(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Themes of friendship and hope in Shelby Van Pelt's 2022 debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures resonate with millions of readers who vaulted her to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Join Shelby for revelations about the power of emotions in her Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is available in print, audiobook, and digital formats at the Ocean County Library. Vibrant and witty, it pairs Tova Sullivan, a widow whose tidy-up tasks in an aquarium help suppress grief for a son who vanished, and Marcellus, a cranky but perceptive octopus that generally hates humans but develops a soft spot for Tova.

Marcellus grasps the source of Tova’s inner turmoil and meticulously uncovers the truth of her son’s disappearance in Puget Sound decades earlier. With growing affection and a rapidly shrinking lifespan, Marcellus must find a way to communicate it to Tova.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Shelby Van Pelt first gained fame as a poet and short story author. Remarkably Bright Creatures won praise for its warmth and humor and its stance that coming to grips with a troubled past can sometimes unlock a promising future.

Please register at https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary to attend this free program, to view the upcoming schedule, and to view previous talks. Registrants will receive links to the program by email and may submit questions for the author when signing up.