Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1545519
| OHCC LIVING | JULY 2026 | 13 It's July, a month of remembrance. "Embrace the wisdom of age with unique finds celebrating the privilege of growing older. Discover heartfelt ornaments, inspiring wall art, and personalized keepsakes that honor life's journey." ~ Jean Hersey As many of us begin the journey of growing older, our days are often filled with longings, longings to belong again. Some of us have children far away, some have lost their friends of a lifetime, and many still search for a place that is truly home. The world speeds on with AI, new programs for all of our electronic devices, and fast-speaking young folks who lose us after their opening remarks. We adjust, we hang on, for after all, we were once young and eager like these folks. Words came easier then, bodies moved more quickly, and smiles were automatic. Now, many of us find our refuge in a book where we can enter an author's world, where we feel no limitations. One of those books is Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. It became her debut best seller in 2022. Just last month the movie was released starring Sally Fields as Tova and Marcellus, as a giant Pacific octopus, and the demand for the book surged again. To date this novel has sold over two million copies worldwide. The novel delves into friendship, reconciliation and hope. Tova Sullivan is a 70-year-old widow who works at an aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. Here among the sea creatures, she finds refuge from the memories of her son who died by drowning 30 years ago. Here she meets and befriends Marcellus, a giant Pacific Octopus. Here she discovers a priceless connection: "Marcellus, it's me." The octopus shifts slightly out of its corner and peers at her, blinking its creepy eye. Who is this lady? And how did she get in here anyway? She nods, encouraging. "Its okay." She holds out her hand, and the creature ex- tends one of its arms and winds it around her wrist. She repeats, "It's okay, I'm going to help you down now, all right?" The octopus nods at her. This is only the beginning of an incredible relationship built on understanding and compassion for each other. Over time, Marcellus decides to solve the mystery of Tova's son's disappearance to "fill the hole in her heart." "As a general rule, I like holes. A hole at the top of my tank gives me freedom. "But I do not like the hole in her heart. She only has one, not three like me. "Tova's heart. I will do everything I can to help her fill it." Once you read this book or see the movie, you will never view an octopus in the same way. You will probably agree with some scientists that these creatures are ranked as highly intelligent, equal to the smartest dogs or chimpanzees. However, Marcellus has his own opinion on humans: "For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures." Happy Fourth of July to all of you! Written by Sally Benton and submitted by the Library Association Library Association JULY BOOK BUYS Choke Point..................................................................... Brad Thor Daughters Of e Sun And Moon ..................................... Lisa See A Deadly Episode............................................... Anthony Horowitz Enter e Nightmare ................................................... Jayne Castle e Friend Of e Family...........................................Dean Koontz It Could Have Been Her ................................................. Lisa Jewell e Night We Met ..................................................... Abby Jimenez A Pair Of Aces .......................Marie Benedict & Victoria C. Murray Paradox.................................. Douglas Preston & Aletheia Preston Road Trip ..........................................................Mary Kay Andrews Robert Ludlum's Bourne Revenge .......................... Brian Freeman Shadow Strike ............................................................... Brad Taylor Stuart Woods' Deep Water ..........................................Brett Battles Tom Clancy Rules Of Engagement ............................. Ward Larsen Upward Bound .........................................................Woody Brown e Viper.....................................................................Brad Meltzer Wait And See ...................................Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen e War Within A War...............................................Wil Haygood Weedings ....................................................................Danielle Steel Whistler...................................................................... Ann Patchett Written By: Jean Heaer