lifelong learning
UW Alumni Book Club
Now Reading:
Readers’ Choice:
“Remarkably Bright Creatures”
by Shelby Van Pelt
Reading Period: Aug. 2–Oct. 4, 2024
New York Times Bestseller! Tova, a stubborn widow, is on the cleaning crew of her small town’s aquarium. Marcellus, a snarky octopus, is a keen observer of humanity. Set in Puget Sound, this quirky bestselling novel follows their cross-species friendship as it sends ripples across the community.
Shelby Van Pelt
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shelby Van Pelt now lives in the Chicago area with her husband and children. This is her debut novel.
“Infused with heartfelt humor, Van Pelt’s elegant portrait of a widowed woman who finds understanding and connection with a clever octopus is refreshingly, if surprisingly, relatable.” — Elle
Get your copy:
UW Alumni Book Club readers can save 20% on “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Use code UWAAVANPELT in-store and at online.
*Some restrictions apply. Visit ubookstore.com/disclaimer for full details. Coupon code must be given to cashier to receive discount in-store. Valid through October 13, 2024.
Online Author Talk:
An Exploration of Friendship, Reckoning and Hope with novelist Shelby Van Pelt
Presented by Sno-Isle Libraries
Wed. Aug. 21, 2024 | 4 p.m. PDT | Online
Sno-Isle Libraries of Washington State is hosting an online author chat with the author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” and they have extended a warm welcome to members of the UW Alumni Book Club to join the fun! You don’t want to miss this deep-dive 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. This event is free to the public, but registration is required.
Campus Connections:
Up Next:
“James”
by Percival Everett
Reading Period: Oct. 11–Dec. 13, 2024
New York Times Bestseller! Revisit Mark Twain’s classic tale from the point of view of Jim, the enslaved man who escapes down the Mississippi River with Huck Finn. This audacious reimagining shows Jim to be a masterful code-switcher, navigating perilous situations with layers of nuance and insight. Funny, philosophical and terrifying by turns, Everett shines a light on the tactical brilliance that our hero uses to move through a dangerous world.
2024-2025 Reading List
Reading Period:
Aug. 2–Oct. 4
Reading Period:
Oct. 11–Dec. 13
Reading Period:
Jan. 3–Mar. 7
Reading Period:
Mar. 14–May 16
Reading Period:
May 23–July 25
Two authors from this season’s book list — Percival Everett and Hanif Abdurraqib — will be speaking at Seattle Arts & Lectures this year! UWAA members and UW Alumni Book Club participants save 20% on subscriptions, tickets, and digital passes for all events in the Seattle Arts & Lectures 2024/25 season. UWAA members can find their discount code at the member benefit page, and book club readers will find the info on the UW Alumni Book Club online forum.
Past UW Alumni Book Club Archives
Curious what books we have read before? Use the links below to access our book club archives, which include recorded events and resource lists.
Share Your Book Ideas!
Have suggestions for upcoming book club titles?
Submit your ideas to our Book Club Suggestion Form.
Check out the books that have already been suggested.
The UW Alumni Book Club is a collaboration between UWAA, the UW Libraries, the University Book Store — and passionate readers like you.