The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Book Store
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

  • Book ReviewsContemporary FictionLiterary FictionMagical Realism

    Shelby Van Pelt: Remarkably Bright Creatures

    by Jefferz December 20, 2023
    December 20, 2023

    Remarkably Bright Creatures is a rather remarkable novel that was unfortunately not for me, my rating does not represent the quality of this book. Very similar in concept Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen which I had recently read last month, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a shifting perspective narrative focusing on several characters whose only connection at first is living/arriving in Sowell Bay. A quiet, small town nestled on the Puget sound, the most notable attraction in the area is the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova Sullivan is a 70-something year old senior who works part time at the aquarium in the evenings as a cleaning lady busying herself with moping floors, wiping fingerprints off aquarium glass, and keeping herself busy. She has a group of fellow senior ladies affectionately called the “knit-wits” (I found this hilarious) she often has lunch with, her evening job making sure the aquarium is clean and orderly, and frankly not much else. After losing her husband to cancer a few years ago and her only son Erik when he was 18 (a mysterious disappearance and suspected drowning in the bay), her life has little meaning or direction apart from an unexpected friendship with Mercellus, a senior giant…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail

☕ About Me

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur


I am a reading enthusiast and book reviewer who enjoys reading with a warm latte in-hand, breaking down what I read in detail. Although my favorite genres are sci-fi, high/epic fantasy, mystery noir, and a sprinkle of contemporary romance, I consider myself a variety reader.


With a coffee (or favorite beverage) of choice, join me on The Book Grind as we read and sip our way through some great novels.

Professional Reader80%Featured Book ReviewerFeatured Book Reviewer

☕ Currently Reading

Emily Krempholtz: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore Review

☕ Recent Reviews

  • Joe Abercrombie: Half A King Review

    September 3, 2026
  • Joe Abercrombie: The Devils Review

    August 30, 2026
  • Sara Raasch & Beth Revis: The Blood Queen Review

    August 22, 2026
  • Nisha J. Tuli: Storm Caller Review

    August 16, 2026
  • Nicholas Eames: Bloody Rose Review

    August 12, 2026
  • Isabel Ibañez: Where the Library Hides Review

    August 7, 2026
  • Isabel Ibañez: What the River Knows Review

    August 7, 2026
  • Kate Golden: Half City Review

    July 29, 2026
  • Jonathan Sims: The Burn Line Review

    July 26, 2026
  • Fonda Lee: The Last Contract of Isako Review

    July 24, 2026
  • Taylor J. LaRue: Steelborn Review

    July 13, 2026
  • V.L. Bovalino: The Thief and the Traitor Bride Review

    July 8, 2026
  • Edward Schmit: The Open Era Review

    July 5, 2026
  • Nicholas Eames: Kings of the Wyld Review

    June 29, 2026
  • Chip Pons: You & I, Rewritten Review

    June 21, 2026
  • Mackenzie Reed: I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell Review

    June 19, 2026

☕ Recent Blog Posts

  • Book Subs Skips/Renewals: 2026 September

    August 25, 2026
  • Book Subs Skips/Renewals: 2026 August

    July 30, 2026
  • Book Subs Skips/Renewals: 2026 July

    June 20, 2026
  • Book Subs Skips/Renewals: 2026 June

    June 1, 2026
  • Book Subs Skips/Renewals: 2026 May

    May 26, 2026
  • Kindle Unlimited, Is It Worth? – 3 Month Trial Review

    August 7, 2025
  • Goodreads
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Email
Footer Logo

@2025 - All Right Reserved.


Back To Top
The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Book Store
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy