Chapter One
ATHENA
Encountering the Mind of a Mollusk
On a rare, warm day in mid-March, when the snow was melting into mud in New Hampshire, I travelled to Boston, where everyone was strolling along the harbor or sitting on benches licking ice cream cones. But I quit the blessed sunlight for the moist, dim sanctuary of the New England Aquarium. I had a date with a giant Pacific octopus.
I tend to read one book at a time, but this week I'm going to try something different. Since finishing Remarkably Bright Creatures a few days ago, I really want to learn more about octopuses. (I even had to look up the correct plural!) This book should help me do just that. The engaging writing style makes it even more interesting... and possibly even entertaining.
The author is a naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and author. I enjoy her voice already and think this will be a book I can pick up and read a chapter every few days, while still concentrating on my main read. If you listen to the Currently Reading podcast, they refer to this as a "slow but steady" read. We'll see how it goes.
What do you think of that opening? Would you continue reading?
First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intro is hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews
I love the writing on that intro JoAnn. I actually have the audio on hold but, I think I might request the print edition as well. Fascinating creatures!
ReplyDeleteDiane - I read the first chapter yesterday and really like her writing! Just found the audio available on hoopla , if your library has it. I may make it a read/listen combo.
DeleteSounds fascinating, and that's a great cover. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - It really is! Think I'm going to enjoy this one.
DeleteI read this with my book group a couple of years ago. We all loved it and learned quite a lot about octopuses. We have a couple of places just a few miles away where we can see octupuses--the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon State University. Fascinating creatures. Check this video out to see how they learn. https://youtu.be/GQwJXvlTWDw
ReplyDeleteForgot to include a link to my review. The photos were taken at the science center in Newport.
DeleteLes - Thanks for both the video and link to your review... enjoyed both! There is a "Green Book Club" on Sanibel that read this book as their inaugural selection a couple of years ago. I didn't join (pandemic concerns) but have been curious about it ever since. The first couple of chapters are great!
DeleteI'd keep reading. I put both books on my list to read.
ReplyDeleteVicki - I am certain you would love Remarkably Bright Creatures! It will be one of my favorites this year. Now I'm really enjoying this book and learning more about octopuses.
DeleteThe intro to this book sounds like it's an interesting one. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - This author has such an engaging writing style. I really like this so far!
DeleteThat's a great intro and definitely would like to check it out. I read World of Wonders last year which mentions several unique creatures (including an encounter with an Octopus) and I feel like I have much more appreciation for all the strange and wonderful creatures in our world! Can't wait to hear what you think of this one.
ReplyDeleteIliana - I didn't realize what a complete lack of knowledge I had about octopuses until reading Remarkably Bright Creatures. It certainly sparked my interest to learn more!
DeleteI refused to eat octupi after hearing so much about their intelligence.
ReplyDeleteHarvee - That's where I am now...
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds interesting though I think the writing style would definitely make for a slow read. I'll be curious to see what you think of the book as a whole!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - This book is a little slower going than I was expecting, but so interesting.
DeleteIt sounds good to me. I guess I don't know much about octopuses ... so they seem fascinating and apparently are quite intelligent.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I've read the first three chapters and it's quite an interesting read.
DeleteI would definitely read this book, and I would read it as you are doing...slowly. I love having a book like this that I can savor and enjoy over a period of time, while I read other novels and histories and bios.
ReplyDeleteJane - A slower pace is perfect for this book!
DeleteI would keep reading. I've heard that octopuses are really amazing creatures, so I'd love to learn more, and the opening paragraph is engagingly written.
ReplyDeleteAileen - I'm close to halfway through and think the slow approach is enhancing my the experience. Hoping to visit a couple of aquariums in the coming months to get a close-up look at these fascinating creatures!
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