When Fox Cities Reads announced that Remarkably Bright Creatures was going to be the Fox Cities Read for 2026, I knew I had to attend the author talk. I read the book back when it first came out and loved it. I even convinced that my book club to read. Unfortunately my book club meeting was the same day as Shelly Van Pelt's visit. I hoped to be able to do both but figured it would have been doubtful.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a delightful book about an escape artist octopus, an older woman, and a lost soul. Even though an octopus is a main character, it is truly a book about friendship and life. It is Shelly Van Pelt's debut novel.
Shelly Van Pelt was scheduled to speak at 6 at the Appleton Library. Having seen several well known authors as part of the Fox Cities Book Festival and know how many people will show up especially for this book, I knew how I had to get there early. I got there at least 90 minutes before hand. I was not the first person there. We waited outside the room for about 45 minutes before being allowed in. I chose a seat about half way back. By the time it started it was standing room only.
Shelly Van Pelt not only is an amazing author, she is also a great speaker. She spoke for about 45 minutes about how the story developed and the upcoming movie. I loved how she would spend hours at the Atlanta aquarium watching and observing the animals as part of her research. She took questions for about 10 minutes.
After she was done speaking, she was going to sign books. This is where it got insane. I ducked out while she was still answering questions. There was at least 50 people in front of me. The line snaked from the outside the conference room, down the hall, and into the library. The moved slowly but it was worth the wait.
I got my book signed and even got a picture. I made a comment about it being a long night for her and she was like I get to sit here. You guys have to stand the entire time. She was very personable and nice.
If you ever get a chance to hear her talk, do it. If you get a chance to hear any other speak do it. They love meeting readers and share their books.
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