I got this softcover from the books-by-the-pound sale at a local Goodwill thrift shop. I'd had it on my wishlist for some time and was delighted to find a copy! It's about the octopus, a surprisingly intelligent creature, and about the many ways in which it's utterly different from mammalian lifeforms.

It includes some very personal notes by the author, as she gets to know the staff of the New England Aquarium in Boston, and meets several Giant Pacific Octopuses there. Sadly, the species is not long-lived, and she has to say goodbye to more than one, but she comes to appreciate - and to describe for the reader - the different personalities of each. Later she learns to dive and gets to see some octopuses in the wild, a very different experience but quite entrancing.

There are bits about other aquarium creatures too, from the grand dame sea turtle Myrtle (who still lives in the aquarium, well over 80 years old and going strong) to lamprey eels to starfish. And there's a field trip to a west coast aquarium where they conduct a "blind date" night for octopuses - which might result in mating, or perhaps in a fight and subsequent cannibalism. (The description of the crowds watching this were as entertaining as the description of the octopuses, and that's saying something.)

I was entranced by the many scenes of octopuses clearly recognizing and responding to different humans, with behavior ranging from delicate caresses to blasts of water in the face.

One amusing touch: the book has a series of images of an octopus on the lower right corners of the pages, such that if you flip the pages you can see it moving!

I'm sending this to BCer SqueakyChu as a prize for the most releases in the 2019 April Showers/May Flowers release challenge. Enjoy!

Caught!

Thank you so much for this trade paperback. I have heard only good things about it. I've been wanting to read it for a very long time.

I had so much fun with your challenge and hope to participate again next year.. I appreciate your kindness and your generosity.

This is such a wonderful book. Sy Montgemery introduces us to the octopuses Kali. Karma, and Octavia she came to befriend at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. She also takes us along with her on diving expeditions to look for octopuses in their natural, wild habitat.

Sy Montgomery's ability to communicate her love of octopuses and to explain what sentient creatures these Cephalopods are was both fascinating and amazing. I'm very much looking forward to my next trip to an aquarium where I can give an octopus much more of my attention.

I'm releasing this book for...

*** The 2020 You're Such an Animal Release Challenge hosted by Secretariat. The book's title includes the words OU, OCTOPUS and RAT, An ou is a fruit-eating Hawaiian honeycreeper with a stout bill and green and yellow plumage

------------------------------------

Enjoy the book!

Caught!

Thank you for returning this book to the Little Free Library of Twinbrook (#7720). I'll be saving it to go out for Round #2.

Going out for Round #2...

---------------------------------

I'm releasing this book for...

The 2021 Oh the Places You'll Go Release Challenge hosted by awaywithfairies. The author's name contains the word MONTGOMERY. Montgomery is a city located in Montgomery County, Texas.

------------------------------------

Hello and welcome to BookCrossing ... where we make the whole world a library!

Now that you've "caught" this book, it is yours to do with as you like. Read it, keep it, or give it away. It's your choice!

I'd love if you'd enter a note here on BookCrossing about this book -- where you found it, how you like it, and/or where you release it. If you join BookCrossing (free and fun), kindly list me, SqueakyChu. or any other journaler on this thread as your referring person. Thank you so much.

Enjoy the book!