What Are Some Books Like 'The Soul Of An Octopus'?

2026-03-09 00:15:23
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4 Answers

Micah
Micah
Favorite read: Of Men and Monsters
Reviewer Editor
Ever since reading 'The Soul of an Octopus,' I’ve been obsessed with books that make me rethink how animals think. 'Beyond Words' by Carl Safina is a perfect follow-up—it’s all about animal emotions and social structures, from elephants to wolves. Safina writes with such warmth that you feel like you’re right there in the field with him.

If you’re into the quirky side of nature, 'The Book of Eels' by Patrik Svensson is oddly poetic. It mixes memoir with science, tracing the mysterious life cycle of eels. The way Svensson weaves his personal history with eel lore gives it a nostalgic, almost mythical vibe.
2026-03-12 03:32:58
2
Ben
Ben
Sharp Observer Translator
Try 'The Octopus Museum' by Brenda Shaughnessy if you’re open to poetry. It’s speculative and surreal, imagining a future ruled by octopuses. The poems play with ideas of intelligence and power in a way that’s both playful and profound.

For a lighter but equally touching read, 'Fuzz' by Mary Roach covers animal-human conflicts with her signature humor. It’s not all cephalopods, but her curiosity matches Montgomery’s spirit.
2026-03-14 01:31:19
5
Reply Helper Office Worker
If you loved 'The Soul of an Octopus' for its blend of science and emotional depth, you might enjoy 'Other Minds' by Peter Godfrey-Smith. It’s a fascinating dive into the intelligence of cephalopods, exploring how these creatures experience the world in ways wildly different from us. The author’s background in philosophy adds layers to the discussion, making it feel like a conversation about consciousness itself.

Another gem is 'The Hidden Life of Trees' by Peter Wohlleben. While it shifts focus from marine life to forests, it carries that same sense of wonder about non-human intelligence. Wohlleben’s storytelling makes trees feel like characters in their own right, and you’ll never walk through a forest the same way again. For something more personal, Sy Montgomery’s other works, like 'How to Be a Good Creature,' share her heartfelt connections with animals.
2026-03-14 07:54:25
7
Yolanda
Yolanda
Favorite read: The Ocean Dragon's Bride
Story Finder Doctor
For readers who adored the lyrical prose in 'The Soul of an Octopus,' I’d recommend 'H is for Hawk' by Helen Macdonald. It’s a memoir about training a goshawk while grieving her father’s death, and the writing is so vivid you can almost feel the bird’s feathers. Macdonald doesn’t just describe nature—she immerses you in it.

If you want more underwater magic, 'The Brilliant Abyss' by Helen Scales explores the deep sea’s weird and wonderful creatures. It’s like a sci-fi documentary in book form, full of glowing jellyfish and otherworldly landscapes. Scales balances awe with environmental urgency, leaving you equal parts amazed and concerned.
2026-03-14 13:20:19
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