An unlikely cast of characters feature in this thoughtful and poignant story in the Pacific Northwest: Tova, an elderly woman still grieving the loss of her husband, who spends her nights doing janitorial work at the local aquarium. Cameron a young man with several chips on his shoulder who is struggling to find his place in the world, and...Marcellus, a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium, with a penchant for escaping from tank and getting up to mischief.

This is a touching, beautifully-written book and be warned: it is difficult to put down. The characters' inner struggles illustrate the certainty that we are all experiencing our own personal conflicts that may never be apparent to those around us. It's also a perfect example of how a feel-good book doesn't have to be sappy and overly saccharine, and every once in a while, and depending on what the reader is going through, they sometimes come along just when we need them. Highly recommended for summer reading or, honestly, anytime reading. Marcellus, as the only first-person narrator in the story, is the bomb. ( )

Fun story, not really a who-dunnit since that was obvious. ( )

Just plain delightful..... ( )

I've read and heard so much about this book an wasn't sure if I really wanted to read about an octopus. However, an opportunity presented itself to read and I dove in (no pun intended).

Alter chapters were not just about Marcellus the octopus who lived in the aquarium but also about Tova who worked there and other residents who lived in this town in WA. There's a special connection between Marcelleus and Tova. She talks to him. There's another reason but you have to read it to find out. A lot of connections and not just in Washington state either. It all comes together right before the end.

Marcellecus was one smart intellectual octopus that's for sure. I fell in love with Marcellus and his words and thoughts.

It was a fun read. ( )

Very good book. Enjoyed it from cover to cover. ( )