LOCAL BOOKSHELF 'Secrets of the Octopus' by Sy Montgomery

Sy Montgomery, a naturalist and author from Hancock, New Hampshire, has a new book, "Secrets of the Octopus," which might sound familiar to the author's fans. Montgomery published "The Soul of an Octopus" in 2015, following her experience of spending time with octopuses in captivity. &emsp;Her most recent book, "Secrets of the Octopus" is a new and exciting look at the scientific discoveries made since Montgomery's first adventures with octopuses. &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;The book is a beautiful collaboration between Montgomery, scientists, National Geographic, and others. There is a foreword by scientist Alex Schnell that focuses on the importance of empathy because, as she states, "The more we reveal the octopus's secrets, the more empathy and compassion we can feel, which in turn fuels a need to protect these enigmatic critters and their fragile ecosystems." &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Schnell is also a presenter for National Geographic's blue-chip television series "Secrets of the Octopus," which is available on Disney+. The book is filled with brilliant and breathtaking photographs from National Geographic that will inspire you to check out the TV series. &emsp;Warren Carlyle, another collaborator of the book, launched OctoNation, an online octopus fan club and educational organization, after reading Montgomery's "The Soul of an Octopus" in 2015. His nonprofit organization boasts one million members across all social platforms. In addition to highlighting these amazing creatures online, Carlyle has written "Octoprofiles" for "Secrets of the Octopus." He selected 16 species of "the most wonderous octopuses (and cuttlefish) known to humans." This is a beautiful and helpful addition to the understanding of the book. &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Montgomery effectively narrates the story of human encounters with octopuses while sharing new scientific observations, including identifying many new species. The octopus' ability to blend into their environment means "There could be dozens, or even hundreds, of new species yet unidentified or mistaken for species already known," she writes. &emsp;Although octopuses couldn't be more different from humans, Montgomery writes, "But communing with someone as different from us as an octopus is thrilling and mysterious. It feels almost magical." &emsp;Despite the octopus's apparent differences, Montgomery also tells the story of our similarities, such as the octopus' ability to recognize individuals and a desire to play. &emsp;Montgomery concludes, "It is my hope that we can use our scientific findings about their lives not only to enhance human knowledge, as valuable as that is, but also to honor who these animals are — individuals as intensely wedded to this glorious life as we are, whose lives are as meaningful and significant, in their way, as our own." &emsp;By telling the story of human interactions with octopuses, coupled with the emerging scientific observations, Montgomery and everyone involved with "Secrets of the Octopus" are fulfilling their goal of creating empathy for these miraculous creatures.