The Soul of an Octopus A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness

What if the most alien intelligence on Earth isn’t in the stars, but right here in our oceans? This New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist takes you on an astonishing journey into the mind of the octopus—a creature so intelligent, so emotionally complex, it will forever change how you think about consciousness itself.

Naturalist Sy Montgomery doesn’t just observe octopuses; she befriends them. From the quiet corners of New England aquariums to the sun-dappled reefs of French Polynesia, she introduces you to unforgettable individuals: gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each octopus reveals startling intelligence—escaping tanks with orangutan-like cunning, playing with toys, and communicating through mesmerizing color changes that scientists are only beginning to understand.

This isn’t a dry scientific treatise. It’s a love story between species, told with humor, wonder, and profound insight. Montgomery’s immersive storytelling brings you face-to-face (or rather, face-to-eight-arms) with creatures who challenge everything we think we know about intelligence and emotion. The Daily Beast calls it “fascinating and informative,” while Science Friday named it one of the best science books of the year.

Perfect for anyone who loves Helen Macdonald’s H Is for Hawk or simply craves a deeper connection to the natural world, this Goodreads Choice Award winner will leave you enchanted by the ocean’s most captivating mystery. Dive in—the water’s fine, and there’s an octopus who’d like to meet you.

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