Book Reviews
BY TARI HENDRICKSON, REVIEWER
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” – Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus.
Think of all the books that feature dogs and cats forming bonds with humans. This one, a debut novel by Van Pelt, is different, and so are its characters. Tova, a seventy-year-old woman, cleans the aquarium where Marcellus lives. She is a widow whose 18-year-old son went missing many years ago. Then there’s Cameron, a kind Scottish shopkeeper. And a thirty-year-old man still trying to find his footing in the world, and the father he never knew. These characters grab your heart as they alternately experience grief, loneliness, and fears of growing old. Heartwarming relationships blossom, somehow made possible by this remarkably bright animal in a seawater tank. Lincoln City Libraries has 50 copies of this book, also available electronically.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson
The task of sorting through a loved one’s possessions after their death can be challenging and emotionally wrenching. By contrast, the idea of sparing family and friends the labor of sorting through a lifetime’s worth of accumulated stuff is appealing.
It is likely you have heard of this book, first published in 2017. The New York Times Bestseller has been translated into thirty-one languages, proving that its concept is compelling.
Following step-by-step processes may even compel you to consider uncluttering and opening the possibility of a carefree life in a right-sized, well-ordered home or apartment. Now hear this, you do not need to be anywhere near death to unclutter your surroundings and live more simply! Lincoln City Libraries has nine copies of this book, also available electronically.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
“You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question: What is your favorite book?”
A. J. Fikry is a 39-year-old owner of a failing bookstore. The business should be successful: it’s the only bookstore in the area and its owner has a passion for books… but A. J. doesn't like people very much. Worse yet, he’s mourning the death of his wife. His life hits bottom and then slides into a redeeming trajectory that seems plausible and magical at the same time, along with chunks of real life and tough love. Oh, and there are a couple of twists that no one will see coming!
This novel beautifully explores the theme of second chances. It speaks about the joy of reading and the impact stories told in books have on our lives. The author is best known as a Young Adult (YA) writer, and that sensibility comes through, but it is charming. Give in. Lincoln City Libraries has seven copies of this book, also available electronically.
Tari Hendrickson is a member of two book clubs, one of which she founded 21 years ago. She remembers the thrill when letters and words came together and made sense in First Grade.