Remarkably Bright Creatures
November Selection

“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”
― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures
“You can't fix someone who is determined to stay broken.”
― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club QuestionsIn addition to the discussion questions specific to this book, we have a resource of 50 book club questions that work for any book. That post also provides tips for creating your own book club questions.
  1. Read through the questions before your meeting and select your favorites so you can prioritize them. Most clubs won’t have time for every question, so start with those that you are most excited to discuss.
  2. Did the book change how you think about zoos and aquariums after reading the thoughts of Marcellus? What are the pros & cons?
  3. Although Tova gets lonely in her home, she opted to find an overnight position without co-workers. Discuss her choice and whether you prefer to work alone or in a group.
  4. This book counters heavier topics with a lighter tone leading to a range of emotions as you read. What emotions did it illicit in you?
  5. As Tova considered moving into the retirement community, did you hope she would embrace a new chapter or stay in her existing home with her friends nearby?
  6. Optional follow-up: Have you considered your future living arrangements?
  7. In their own ways, Marcellus, Tova, and Cameron were all at points in life where they could use a friend who was a cheerleader for their happiness. Who did you find yourself cheering for the most as you read?
  8. While she didn’t need to work for money, Tova needed to stay busy and keep moving to survive and keep depression away. Conversely, Cameron’s circumstances and mental health had him remaining still in life. Did you relate to either character’s natural coping tendencies? 
  9. What do you think the significance of the Dala horse was to Tova? And why do you think Erik hid the one he had repaired?
  10. At what point in the book did you know what Marcellus was trying to tell Tova? Were you surprised when the full story was revealed?
  11. Many readers reported not liking Cameron at the beginning of the book. How did you feel about him, and did that change by the end of the book? 
  12. Some readers expect books with animals as main characters to be geared toward children rather than adults. How did you feel about this concept in an adult novel when you first started reading and did your opinion change throughout the book?

    Optional follow-up: Have you read any other books you’d recommend with animal main characters?
  13. Marcellus is both curmudgeonly and endearing. Did he remind you of any human characters from other books?
  14. Has anyone seen the documentary My Octopus Teacher? How was the real Octopus similar to & different from Marcellus? Would you recommend the film?
  15. We all know the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest – many of us do. What was your first impression of this book based on the cover?