The 21st Show

Illinois author Shelby Van Pelt on the smash success of ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

Produced by Brian Mackey
 
A collage that includes a photo of author Shelby Van Pelt (a white woman with brown hair, wearing a navy blue outfit), and the cover of the book (which features a watercolor painting of bright orange octopus on the ocean floor)

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Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, novelist Shelby Van Pelt now makes her home in Wheaton, Illinois. Her debut novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures," has been a huge hit, reportedly selling more than two million copies. It's also being made into a movie by Netflix. We'll talk with Van Pelt about her life and work.

If you're in central Illinois, Van Pelt is scheduled to be part of the Great Authors at the Library series at the Champaign Public Library.

What: An Evening With Shelby Van Pelt
When: 7–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL
Cost: Free; copies of "Remarkably Bright Creatures" will be available for sale

Guest

Shelby Van Pelt
Author: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" (2022)