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Secrets of the Octopus
Remarkable new discoveries affirm the octopus as one of nature’s most intelligent and complex animals.
This new book—written by the beloved author of the international bestseller The Soul of an Octopus and enhanced with vivid National Geographic photography—brings us closer than ever to these elusive creatures.
The companion to the highly-anticipated National Geographic television special, this beautifully illustrated book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus—a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.
This magical journey into the world of the octopus will reveal how the large and capable brain of these creatures occupies their whole body–not just their heads—and they can actually adjust their genetic makeup to respond to the demands of the environment. It will allow readers to watch them change shape and color in order to camouflage themselves more effectively than any other species. And it will divulge how octopus mothers give their all in order to bring forth a new generation.
With this offering, acclaimed author Sy Montgomery—known, thanks to her bestselling book, as the “octopus whisperer”—returns to the species she knows and loves, offering current and compassionate stories about the scientists on the front lines of octopus research and conservation.
For all animal lovers—and especially those drawn to this magical marine being—this will be a book to relish, for both its fascinating imagery and its charming storytelling.
This new book—written by the beloved author of the international bestseller The Soul of an Octopus and enhanced with vivid National Geographic photography—brings us closer than ever to these elusive creatures.
The companion to the highly-anticipated National Geographic television special, this beautifully illustrated book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus—a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.
This magical journey into the world of the octopus will reveal how the large and capable brain of these creatures occupies their whole body–not just their heads—and they can actually adjust their genetic makeup to respond to the demands of the environment. It will allow readers to watch them change shape and color in order to camouflage themselves more effectively than any other species. And it will divulge how octopus mothers give their all in order to bring forth a new generation.
With this offering, acclaimed author Sy Montgomery—known, thanks to her bestselling book, as the “octopus whisperer”—returns to the species she knows and loves, offering current and compassionate stories about the scientists on the front lines of octopus research and conservation.
For all animal lovers—and especially those drawn to this magical marine being—this will be a book to relish, for both its fascinating imagery and its charming storytelling.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2024
405 people are currently reading
9565 people want to read
About the author
Sy Montgomery
60 books2,003 followersPart Indiana Jones, part Emily Dickinson, as the Boston Globe describes her, Sy Montgomery is an author, naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and radio commentator who has traveled to some of the worlds most remote wildernesses for her work. She has worked in a pit crawling with 18,000 snakes in Manitoba, been hunted by a tiger in India, swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon, and been undressed by an orangutan in Borneo. She is the author of 13 award-winning books, including her national best-selling memoir, The Good Good Pig. Montgomery lives in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
November 19, 2024
“In every ocean…just beyond our shores…lives an animal with characteristics we think of as “human” – intelligent, social, curious, gentle, and fierce. They build cities, use tools, and collaborate with other species to hunt. They have personalities – some are bold, while others shy. These animals can change their skin color, texture, and body shape in a blink of an eye and see in wavelengths beyond our vision. Recent studies reveal octopuses’ consciousness, sophisticated decision-making, and unique personalities. On tropical reefs, in frigid waters, from the shoreline to the deep sea and everywhere in between, the octopus have made a home.” – Secrets of the Octopus – National Geographic Wild
It was the author’s book, “The Soul of an Octopus” that made me want to read this one. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this book became available at my local library I put a hold on it, this last July. Yes, I have been waiting for the book since July. I finally got it this month, (November, 2024). I have been patient. Of course, I read a lot of books, so it is understandable why I could be SO patient.
But when this one arrived, my eyes expanded in amazement. This one is a glorious picture book, as much as it is a book to be read.
It actually is a short book, which made it a quick read that was also easy to appreciate and enjoy. One that readers could actually savor the moments. And, even as a quick read, readers could still take the time to turn the pages and be easily mesmerized by the colorful photographs of life below the sea. With the octopi. Learning about all of them. Because this is what the authors did for readers. They showcased the various octopus in all the different regions of the world so we could learn about them. With pictures and statistics.
Still. This isn’t a book to be just read. Or to garner statistics. It is a book to be experienced.
The chapters with their glorious titles, are a giveaway to our reading experience. From Monster to Superhero. Masters of Camoflage. Gelantinous Geniuses. Octopus Kingdom.
How can we not be captivated by what we are coming to learn about these fascinating creatures?
As an example, the author titles her epilogue, “Expanding imaginations, opening hearts.” And, as readers, that is exactly what we do as we turn pages. There is something magical about octopi. Dare I say, humanness? Just as the opening quote had shared above. Through the pages readers are given so many examples as to how the octopus’s have the ability to communicate. And, how they invariably show feelings. As well as, display behaviors so willingly and openly. Sometimes even better than humans!
“The more we reveal the octopus’s secrets, the more empathy and compassion we can feel, which in turn fuels a need to protect these enigmatic critters and their fragile ecosystems.”
The authors openly share these insights with readers by giving us a tour into their lives that make us believe in the importance of these sea creatures. Thus, making us feel things we never thought possible. We can only hope that books like these can be wonderful teachers to the importance of climate change and a desire for humans to want to preserve and protect our natural Earth wonders.
It was the author’s book, “The Soul of an Octopus” that made me want to read this one. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this book became available at my local library I put a hold on it, this last July. Yes, I have been waiting for the book since July. I finally got it this month, (November, 2024). I have been patient. Of course, I read a lot of books, so it is understandable why I could be SO patient.
But when this one arrived, my eyes expanded in amazement. This one is a glorious picture book, as much as it is a book to be read.
It actually is a short book, which made it a quick read that was also easy to appreciate and enjoy. One that readers could actually savor the moments. And, even as a quick read, readers could still take the time to turn the pages and be easily mesmerized by the colorful photographs of life below the sea. With the octopi. Learning about all of them. Because this is what the authors did for readers. They showcased the various octopus in all the different regions of the world so we could learn about them. With pictures and statistics.
Still. This isn’t a book to be just read. Or to garner statistics. It is a book to be experienced.
The chapters with their glorious titles, are a giveaway to our reading experience. From Monster to Superhero. Masters of Camoflage. Gelantinous Geniuses. Octopus Kingdom.
How can we not be captivated by what we are coming to learn about these fascinating creatures?
As an example, the author titles her epilogue, “Expanding imaginations, opening hearts.” And, as readers, that is exactly what we do as we turn pages. There is something magical about octopi. Dare I say, humanness? Just as the opening quote had shared above. Through the pages readers are given so many examples as to how the octopus’s have the ability to communicate. And, how they invariably show feelings. As well as, display behaviors so willingly and openly. Sometimes even better than humans!
“The more we reveal the octopus’s secrets, the more empathy and compassion we can feel, which in turn fuels a need to protect these enigmatic critters and their fragile ecosystems.”
The authors openly share these insights with readers by giving us a tour into their lives that make us believe in the importance of these sea creatures. Thus, making us feel things we never thought possible. We can only hope that books like these can be wonderful teachers to the importance of climate change and a desire for humans to want to preserve and protect our natural Earth wonders.
February 6, 2024
It's always a given that I'll be game for pretty much anything pertaining to the Octopus, the coolest creature in the sea and beyond. Some of the stories presented here are unfortunately repeats from the author’s first book, “The Soul of an Octopus.” Given the short length of this sequel, that means that there isn’t a TON of new material. But there is some interesting information to take away. (Prime example: Current research is showing that Octopuses might dream!!!) And I will never get tired of stories about various individuals escaping their tanks, (they’re okay, btw), because I find the situation fascinating and amazing. This book has a bunch of those tales.
All the information is presented in a way that's easy to understand and follow, just like in the first book. Even the sciency stuff isn't complicated. You'll learn about various species, (there are so many!), collect lots of facts about their physical and emotional capabilities, and maybe have a chuckle here and there. I do wish I could’ve seen all of the beautiful photos in full color, but unfortunately I read this ARC on my Kindle. There’s a big section at the end with more pictures and detailed descriptions of the various kinds of Octopuses, as well as really nice shots throughout the book. This would be the kind of publication that you would probably want to get in hardcover and keep somewhere accessible so you could flip through it once in a while. It would make a nice guide or conversation piece if, like me, you're a big fan of the animal. I will say though, that it was a pretty quick read. So maybe both of the books together as a set would be a more substantial experience despite the repeated material?
And yes, I even signed up for the OctoNation newsletter.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
TW: mentions of animal death and experimentation
All the information is presented in a way that's easy to understand and follow, just like in the first book. Even the sciency stuff isn't complicated. You'll learn about various species, (there are so many!), collect lots of facts about their physical and emotional capabilities, and maybe have a chuckle here and there. I do wish I could’ve seen all of the beautiful photos in full color, but unfortunately I read this ARC on my Kindle. There’s a big section at the end with more pictures and detailed descriptions of the various kinds of Octopuses, as well as really nice shots throughout the book. This would be the kind of publication that you would probably want to get in hardcover and keep somewhere accessible so you could flip through it once in a while. It would make a nice guide or conversation piece if, like me, you're a big fan of the animal. I will say though, that it was a pretty quick read. So maybe both of the books together as a set would be a more substantial experience despite the repeated material?
And yes, I even signed up for the OctoNation newsletter.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
TW: mentions of animal death and experimentation
May 16, 2025
“It is my hope that we can use our scientific findings about their lives not only to enhance human knowledge, as valuable as that is, but also to honor who these animals are—individuals as intensely wedded to this glorious life as we are, whose lives are as meaningful and significant, in their way, as our own.”
1 Sentence Summary: An exploration of octopuses: their lives, minds, habitats, and behavior.
My Thoughts: This was a really great and fascinating read! It is pretty short and there are lots of beautiful color photographs of octopuses. Also, there was a good mix of facts and stories. I learned a lot about octopuses—they are so cool. I think it’s so important to learn about the variety of life on earth.
Recommend to: People interested in nature, the ocean, or octopuses.
January 18, 2024
Sy Montgomery is an absolute gift to curious readers wanting to know more about their world. She has a long history of writing readable science for both adults and kids, and I've never read anything by her that has struck me as dull. Like the readers who enjoy her work, Montgomery is curious, and that enthusiastic desire to know comes through in her books.
Secrets of the Octopus looks at the same subject as her best known book, The Soul of the Octopus—octopuses, of course. These are tantalizing creatures to read about. Their intelligence and personalities are striking; yet, they're so different from us that knowing what that intelligence and those personalities mean is, at the moment, mostly impossible.
Secrets of the Octopus is written for adults, but it would also work well for children with the patience to read nonfiction. It's also full of striking photos of octopuses engaged in many of their behaviors, so one doesn't just have to imagine what's described in the text. One gets to see! If you spot the title in you local independent bookstore, pick it up and give yourself a taste of what Montgomery has on offer. Odds are good you'll find it very difficult to leave the shop without buying a copy to allow for more thorough perusal
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Secrets of the Octopus looks at the same subject as her best known book, The Soul of the Octopus—octopuses, of course. These are tantalizing creatures to read about. Their intelligence and personalities are striking; yet, they're so different from us that knowing what that intelligence and those personalities mean is, at the moment, mostly impossible.
Secrets of the Octopus is written for adults, but it would also work well for children with the patience to read nonfiction. It's also full of striking photos of octopuses engaged in many of their behaviors, so one doesn't just have to imagine what's described in the text. One gets to see! If you spot the title in you local independent bookstore, pick it up and give yourself a taste of what Montgomery has on offer. Odds are good you'll find it very difficult to leave the shop without buying a copy to allow for more thorough perusal
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
November 10, 2024
Secrets of the Octopus, by Sy Montgomery, is a short book detailing both the rise of the Octophile trend in our modern meme culture, as much as it is a book detailing some of the recent discoveries pertaining these incredible molluscs. The introduction goes over the amazing connections people often build with Octopuses, as well as the increase in interest for study. Octopus were much maligned in early biology; thought to be reclusive and unintelligent, it turns out those traits better apply to their early detractors. Octopus are incredibly intelligent, and possess amazing abilities. Many can call upon a range of amazing powers; the ability to squeeze through small spaces, change colour, and mimic other sea creatures in shape and size, to name a few. The second part of this book details these amazing feats, as well as some of the interesting work being done on Octopus consciousness and their social lives. These are amazing sea molluscs that deserve study, and this book is a great little read for the layperson.
January 20, 2024
Popular science is one of my favorite genres, and this book did not disappoint. This a great follow up to The Soul of an Octopus, which is one of my favorite books. The author writes on the topic in a more general way this time, and covers a wide range of topics and species. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, and I can’t wait to see it on paper so I can linger on the many photographs.
June 24, 2025
"While the ocean had always captivated my mind, it was my first encounter with an octopus that captured my heart and later inspired me to become a marine biologist..."
Secrets of the Octopus was a decent look into the topic. Octopuses are strange and mysterious creatures. Their unique biology is truly amazing. I have long been fascinated with them. So naturally, I put this one on my list when I came across it. The author did a good job of the book, but it was not a spectacular read, IMHO.
Author Sy Montgomery is an American naturalist, writer, and scriptwriter who writes for children as well as adults.
Sy Montgomery :
Montgomery has a decent style here, and the book is a shorter one, so it shouldn't struggle to hold the finicky reader's attention. The audio version I have clocked in at ~4 1/2 hours.
The narrator of the audiobook speaks in a very animated fashion; for better or worse. On the plus side, the PDF version I have contains a ton of pictures. I always enjoy pictures in my books, especially large, high-quality colour ones like the pics featured here. A nice touch.
Most of the writing here consists heavily of anecdotes from the author's career studying octopuses in captivity, as well as some relevant scientific facts thrown in. I felt this formatting largely worked here.
The quote at the start of this review is dropped in the book's foreword, by a contemporary of the author. It continues:
Often called the "masters of camouflage," octopuses can change their color rapidly. This is due to the presence of specialized cells called chromophores. The author writes:
********************
Secrets of the Octopus was a fun and informative short read.
I would recommend it.
4 stars.
Secrets of the Octopus was a decent look into the topic. Octopuses are strange and mysterious creatures. Their unique biology is truly amazing. I have long been fascinated with them. So naturally, I put this one on my list when I came across it. The author did a good job of the book, but it was not a spectacular read, IMHO.
Author Sy Montgomery is an American naturalist, writer, and scriptwriter who writes for children as well as adults.
Sy Montgomery :
Montgomery has a decent style here, and the book is a shorter one, so it shouldn't struggle to hold the finicky reader's attention. The audio version I have clocked in at ~4 1/2 hours.
The narrator of the audiobook speaks in a very animated fashion; for better or worse. On the plus side, the PDF version I have contains a ton of pictures. I always enjoy pictures in my books, especially large, high-quality colour ones like the pics featured here. A nice touch.
Most of the writing here consists heavily of anecdotes from the author's career studying octopuses in captivity, as well as some relevant scientific facts thrown in. I felt this formatting largely worked here.
The quote at the start of this review is dropped in the book's foreword, by a contemporary of the author. It continues:
"..I believe we are at the beginning of a similar revolution. We are realizing that humans are not the only beings with sophisticated minds.
Demonstrations of cognitive and emotional sophistication are all around us, even in the most unexpected characters. This monumental shift in perspective provides a radically new understanding of diverse animal minds, not only helping to reshape the way we think about animals, such as the octopus, but also the way we treat them.
The more we reveal the octopus’s secrets, the more empathy and compassion we can feel, which in turn fuels a need to protect these enigmatic critters and their fragile ecosystems. Secrets of the Octopus is the perfect guide through this transformative journey."
Often called the "masters of camouflage," octopuses can change their color rapidly. This is due to the presence of specialized cells called chromophores. The author writes:
"The light-sensitive cells in the octopus retina contain only one pigment. Ours have three; dogs, two. Researchers believe that octopuses must use entirely different systems from our own to perceive and match the colors of their complex world. Octopuses’ electric skin, along with the chromatophores and the nerves erecting the papilla, contain proteins normally found in eyes. In 2015, evolutionary biologists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, working with patches of skin harvested from California two-spot octopuses (Octopus bimaculoides), reported that the skin is sensitive to light and can detect changes in brightness. In other words, octopuses may be able to feel light—or see with their skin."
********************
Secrets of the Octopus was a fun and informative short read.
I would recommend it.
4 stars.
June 21, 2024
Wow- the pictures in this book are breathtaking. On top of that, I learned so much about octopuses and how incredibly intelligent they are. It makes me sad to think about how poorly we humans have treated not just octopuses but all animals in the past (and actually still currently). If only we could all remember that just because something is very different from us, doesn’t mean it is less.
February 11, 2025
Review to follow. Love this one!
March 25, 2024
Thanks to National Geographic for the early review copy of the e-book via NetGalley. (Available now)
“The companion to the highly anticipated National Geographic television special—narrated by Paul Rudd and airing for Earth Day—this beautifully illustrated book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus—a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.”
If I had a nickel for every time I stopped reading to look up a photo of a particular species or video of octopus behavior, I could afford to adopt one as a pet. I couldn’t afford to KEEP it, though. The required size tank, filtration, power, food, and entertainment are more than I want to take on. So, I will live vicariously through books and YouTube videos (much to hubby’s relief).
I found several stories from Montgomery’s previous book, THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS, repeated here. However, if you didn’t read them back-to-back, as I did, you’d likely welcome the reminders.
I recommend you find a hard copy to appreciate the photos best. They’re spectacular, but in the e-book format, they are split over two screens (swipe to see), which makes them less impressive. (Check out @octonation’s feed for more examples from the gorgeous book.)
Thanks, Karen (@melloyellobooks), for buddy-reading this with me and putting up with all the videos and articles I sent you! My favorite was from Mark Rober’s YouTube channel (a favorite of mine for his backyard squirrel obstacle course), where he designs a maze for his pet octopus, Sashimi.
I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement about the upcoming National Geographic special on octopuses, which is going to be a treat for all octopus enthusiasts.
“The companion to the highly anticipated National Geographic television special—narrated by Paul Rudd and airing for Earth Day—this beautifully illustrated book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus—a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.”
If I had a nickel for every time I stopped reading to look up a photo of a particular species or video of octopus behavior, I could afford to adopt one as a pet. I couldn’t afford to KEEP it, though. The required size tank, filtration, power, food, and entertainment are more than I want to take on. So, I will live vicariously through books and YouTube videos (much to hubby’s relief).
I found several stories from Montgomery’s previous book, THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS, repeated here. However, if you didn’t read them back-to-back, as I did, you’d likely welcome the reminders.
I recommend you find a hard copy to appreciate the photos best. They’re spectacular, but in the e-book format, they are split over two screens (swipe to see), which makes them less impressive. (Check out @octonation’s feed for more examples from the gorgeous book.)
Thanks, Karen (@melloyellobooks), for buddy-reading this with me and putting up with all the videos and articles I sent you! My favorite was from Mark Rober’s YouTube channel (a favorite of mine for his backyard squirrel obstacle course), where he designs a maze for his pet octopus, Sashimi.
I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement about the upcoming National Geographic special on octopuses, which is going to be a treat for all octopus enthusiasts.
April 14, 2024
Not a ton of new information from her 1st book on Octopuses (The Soul of an Octopus) but the stunning colour photographs are worth the pick up.
June 18, 2024
Your mind will be blown over and over again when you read more about these magical creatures. Easy to read with beautiful pictures. Also appreciated the excellent ‘octoprofiles’ at the end of the book by Warren Carlyle!
August 6, 2025
I absolutely loved reading this book, everything about it was so beautiful. Reading about such an intelligent creature and learning more was absolutely amazing.🐙♥️
February 1, 2024
Fascinating and informative exploration into the world of octopuses! “Soul of the Octopus” is one of my favorite books, Sy is a fantastic writer who evokes such love and compassion through her books. This one is no different.
I love all of the research that is shared in this book, a great insight into so many different avenues of studying and understanding a species. I love how researchers are highlighted but also aquarists and other octopus enthusiasts who aren’t necessarily experts in the field of science, but experts in their own ways. The individual information profiles on different species is also a great addition to the book.
The images in this book are STUNNING!! I also love the reminders of how we don’t need to relate to an animal to care for them and how important compassion is. Empathy comes from knowledge and I think this book does a wonderful job showing that.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to the publisher and author!
I love all of the research that is shared in this book, a great insight into so many different avenues of studying and understanding a species. I love how researchers are highlighted but also aquarists and other octopus enthusiasts who aren’t necessarily experts in the field of science, but experts in their own ways. The individual information profiles on different species is also a great addition to the book.
The images in this book are STUNNING!! I also love the reminders of how we don’t need to relate to an animal to care for them and how important compassion is. Empathy comes from knowledge and I think this book does a wonderful job showing that.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to the publisher and author!
April 3, 2024
Soooooooooooooooo interesting!!!!!!!!!
February 27, 2024
This was an interesting and easy read of various stories mixed in with factual data. I wish there were more photos, I had thought there would be more since it’s an almost 200 page book. Some of my favorites are the wunderpus, blue-ringed, and blanket octopuses.
*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2023
Another great read by Montgomery. This book should be read in print though, a lot is lost of the images as an ebook. Can’t wait to see the show it is based on.
January 1, 2025
I love learning, the difficulty being that nonfiction takes SOOOOO much longer to read! I read this awesome book about the secrets of the octopus for about eight weeks, in small increments. I have loved them ever since meeting an octopus in 2016 in Alaska. This book goes in depth into the playing, the tools, and the relationships that an octopus can experience. The octopus I met was playing with a Mr. Potato Head toy :) I suggest the book Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is fiction, but gives a hint of the intelligence an octopus is capable of.
As the book says—we need to shed the hubris of believing only humans, or mammals, or vertebrates are the only animals with complex behavior, intelligence, and emotions. Animals are intelligent and think and feel—from magpies to apes to rats to cuttlefish! We use that awful term “lesser species” which comes from the arrogance of being human, but they are in no way lesser. Animals experience emotions and recollect memories. We need to shed our arrogance about being the “best” because we quite frankly do not have the balance of ecosystem, curiosity, kindness, family structure,and stewardship that animals do!
As the book says—we need to shed the hubris of believing only humans, or mammals, or vertebrates are the only animals with complex behavior, intelligence, and emotions. Animals are intelligent and think and feel—from magpies to apes to rats to cuttlefish! We use that awful term “lesser species” which comes from the arrogance of being human, but they are in no way lesser. Animals experience emotions and recollect memories. We need to shed our arrogance about being the “best” because we quite frankly do not have the balance of ecosystem, curiosity, kindness, family structure,and stewardship that animals do!
July 7, 2024
This was a beautiful and interesting book with absolutely stunning photography.
I really had no idea that it’s only been since 2011 that there’s been much interest in octopuses.* In this time, they have become such a cultural fixture that that seems impossible to believe. Part of the reason for the increased interest is that science’s ability to study underwater creatures has evolved.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the octopus is how completely they can camouflage themselves. It’s baffling how the process works - how does an octopus take an image, and somehow activate various cells to create specific color patterns? Mind blown.
Another favorite fact: “Walking on two limbs … “allows, octopuses to move quickly without giving up their primary defense” – their camouflage.“
It’s always fun to read and learn about the creatures around us, and I really enjoyed this book.
*I love books with good footnotes so I’m adding one here. I learned in An Immense World (one of my all time favorite books) that the true plural of octopus is octopodes (octo-poh-dees) since the word octopus is derived from Greek. Octopuses is fine and what this book uses, but octopodes is much more fun to say.
I really had no idea that it’s only been since 2011 that there’s been much interest in octopuses.* In this time, they have become such a cultural fixture that that seems impossible to believe. Part of the reason for the increased interest is that science’s ability to study underwater creatures has evolved.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the octopus is how completely they can camouflage themselves. It’s baffling how the process works - how does an octopus take an image, and somehow activate various cells to create specific color patterns? Mind blown.
Another favorite fact: “Walking on two limbs … “allows, octopuses to move quickly without giving up their primary defense” – their camouflage.“
It’s always fun to read and learn about the creatures around us, and I really enjoyed this book.
*I love books with good footnotes so I’m adding one here. I learned in An Immense World (one of my all time favorite books) that the true plural of octopus is octopodes (octo-poh-dees) since the word octopus is derived from Greek. Octopuses is fine and what this book uses, but octopodes is much more fun to say.
April 7, 2024
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I loved this book from the moment I opened the package it arrived in. The book contains the latest research and information about octopuses (the plural) and extra stories from Sy Montgomery’s time at the New England Aquarium while researching her previous book, The Soul of an Octopus. The book contains a section at the end by Warren Carlyle containing profiles of 16 of the 300 known species of octopuses. The photographs throughout the book are stunning. I am looking forward to watching the corresponding NatGeo special on Earth Day.
I loved this book from the moment I opened the package it arrived in. The book contains the latest research and information about octopuses (the plural) and extra stories from Sy Montgomery’s time at the New England Aquarium while researching her previous book, The Soul of an Octopus. The book contains a section at the end by Warren Carlyle containing profiles of 16 of the 300 known species of octopuses. The photographs throughout the book are stunning. I am looking forward to watching the corresponding NatGeo special on Earth Day.
December 6, 2024
Absolutely fascinating and excellent book about octopuses. Sy Montgomery is one of my favorite authors, her ability to weave storytelling and science education is gripping, interesting, and at times incredibly moving. The additions of Warren Carlyle and Dr. Alex Schnell are also really cool, and there are a ton of gorgeous photographs throughout the book on these amazing creatures. Highly recommend!
Want to read
March 25, 2024i loved this, so much info about octopuses, the scientists trying to study and protect them, so many beautiful colorful photographs of so many kinds of octopus!!! i liked sy’s soul of an octopus better but this really benefited from the beautiful photographs. netgalley sent me an e-arc but i also preordered a physical copy and highly recommend it for the photos!!!!
Read
March 16, 2024This was a great educational read that was a good balance of stories and facts making it digestible for any audience. The pictures were amazing. I’m really excited for the Nat Geo documentary on earth day that goes with this book. Thank you NetGalley and Nat Geo for my ARC!
March 25, 2024
I’ll take one octopus please. 🐙
July 21, 2024
"Octopuses are having a moment" 🐙 🎉
August 16, 2025
Hey look I read a nonfiction book and enjoyed it. Did it change my life? No. Do I recommend because now I have a new appreciation for octopuses? Yes.
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April 13, 2025I knew that blanket and argonaut octopuses were pretty crazy, but I never realized just how crazy.
You have to admire the cephalopodic commitment to bizarreness!
You have to admire the cephalopodic commitment to bizarreness!
February 11, 2025
I don’t know what I expected but I wasn’t a fan. Extremely short for what could have certainly been a longer book, and what little white space there was is largely wasted just stating that octopuses are great. Felt more like a slapdash bulletin from a zoo and while the author’s enthusiasm was endearing, I found it annoying.
March 29, 2024
I really enjoy books by this author. The Soul of an Octopus was outstanding and this one is as well. I remembered a surprising amount of information from the first book, so this didn't reveal a lot of new information. However, thinking that an octupus has more human emotions that have been revealed earlier kept me on the edge of my seat. If one likes the mysterious octopus then this book is for you.
March 6, 2024
There was so much I loved about this book. The writing is excellent, the tone conversational, and the explanations crystal-clear. I also loved the author’s journey and the interviews with all the scientists in the book. And to top this all off, the photography is outstanding. Thank you to Netgalley and National Geographic for the advance digital review copy.
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