July 28, 2015

Review: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Written with admirable clarity, boundless curiosity, warm enthusiasm, and open-hearted spirit, Montgomery relays her experiences with the octopuses and people she meets at the the New England Aquarium, various ocean dives, and elsewhere. Engrossing and informative without being preachy or heavy-handed, the book encourages emotional reactions to the cephalopods while investigating the depths of their intelligence and self-awareness. Ultimately, the delving into the mysteries of the octopus's consciousness has interesting echoes and implications for all animals as Montgomery ties us all into the underlying spirit that animates all life. It's all quite fascinating and fun.

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