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There are currently 32 member reviews
for The Jellyfish Problem
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Heidi C. (Melbourne, FL)
Very Creative Story
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very creative, and I loved all the characters in it and the whole storyline. It kept me guessing on the outcome all the way to the end! Love this book!
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Rebecca G. (Havertown, PA)
Loved this Book
Every once in a while a book comes along that restores my hope and heals my heart especially at a time in our country that feels so hopeless. Theo of Golden was one and The Jellyfish Problem is another. It's the story of a giant jellyfish. Kind of. It's definitely a story of people and a community that is struggling to survive an untenable situation. Jo Ness is a scientist who studies jellyfish. In fact she's obsessed with them. But she has also recently lost her best friend and has been overcome with grief, self blame, and a new terror of the waters she loves. When a long lost friend sends her a video of what looks like a giant jellyfish she runs to help even though she really believes it's a hoax. She also wants to reconnect with this friend that she loves and regrets losing. What she finds on Shattering Island leaves her stunned and eager to help while doubting her ability to do so. The story is one of overcoming grief and self doubt, relying on a community of people for strength when the preference is to go things alone and finally finding joy and love and self renewal after loss. The book is also dispersed with lots of wonderful information about jellyfish and I really learned a lot. I was on an international flight home that suffered a great many glitches and snags and a mad dash through an airport to make a connection that left me in tears. I read this book and it truly uplifted my spirit. I recommend it to everyone
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Karen R. (Columbus, OH)
Unique novel, highly recommend
Delightful book. Josephine, who is a marine biologist specializing in jellyfish, receives a call from a college girlfriend who she hasn't heard from in over 10 years. There may or may not be a new species of jellyfish off the coast of Maine. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about jellyfish. Finished book in 24 hours, captured me from the very beginning. Highly recommend.
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Sandi W. (East Moline, IL)
The Jellyfish Problem
Thanks to BookBrowse for the ARC and to NetGalley for the download in exchange for an unbiased review. Publishes June 2, 2026.
An old college friend (lover?) is beckoned to an small island by her friend, Nadia. There is a large jellyfish that comes to the island on the night of the full moon and that is Jo's expertise - jellyfish. Everyone on the island has something to say about Clementine, their name for the large jellyfish, everyone but Nadia - who is missing. Then Jo finds she can't leave the island. What is going on?
This is a good book for a debut book - better than most. The writing is simple and yet it pulls you in. Characters are easy to like - or not - depending on who they are. Pretty typical sea monster story, but other themes keep you engaged. Good atmosphere involving a mystery paralleled with grief, well researched marine biological facts, along with a touch of magical realism. This one is worth the reading time.
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Bridgette T. (San Angelo, TX)
A Quiet, Reflective Story of Grief, Science, and Connection
The Jellyfish Problem is a slow, atmospheric novel that leans more into emotional texture than plot momentum. I found it thoughtful and immersive, with a strong focus on grief, memory, and the way relationships evolve in an isolated, slightly surreal setting.
The writing is reflective and grounded in character, and while the pacing is deliberately unhurried, it fits the meditative tone of the story. This is not a book for readers seeking a fast-moving or tightly plotted mystery—it rewards patience and attention to emotional detail.
I especially appreciated the understated integration of science, personal history, and romance, which felt natural rather than forced. The epigraph structure added depth, though it was a bit cumbersome in e-reader format.
A solid 4-star read for me. Fans of Remarkably Bright Creatures or character-driven literary fiction with a quiet speculative edge will likely enjoy it, and it would make a strong book club selection for discussion.
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Ashe S.
Jellyfish
This book combines a bit of a mystery with fascinating facts about jellyfish, making it an engaging read. I enjoy stories that blend fact and fiction seamlessly. Although the character development was occasionally a bit flat, I found the overall tale to be quite enjoyable.
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Kathleen C. (Cockeysville, MD)
Jellyfish and friends
The Jellyfish Problem by Tess Yang is engaging book about jellyfish, grief and loss, the power of community, and finding hope and renewal.
Josephine Ness, a scientist specializing in jellyfish, is having difficulty dealing with the death of her best friend Aldo. She has isolated herself in grief & guilt, and jumps at the chance to reconnect with an estranged friend who requests assistance with a unique jellyfish. Jo has no idea how unique this creature is and all that awaits her on the small island off the shore of Maine.
The characters are well drawn, the pacing of the story works well, and all the excerpts of the book Josephine is writing & that begin each chapter are fun and informative. I finished the book having a greater appreciation of the gelatinous creatures! Thanks BookBrowse for the opportunity to read and give a honest review of this enjoyable book.
