Author Shelby Van Pelt of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” Speaks at Local Events
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 – The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s Read Together Palm Beach County finale was held November 18, at the Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth Beach in front of an audience of 300 literacy supporters. Author Shelby Van Pelt of Remarkably Bright Creatures was interviewed on stage by Ann Bocock, host of “Between the Covers” on South Florida PBS. Following the event, a book signing was held with the author.
The Literacy Coalition also hosted an exclusive meet-and-greet with the author at Northern Trust in North Palm Beach on Nov. 18.
Van Pelt’s debut novel was an instant New York Times bestseller. It is about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at an aquarium and the truth she uncovers about her son’s disappearance. Reprinted more than 30 times, the book spent more than an aggregate year on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list.
The Coalition’s Read Together campaign is a “one book, one community” effort encouraging adults to read the same book at the same time and come together to discuss key themes of the book. The campaign’s goal is to also entice those who can read, but seldom do, to get into the habit of reading again.
“This Read Together Campaign was one of the most exciting and engaging campaigns from scientific presentations about octopuses, to art class style “paint and sip” parties to virtual and in-person book discussions,” said Kristin Calder, Literacy Coalition CEO. “The community loved reading this book together!”
The Literacy Coalition and libraries throughout the county planned 21 book discussions and events as part of the campaign. The book selection was announced at the Literacy Coalition’s annual Mayors’ Literacy Initiative Luncheon in September. The campaign was sponsored by the Lillian Feder Foundation, Literacy Coalition board members Laurie Gildan, Read Together Book Selection Chair, and Sharon Hill, Read Together Campaign Chair, as well as Northern Trust, Palm Beach State College, South Florida PBS, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach County Library System, municipal libraries and Barnes & Noble in Boynton Beach.
About the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
A recipient of the coveted 4-star Charity Navigator rating for 15 consecutive years, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County works to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. In Palm Beach County, nearly half of all third graders are not reading on grade level and 22% of adults aged 16 and older lack basic literacy skills. Through collaboration with a network of community partners, the Literacy Coalition strives to ensure that individuals who need to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need providing services to 55,716 adults, children, and families each year.
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