A beautiful dive into the world’s most enigmatic creatures/beings. I relished the stunning photographs, the compassionate anecdotes and wondrous exploration of these pages. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy I can proudly present on my coffee table. Just stellar.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC

5 ⭐️

Octopuses are so amazing, such a bundle of curiosity and intelligence with a tragically short lifespan.

Yes, I’m loving and learning from this ARC but I’ve already ordered the hardcover when it’s released.

Reason: Photos!

I really enjoyed Secrets of the Octopus, was reminded of some of the really fascinating things I've read about them over the years, and learned new things that I didn't previously know about them. The pictures that accompany the book are beautiful, and show that all octopuses do not look alike. The thing that brings my rating down some is that the book feels like it is trying to be several different things. At some points it feels like a standalone book about octopuses. At other points it feels very much like it is intended to be an accompaniment to a TV series (which it is). It also at times feels like a very long form article I would read in a magazine. And the ending is more like a reference guide for highlighted members of the species. This isn't a deterrent, it's still an enjoyable and relatively short read. And it adds another book to the canon that is elevating people's opinions that there is more to an octopus than initially meets the eye (if you see them at all). A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

Yet another great read from one of my favourite nature writers. A very engaging read, I very much look forward to reading the more finished version and it’s already on my to re read list.

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.

The chance to revisit old friends with Sy Montgomery and Photographs! What a beautiful, thoughtful and informative “sequel”. I was not aware of how little was publicly known about octopi, I certainly did not know there are 300 species. This book brought up questions- it made me curious, and that alone was worth the read.

I was really excited about this book since I enjoyed “The Soul of an Octopus” so much, however, I felt like this fell a little short. I can see that this book was probably designed to be a stand alone from her other books, but as someone who has read her previous books, this does not feel like anything new and honestly, it really felt like some of her stories that were mentioned were exactly copied from the previous book. I think there is a way to retell stories that don’t require saying the exact same thing, or summarizing the feelings rather than copying. Overall, I still enjoyed this book but I was underwhelmed.

The sequel I didn't was coming, but am so excited for.

My only complaint is that this book could have been longer. More octopus facts. More octopus anecdotes.

As someone who is terrified of the ocean (and its many inhabitants), Montgomery has made me love octopuses. They're both respectable and whimsical. I am forever in awe of these alien creatures that could totally take over at least a country if they wanted to.

**Anxiously awaiting purchasing my full-color hard copy. 😊

This was a wonderful book. It's very well-researched, well-written, and absolutely fascinating. I haven't yet seen the show Secrets of the Octopus but I plan to watch it now. The photographs are gorgeous, too. A wonderful book about a brilliant animal. (I will never eat octopus, that's for sure.)

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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.

Another fabulous book by Sy Montgomery. I not only adore her writing style, but love the magic, passion, and deep knowledge she shares. I've always loved and been fascinated by the octopus, and now that has grown even more because of this book. I think patrons will also love it, so we will definitely be purchasing for the library's collection.

A huge thank you to this book’s publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I was a kid the first place my mom would make us go to, when we visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is to see the giant Pacific octopus. It’s always been one of my mom’s favorite animals. Of course they also hold a special place in my heart as well, but I always immediately associate them with my mom. When I saw this book I knew I had to read it.

Sy Montgomery does a great job at explaining the beauty and fascination behind these highly intelligent creatures. The book contains interesting research cases along with commentary from some of the world’s leading octopus experts. Breathtaking images of octopuses (I learned something new!) from around the world are shown throughout the book. The end includes 16 “Octoprofiles” about some of the discussed octopuses in the book. If you have any inclination to learn more about octopuses then this is a great start! You can bet that next time I see an octopus (probably in an aquarium but hopefully in a tide pool), I’ll look at them a little differently now.

Favorite quote:
“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.”

Sy Montgomery is one of my authors, Soul of an Octopus one of my favorite books. Now, Montgomery returns to the realm of the octopus. Once again, she takes readers along on her journey as she meets with, and learns about some of the most incredible and miraculous creatures on our planet. Her informative and empathetic text are accompanied by beautiful photography. One of the best books of the year.