Top Picks

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful, quietly powerful novel that lingers with you long after the final page. At its heart, this is a story about connection, healing, and second chances — all wrapped up in the most unexpected companionship between a widowed woman and a highly intelligent octopus named Marcellus.

Shelby Van Pelt’s writing is tender and insightful, weaving together the lives of her characters with care and subtle humor. Tova’s quiet resilience and Marcellus’s gruff but brilliant observations create a poignant balance between grief and hope. The dual perspectives, especially Marcellus’s clever and surprisingly moving chapters, add a unique charm that sets this story apart from anything else I’ve read.

One of my favorite quotes from the book captures its essence perfectly:
“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”

This novel reminds us that healing can come from the most unexpected places — and sometimes, all it takes is one unlikely friendship to set your life on a new course.

Highly recommend for fans of A Man Called Ove, heartwarming animal narratives, or anyone needing a reminder of the quiet magic that still exists in the world.

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The It Girl by Ruth Ware

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The It Girl by Ruth Ware is a slow-burn, twisty mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal. Set against the elite backdrop of Oxford University, the story follows Hannah, whose glamorous roommate April — the “It Girl” everyone adored — was murdered during their first year. A decade later, new evidence surfaces, and Hannah is forced to question everything she thought she knew.

Ware does an excellent job building a chilling atmosphere and an undercurrent of doubt throughout the novel. The dual timeline (then and now) is handled expertly, revealing secrets piece by piece in a way that keeps you hooked. While the pacing feels a little slow at times, especially in the first half, the payoff is worth it — the final twists are clever and satisfying without feeling forced.

One quote that stood out to me was:
“The thing about memories is that you can’t choose which ones stick.”

This is a layered, thoughtful thriller perfect for fans of psychological suspense and dark academia settings. If you’re in the mood for a mystery that lingers and makes you second-guess every character, The It Girl is a solid pick!

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