This is the 22nd year the Sarasota County library system has participated in the "One Book, One Community" program, which started in 1996 in Seattle to help foster the expression of ideas within the community through the shared love of reading. One Book engages participants in reading and thoughtful conversation by sponsoring a community-wide reading experience, and hosting programs to explore the themes of the featured book. The Book Selection Committee typically spends many weeks reading and reviewing books.
The 2025 One Book selection is
"Remarkably Bright Creatures"
by Shelby Van Pelt.
Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a luminous debut novel 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.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in the Puget Sound over 30 years ago. As she works, Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight tentacles for his human captors—until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old, invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Charming, compulsively readable, and full of wit, Shelby 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.
Author Visit with Shelby Van Pelt
We invite you to come hear the author as she discusses the book.
No Registration Required. First come, first seated.
Books will be sold at the event, and Author book signing will take place after the presentation.
Friday, March 14
- 10:30 a.m. Program in North Port
- North Port Performing Arts Center, North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port
- Government ID Required (government issued, such as a driver's license), per school campus visitor screening requirements.
- Doors open at 9:30 a.m., Program begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Parking is limited. Please plan to arrive early. Parking areas near the event include:
- North Port High School. 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port.
- Primary parking area.
- Any open space is available, including timed spots with signs.
- Heron Creek Middle School. 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port.
- Across the street from the event.
- Parking in the grass.
- Morgan Family Community Center. 6207 W. Price Blvd, North Port.
- About one half mile walk from the event.
- Parking available near entryway at Price Blvd. and near building.
- Attendees who park in the Morgan Family Community Center lot can walk approximately 0.5 miles to the Performing Arts Center, or wait for a free mini-shuttle provided for the event by Breeze OnDemand. The van will make trips between the Community Center and Performing Arts Center from 9:30am to 10:45am, and from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
- Sarasota County Breeze On Demand.
- Attendees who live in the North Port Breeze OnDemand zone are encouraged to request a $2 ride to/from the event through Breeze OnDemand. Breeze OnDemand will service any address within the zone. Note that other passengers may be picked up or dropped off during any trip.
- Visit scgov.net/OnDemand for more information about this service.
- North Port High School. 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port.
- 7 p.m. Program in Sarasota
- Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
- Doors open at 6 p.m., Program begins at 7 p.m.
- Selby Library primary parking area has Limited Parking.
- Whole Foods second floor garage is 4 hour parking. Entry on Second Street.
- Please plan in advance and be aware of parking costs and restrictions in other areas.
View the author visit events on the library calendar.
Our programming teams have developed many events that align with themes and scenes in "Remarkably Bright Creatures", and we're excited to enjoy them with you! View our library calendar to view all One Book events.
We have different versions and formats of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” to offer you including hardcover, Large Print, eBook and eAudiobook.
For questions or more information about One Book Sarasota, please click here to visit our website or email, text or chat with us through Ask Us! You can also give us a call at 941-861-1110.
Thank you for your interest!