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Letters from Skye is a 2014 debut novel by Jessica Brockmole, told entirely through letters exchanged between Elspeth Dunn, a Scottish poet, and David Graham, an American college student. Their correspondence, which begins in 1912, blossoms into a love story that spans two world wars, with the narrative also following Elspeth's daughter, Margaret, as she uncovers family secrets in 1940. The book is praised for its epistolary format, which creates an intimate and authentic portrayal of the characters and their relationship.

Knives Out and Clue meet Agatha Christie and The Thursday Murder Club in this "utterly original" (Jane Harper), "not to be missed" (Karin Slaughter), fiendishly clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery.

Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but it is the truth. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some just unfortunate.

I'm Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I'd killed whoever decided our family reunion should be at a ski resort, but it's a little more complicated than that.

Have I killed someone? Yes. I have.

Who was it?

Let's get started.

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE

My brother

My stepsister

My wife

My father

My mother

My sister-in-law

My uncle

My stepfather

My aunt

Me

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery is a nonfiction book that explores the intelligence, consciousness, and personalities of octopuses through the author's immersive experiences at the New England Aquarium, where she forms bonds with individual octopuses like Athena, Octavia, Kali, and Karma. Blending memoir with scientific study, the book details their problem-solving abilities, unique behaviors, and the profound connections they form with humans, challenging our understanding of consciousness and what it means to be alive.

Key themes and content:

Octopus intelligence:

The book highlights the octopus's remarkable cognitive abilities, such as escaping enclosures, using tools, and communicating through color changes, challenging the traditional view of them as simple creatures.

Individual personalities:

Montgomery focuses on specific octopuses, giving them names and describing their distinct personalities, showing they are not just animals but individuals with unique traits.

Consciousness and the "soul":

Through her interactions, Montgomery investigates the question of octopus consciousness, exploring if these creatures possess a "soul" and what their existence can teach us about the meeting of different minds.

Immersion journalism:

The narrative is built on Montgomery's firsthand experiences, including touching and interacting with the octopuses, making it a personal and engaging read.

Scientific and philosophical exploration:

It combines scientific facts about cephalopods with philosophical reflections on intelligence, empathy, and the nature of life, making it both informative and moving.