The 2018 Newport Reads selection is The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montogomery, a 2015 Finalist for a National Book Award.

The intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees was only recently accepted by scientists, who now are establishing the intelligence of the octopus, watching them solve problems and deciphering the meaning of their color-changing camouflage techniques. Montgomery chronicles this growing scientific appreciation of the octopus, but also tells a love story.

Two events are planned to bring the community together around the reading of this book.

Celebrating the Octopus!
A Panel Discussion

April 7, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.
Hatfield Marine Science Center Auditorium
followed by

Octopus Feeding at 1:00 p.m.

The panel discussion will feature aquarists from the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon Sea Grant at the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center, and the Oregon Coast Community College’s (OCCC) Aquarium Science Program. Panel facilitator will be Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan, who directs the Aquatic Animal Health Program with Sea Grant at OSU and serves as a clinical veterinarian for aquatic animals at HMSC, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and OCCC.

Author Event

April 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Newport Performing Arts Center

Sy Montgomery is a naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and author of twenty acclaimed books of nonfiction for adults and children.

The recipient of numerous honors, including lifetime achievement awards from the Humane Society and the New England Booksellers Association, Montgomery lives in New Hampshire with her husband, border collie, and flock of chickens.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This program is sponsored by the Newport Public Library Foundation, with support from the Sylvia Beach Hotel.