Indeed, Montgomery demonstrates the complexities of octopuses in ways that make readers understand the author’s attachment to these creatures and her fascination with their minds and intelligence. Throughout their short lives-octopuses live only several years at most-these animals not only master a variety of skills and tasks set before them, but also succeed at winning over Montgomery’s heart, so much so that she finds herself grieving over their deaths. Montgomery’s book documents her surprisingly intimate, often poignant relationships with octopuses, including the four octopuses she calls Athena, Octavia, Kali, and Karma. The book is a fascinating, eye-opening read for anyone interested in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, or humans’ relationships with other highly intelligent animals. The Soul of an Octopus is, as its subtitle aptly describes, “a surprising exploration into the wonders of consciousness.” Written by Sy Montgomery, a renowned naturalist and author of 28 books for adults and children, Soul was a Finalist for the National Book Award. Recently, there is another animal gaining increasing recognition for its intelligence: the octopus. Studies of animal intelligence have demonstrated the impressive cognitive abilities of certain animals: rhesus macaques, crows, bottlenose dolphins, border collies.
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