PBS Books Readers Club is delighted to ring in 2025 with author Shelby Van Pelt, who shares insights into her heartwarming “New York Times” best-seller, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

Charming and witty, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” follows Tova Sullivan, a grieving widow who forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, an intelligent and insightful octopus at the local aquarium. As their lives intertwine, Tova embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, with Marcellus offering wisdom in ways no one could have expected.

With a focus on the deep, natural bond between humans and animals, Van Pelt explores the profound impact these relationships have in storytelling, emphasizing how they offer a unique emotional connection, one that fosters comfort without the fear of judgment.

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is the perfect pairing for fans of the PBS Masterpiece series “All Creatures Great and Small,” highlighting the unique bonds we share with our animal friends.

Reflects Van Pelt, “And that for me was the great dichotomy of the Tova character from the beginning is that she’s extremely lonely, yet she’s surrounded by all these people who care about her. They’re always trying to fix her, and it’s kind of too much for her. So really the break for her comes when, you know, she has this moment with Marcellus where he just listens to her. And I think, you know, listening without judging, without trying to fix, is one of the hardest things to do.”

Arizona PBS Passport members can also watch an extended interview with Van Pelt only available on Arizona PBS Passport. With Passport, members can stream past seasons of the beloved “All Creatures Great and Small,” other PBS Masterpiece dramas and so much more.

Join the PBS Books Readers Club on January 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. [8 p.m. ET] to watch the poignant interview with Shelby Van Pelt, as she shares the inspiration behind her novel and delves into the unique characters that drive the story.

Sign up for this free author event on the website, on Facebook or subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel so you don’t miss this extraordinary conversation with Shelby Van Pelt.

Sign up today!

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More about PBS Books Readers Club

Every month, the PBS Books Readers Club curates a selection of outstanding books and provides exclusive interviews with renowned authors. It’s the perfect community for book enthusiasts to connect and discover their next captivating read. Catch new episodes on the last Wednesday of each month via the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS Books YouTube Channel, and the PBS app on your smart TV or device. Each episode pairs perfectly with your favorite PBS shows and features books that promise to be unforgettable. Members can access extended interviews with authors on Arizona PBS Passport and enjoy an on-demand library of quality public television programming. Additionally, subscribers receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter packed with exclusive interviews, engaging book-related articles, and more book recommendations. Tune in to our new digital video series, the Readers Club, for in-depth conversations with some of today’s most prolific and thought-provoking authors and PBS personalities.

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Don’t miss the PBS Books Readers Club Facebook group

The PBS Books Readers Club Facebook group is your go-to destination for everything literary. With a growing community of thousands, you’ll find an endless stream of discussions, recommendations, and bookish insights. We’re excited to offer this vibrant interactive platform where book lovers can engage in reading together, discuss their favorite reads, discover new recommendations, and chat with like-minded readers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to pose questions to featured authors and participate in lively book club conversations. Join us and be part of a thriving community of book enthusiasts.

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