Ep. 168 "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt; "Wild Souls" by Emma Marris

Transcript: JESSICA:   Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.   Today's two reading recommendations are focused on the amazing world of wildlife. We have "Remarkably Bright Creatures," the featured novel for Sno-Isle Reads Together, and a philosophical environmental title, "Wild Souls."  First, we're going to hear from Collection Development Librarian Lorraine, for a story of small town secrets from an unusual point of view. Take it away, Lorraine.    LORRAINE:   "Remarkably Bright Creatures," the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, is for people who like feel-good stories about dealing with loss, truth, family, and includes an unlikely friendship between a lonely woman and a giant Pacific octopus.  70-year-old Tova grieves the recent death of her husband, and the loss of her only son who drowned 30 years before. To find purpose in life, she takes the job of night cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium in a small town on the Puget Sound. Over time, Tova befriends the octopus Marcellus who frequently escapes his tank at night.  Cam, a failed rock musician, comes to Sowell searching for his long-lost father and joins Tova on the night shift, disrupting her work routine. However, the two realize that Cam's mother, who disappeared when Cam was nine, and Tova's son might have known each other. What happened to them remains a mystery that needs to be solved.  The novel begins from the surprising viewpoint of the sentient octopus, and I had many thoughts about if I really wanted to continue reading. I persevered, and after a few chapters, I was drawn into the lives of the characters and couldn't put the book down.   Van Pelt's writing is whimsical, humorous, and at times heartbreaking. I hope that she publishes another book soon.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Lorraine! Any story with a clever octopus and that much heart is headed straight to the top of my reading list.  Next, let's hear from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library, for a book that might make you rethink your relationship with nature. Take it away, Marie.     MARIE:  What does it mean to be wild, and what role should humans play in conserving this state? Award-winning journalist Emma Marris explores this and more in "Wild Souls."  Human living spaces encroach on the habitats of wild animals. Introduced species wreak havoc on entire ecosystems. Earth's changing climate is impacting all life. Because we care, we intervene, but is that always the correct response to these challenges?  In one example, Marris asks readers to consider the spotted owl. Barred and spotted owls are neighbors and compete for the same resources in a habitat devastated by logging. As part of an effort to save the spotted owl from extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regularly kills barred owls and spotted/barred owl hybrids. As a result, the spotted owl population has increased.  But … Marris wonders: What if spotted/barred owl hybrids are better suited to survive on a warming planet? Are we interrupting a necessary evolutionary process? And why do we get to decide which bird is more worthy of life?  Packed with scientific evidence viewed through the lens of compassion, "Wild Souls" by Emma Marris explores the delicate question of humans as caretakers of living things on Earth.    JESSICA:   Thanks, Marie! This sounds like a compelling exploration of animal welfare and environmental ethics.  Our recommendations this week are: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt and "Wild Souls" by Emma Marris.  Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.   Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.   Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.