a YouTube highlight video for a few moments. Giant Pacific Octopus Facts were read along with notes about the author.
Several attendees shared their favorite scenes and moments, with Marcellus’s witty commentary stealing the spotlight more than once, such as the parts where Marcellus starts with the number of days he has been in captivity. The bittersweet ending also prompted reflection, with members agreeing that it was both hopeful and realistic.
Book club members gave Remarkably Bright Creatures glowing reviews, describing it as charming, thought-provoking, and unlike anything they had read before.
All Book club ladies took home a bookmark with a notable quote from Marcellus: “Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”
The Book Club’s next meeting will be on April 8th and the members voted to read Up Island by Ann Rivers Siddon for the upcoming April meeting. We look forward to another great discussion! If you would like to join “Hooked on Books,” please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com. All are welcome!
