What is Galveston Reads?

2023 Galveston Reads Selection: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

For fans of A Man Called Ove, 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.

At a glance

Galveston Reads, a popular volunteer-driven “One Community, One Book” program operating under the organizational umbrella of the Rosenberg Library, provides an opportunity for all residents high school age through senior citizens to participate in a unique community-wide discussion by reading and sharing views about the same book.

The Galveston Reads series promotes community involvement in Galveston County with a wide range of events, activities, and thoughtful discussions.

If you cannot attend but would still like to volunteer, contact Ash Welborn, or 409.763.8854 Ext. 173. Meeting attendance is not required to participate.