mandyflavel's review against another edition
3.0
This book was OK. No where near the caliber of Water for Elephants. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever did. The apes really are endearing, though, and that kept me reading it.
upgirlcd's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot! As Isabelle did, I too fell in love with the Bonobos--with their caring, intelligent personalities. I enjoyed Sara Gruen's epilogue just as much, as she talked of her research & time spent with Bonobos before she wrote this book. I found the relationships surrounding those who knew, cared for, and/or worked with the apes a little surreal; even hurried. Peter --what a cad! I have no use for him whatsoever. I think too, we as a viewing audience would really watch a program such as "Ape House"--at least they'd be more intelligent than some at the Jersey Shore. :)
Bonobos are the stars for sure! I need to get to know some of these sweet apes one day!
Bonobos are the stars for sure! I need to get to know some of these sweet apes one day!
sjj169's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED this book! It's one of the books that fit the Grinch's description of his heart growing. You just can't read it and your heart not grow.
feliciar33ds's review against another edition
4.0
Well written, clever story. And heart wrenching. And who doesn't love reading about apes communicating with humana? It's a gripping read - I read it in one sitting (stayed up until 2 am).
katiebottomley's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic Book! I was so pleasantly surprised to see that the Ape's used ASL to communicate with the humans - I was totally enthralled from the very beginning. Loved it
clarrro's review against another edition
3.0
this started well for me, then went off in too many directions that had nothing to do with the apes. oh well.
tlchand's review against another edition
5.0
Great plot, strong character development and excellent details on the bonobos. It was very apparent that Sara Gruen is extremely knowledgeable about bonobos and their characteristics and behavioral traits. While I really enjoyed this book, I didn't think it was as strong as Water For Elephants.
life_full_ofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5-
This book was a fascinating look into Bonobo apes and how they can be taught ASL to communicate with humans; it is also gives an infuriating look at how some people forget animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
Isabel Duncan is a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab and is closer to the bonobo apes than she is to her own family. John Thigpen is a reporter for a newspaper and meets Isabel and the apes when he does an investigative story on the Language Lab. An explosion occurs on New Year’s Day that leaves Isabel hurt and the apes missing and John loses the story to a cunning coworker. Ultimately, he gets another job that lands him back in the center of the story, and with the help of some animal activists and a Russian stripper he helps Isabel find the apes.
This book moved me in ways I never expected. I cried tears from anger and frustration and then tears of joy. There were parts of this had me seething, but other parts had me laughing. I love all animals and what happened to the apes in this book was so appalling, it was really hard to listen to.
I really loved every aspect of this, but I especially loved the communication between the apes. From what I read, Sara Gruen did a lot of research and even met and communicated with bonobos at a research language center herself.
A good book makes you feel something and a great book makes you feel multiple feelings for both the story and the characters. This is a great book.
This book was a fascinating look into Bonobo apes and how they can be taught ASL to communicate with humans; it is also gives an infuriating look at how some people forget animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
Isabel Duncan is a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab and is closer to the bonobo apes than she is to her own family. John Thigpen is a reporter for a newspaper and meets Isabel and the apes when he does an investigative story on the Language Lab. An explosion occurs on New Year’s Day that leaves Isabel hurt and the apes missing and John loses the story to a cunning coworker. Ultimately, he gets another job that lands him back in the center of the story, and with the help of some animal activists and a Russian stripper he helps Isabel find the apes.
This book moved me in ways I never expected. I cried tears from anger and frustration and then tears of joy. There were parts of this had me seething, but other parts had me laughing. I love all animals and what happened to the apes in this book was so appalling, it was really hard to listen to.
I really loved every aspect of this, but I especially loved the communication between the apes. From what I read, Sara Gruen did a lot of research and even met and communicated with bonobos at a research language center herself.
A good book makes you feel something and a great book makes you feel multiple feelings for both the story and the characters. This is a great book.
smrankin5's review against another edition
5.0
Best book I have read in a very long time.
I loved her first book Water for Elephants, and this is completely different, but equally engaging.
Terrific book and author!
I loved her first book Water for Elephants, and this is completely different, but equally engaging.
Terrific book and author!