Printable Book Club Questions for Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Let’s first talk about the title of the book – what is the title—remarkably bright creatures—describing?
Why did Tova decide to start working nights cleaning at the aquarium?
Tova’s son Erik went missing at sea when he was 18 years old. While the police decided it was a suicide, Tova was never convinced that it was the case. Why do you believe Tova held on to the fact that something else must have happened that night?
This novel really explores grief from Tova losing Erik, and then her husband, to Marcelleus grieving his freedom, to Cameron grieving a lack of parental involvement in his life. Let’s talk more about the theme of grief and how it impacted each character.
Why did Tova and Marcelleus bond, and even become friends? What did the two see in each other, and also need from one another? Would you have liked to have read more scenes between the two of them?
How did Marcelleus figure out what happened to Erik?
Why did Tova decide to sell the house and move to a retirement center?
Cameron eventually crosses paths with Nova, and the two start to connect. Did you know right away that Cameron was Tova’s grandson, or were you surprised at this reveal?
What are your thoughts overall on Cameron and his actions? Did you feel he matured across the novel, or did he remain somewhat the same?
Cameron’s mother is a bit of a question mark. Why did she never tell Erik’s parents she had a baby, and therefore, they had a grandson? Do you believe her addictions stemmed from the night Erik died?
We never really got a clear answer on where she is—do you think she’ll ever try to reconnect with Cameron?
What do you feel happened that night Erik died?
What were your thoughts when you read the scene where Cameron finds out Tova is his grandmother?
What was your impression of Marcellus’ return to the water (even though it’s brief)? Let’s discuss Tova and his final moments together. How did Marcellus change everything for Tova?
What happens next for each of the main characters?
After finishing the story, were you left with any unanswered questions about any of the characters? If so, let’s discuss now.
This book has plenty of staying power and is constantly on the bestseller’s list. Why do you think it has resonated with so many people?