Patricia Johns

I made the mistake of watching the movie for Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix before I read the book. I try to never do that! The movie is so well done, and it’s definitely a crier. I’m the mom of an 18-year-old son, and the Tova’s son dies when he’s 18, and that was enough to leave me a snivelling mess. Plus, Sally Field is just such an amazing actress, that you are pulled right into the movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, do watch it. But read the book first!

So I was afraid that the book would be too intense for me. But it wasn’t! Yes, there is Tova’s grief, but the book focuses much more heavily upon Cameron and his private search for his father, and all of the other people in the community who are such a meaningful part of Tova’s life.

The writing is beautiful, the pacing of the story is absolutely perfect. I was left with a lump in my throat at the end, and I may have shed a tear or two, but not the same snivelling that happened with the movie. It was just so well done! I don’t want to say too much about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away…

But if you have watched the movie and think that there is now no point in reading the book, you’d be wrong! The book has so much more depth to it, and the secrets and surprises that pop up aren’t treated with the same “aha!” as in the movie. Truly, the book is worth the read, even if you know the twists beforehand!

Also, the movie takes liberties with the plot to make it more appropriate for the screen. Things don’t unfold in exactly the same way in the book… so there is that!

If you’re looking for a heartwarming read that might make you shed a tear or two, pick up Remarkably Bright Creatures!