A remarkably popular book

A woman dressed in head-to-toe octopus held her own against a tidal wave of readers last night at the Appleton Public Library.

“Is this seat open?” frazzled people asked her as they wended their way through the throng.

She shook her head.

“That one?” they asked.

“Sorry.”

“The whole row?”

“I’m saving it for my book club.”

That tardy book club owes its seat-saver a big, big favor.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, the Fox Cities Reads selection for 2026, is a remarkably popular book. Fans filled every seat and lined up against the walls to hear author Shelby Van Pelt’s book talk.

“This is the fullest room I’ve ever seen,” Shelby said as she began her remarks. “Does anyone have an in with the fire marshall?”

On my sister Kathy-the-librarian’s recommendation, I read Remarkably Bright Creatures last year. It was remarkably good.

At times narrated by an eloquent octopus named Marcellus, the book manages to be both poignant and funny.

Only an exceptionally talented writer could craft an octopus as aloof and relatable as Marcellus. We can all feel his frustration and need to escape the monotony of his life every now and then.

We learned last night that another main character, a 70-year old dynamo named Tova, is based on Shelby’s grandma.

The book, Van Pelt’s debut novel, has already sold 4 million copies. Sally Field read it, loved it and now stars in the Netflix adaptation, which opens May 8.

Though clearly talented, Van Pelt says good timing and a well-received comment also led to her book’s success.

About a dozen years ago, she took her first writing class and the teacher opened with an assignment to write a character with a unique perspective. So, Shelby wrote a couple of paragraphs from an octopus’ point of view.

Her teacher stopped her after class and encouraged her to expand the piece. “It’s very good,” she said.

That comment led to a New York Times bestselling novel that won several national awards.

“If you have a compliment on the tip of your tongue, give it,” Shelby said.

Kind words can lead to remarkably bright futures.