April book report

short and sweet

Shelby Van Pelt (2022) Remarkably Bright Creatures [Audible] Marin Ireland and Michael Urie (narrators)

What a sweet story! I was a little hesitant about an octopus narrator, but Marcellus grew on me, and I looked forward to his interludes. Of course, the story wasn’t really about an octopus, but he was the connecting point between the characters. His observations about human behavior are comically accurate, and his touching unexpected friendship is a key plot element.

The story is about family and relationships and loss and redemption. Seemingly disparate lives intersect in unexpected and satisfying ways. I figured out how all the characters were interrelated long before the end, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Richard Wagamese (2015) Medicine Walk [audible] Tom Stechschulte (narrator)

Part redemption story, part homage to a neglected culture, and part exploration of nature’s healing power, Medicine Walk is a journey of personal discovery. Frank, the 16-year-old who never knew his mother and only vaguely knew his father was raised by an old man who tried to teach him the ways of the Ojibway people, even though he himself was white. Frank was half Native American through his father’s side and half white from his mother. Eldon, the father, lived his life running from mistakes and despair…