Tuesday's Tome - We Were Illegal

 

Here's is Today's Tome - We Were Illegal by Jessica Goudeau. This one was recommended to me by a former colleague and friend, and it did not disappoint. 

We Were Illegal is one of those reads that makes you stop and think about everything you thought you knew about immigration, legality, and what it means to belong. Jessica Goudeau doesn’t just write facts; she tells stories. Real ones. About her family.  Stories of people who’ve gone through things most of us can’t imagine, just to find safety or a better life.  She has traced her family back 5 generations and their migration to Texas.

What I liked most is how human the book is. It’s not preachy or overly political—it’s just raw, personal, and eye-opening. Goudeau weaves personal narratives with historical and legal context, but it never feels like a textbook. She makes complex immigration issues relatable by putting names and faces to them.

The writing style is easy to read which makes this book hard to put down. It feels like a conversation—like you’re listening to someone who really knows what they’re talking about and cares deeply. You can tell Goudeau has done a lot of research, but she leads with heart, not stats.

If you’re even remotely interested in social justice, immigration stories, the history of Texas, or just want to broaden your perspective, this is absolutely worth the read. It’s not always an easy book—emotionally, it can be heavy—but it’s one of those important ones that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

Tuesday's Tome - Remarkably Bright Creatures

 

Here is today's Tome - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This is a heartwarming, gently humorous, and deeply moving story about grief, unlikely friendships, and second chances. Set in a small coastal town in Washington, the book centers around Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow who works the night shift at the local aquarium. There, she forms an unexpected bond with Marcellus—a highly intelligent giant Pacific octopus.

Marcellus isn’t just any octopus; he’s the book’s breakout character, narrating some chapters with wit and insight. Despite his disdain for humans, he becomes oddly fond of Tova and takes it upon himself to help her uncover the truth behind her son’s mysterious disappearance thirty years earlier.

Van Pelt masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, including that of a young man named Cameron, who is drifting through life and searching for a sense of belonging. The characters are flawed but endearing, and their gradual convergence is both satisfying and emotional.

The novel shines with its themes of healing, found family, and the intelligence of non-human creatures. While some plot points are a bit convenient, the charm and emotional depth of the story make it a memorable and uplifting read.