Be part of the conversation!
One Book, One Elmhurst is a partnership of Elmhurst Public Library and Elmhurst University, providing the opportunity for the entire community to read and engage with the same book title. Attend our discussions and programming around the book's topics or share your thoughts in conversations of your own.
 
 
2024 SELECTION
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
by Shelby Van Pelt

In this novel, the lives of a widowed woman, a young man, and a giant Pacific octopus intertwine with elements of mystery, humor, and poignancy, while illustrating the power of empathy and unlikely friendships.
 
CHECK OUT THE BOOK IN YOUR FAVORITE FORMAT
Print Book
View in catalog
 
Large Type
View in catalog
 
eBook
Overdrive | Hoopla
Audiobook on CD
View in catalog
eAudiobook
Overdrive | Hoopla

 
FEATURED EVENTS
Title Tex.
Documentary Screening: My Octopus Teacher
Wednesday, Oct. 9
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Large Meeting Room
 
In 2018, Craig Foster began free-diving near Cape Town, South Africa. He documented his experience and formed a bond with a young octopus as he learned how she slept, lived, ate, and defended herself with incredible creativity and resilience. Foster describes the effect of this relationship and what he's learned about the fragility of life and humanity's connection with nature.
 
Live in-person. Registration required.
 
Octopus Fieldwork: Behavior to Bacteria
Thursday, Oct. 24
7-8 p.m.
Large Meeting Room + Live on Zoom
 
Dr. Chelsea Bennice shares her research on cephalopod behavioral ecology and octopus microbiology, using underwater photography and videography. This is a screening of a pre-recorded presentation and interview.
 
Hybrid event. Registration required.
 
Nestor Gomez
Discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures
 
Sept. 26 Walk & Talk Discussion
 
Oct. 17 Hybrid Book Discussions
 
Oct. 22 One Book and a Brew at Bottle Theory
 
Nov. 7 Hybrid Book Discussion
 
 
Related: Oct. 3 Book Discussion - The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
 
Want to lead your own discussion? Get discussion questions here.
Author Visit: Shelby Van Pelt
Wednesday, Nov. 20
7-8 p.m.
Off-site: Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst University,
190 S. Prospect Ave. + Live on Zoom
 
Join us for an evening with local author Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures. This debut novel became an instant New York Times bestseller and was chosen as a pick for The Today Show's Read with Jenna book club. Van Pelt discusses her writing process, characters, loss, hope, and the giant Pacific octopus. Presented with Elmhurst University and the Friends of the Elmhurst Public Library.
 
Book signing to follow. Bookstore of Glen Ellyn, a local independent bookstore, will have copies available for purchase.
 
 

 
Elmhurst Public Library125 S Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 | (630) 279-8696elmlib.org