For more information, contact:
Kristin Calder, CEO
Literacy Coalition of PBC
(561) 767-3362
E-mail: kcalder@literacypbc.org
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt was announced today as the 2024 Read Together Palm Beach County book during the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s annual Mayors’ Literacy Initiative Luncheon. The book was an instant New York Times Bestseller, and a “Read with Jenna” Today Show book club pick. The book has sold over two million copies and spent, in aggregate, more than a year on the New York Times Hardcover Bestseller list.
As referenced on the author’s website, “this luminous debut novel is about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago. Charming, compulsively readable, and full of wit, Van Pelt’s debut novel is a beautiful exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope – a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.”
The Coalition’s Read Together campaign encourages adults throughout Palm Beach County to read the same book at the same time. The goal is to get people engaged in discussing the themes of the book and to help entice those who can read, but seldom do, to get in the habit of reading again. The Read Together Book Selection Chair is Laurie Gildan and the Read Together Campaign Chair is Sharon Hill.
The Literacy Coalition and libraries throughout the county are planning book discussions and events through November as part of the Campaign. The author will attend in person and speak at the Read Together Finale on Nov. 18 at the Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth Beach. Remarkably Bright Creatures is available in hardcover and audio and readily accessible at libraries and bookstores. The book can also be purchased through the Literacy Coalition for a $20 donation.
Read Together 2024 sponsors include Laurie Gildan and Sharon Hill. Sponsorships are still available. This community reading initiative is not a fundraiser but helps support the Literacy Coalition’s mission to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. To view Campaign details, events and to register for the Finale, visit www.LiteracyPBC.org or call 561-767-3370.
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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, more than half of all third graders are not reading on grade level and 22.2% 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.
