The wildly entertaining new novel from the bestselling author of Water for Elephants. Sam, Bonzi, Lola, Mbongo, Jelani, and Makena are no ordinary apes. These bonobos, like others of their species, are capable of reason and carrying on deep relationships—but unlike most bonobos, they also know American Sign Language.Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, doesn’t understand … Language Lab, doesn’t understand people, but animals she gets—especially the bonobos. Isabel feels more comfortable in their world than she’s ever felt among humans . . . until she meets John Thigpen, a very married reporter who braves the ever-present animal rights protesters outside the lab to see what’s really going on inside.
When an explosion rocks the lab, severely injuring Isabel and “liberating” the apes, John’s human interest piece turns into the story of a lifetime, one he’ll risk his career and his marriage to follow. Then a reality TV show featuring the missing apes debuts under mysterious circumstances, and it immediately becomes the biggest—and unlikeliest—phenomenon in the history of modern media. Millions of fans are glued to their screens watching the apes order greasy take-out, have generous amounts of sex, and sign for Isabel to come get them. Now, to save her family of apes from this parody of human life, Isabel must connect with her own kind, including John, a green-haired vegan, and a retired porn star with her own agenda.
Ape House delivers great entertainment, but it also opens the animal world to us in ways few novels have done, securing Sara Gruen’s place as a master storyteller who allows us to see ourselves as we never have before.
BONUS: This edition contains a reader’s guide.
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I really like the parts where the trainer was interacting with the apes. The rest of the book seemed contrived.
I found myself very uncomfortable while reading this. Human feelings of superiority throughout the book appalled me, and yet you have to recognize that in yourself as you continue through the book. It is thought provoking.
Enjoyed it…not as good as Water for Elephants but still never put it down
This book was entertaining AND educational. In addition, it had an interesting plot. So it hit a lot of areas for me – I highly recommend it.
One of my favorite writers, I have loved every book she’s written, but this book was one of my favorites.
Ape House was eye opening as to how ape and other animals are treated in research. It was uplifting because the characters were dedicated to making things right. Good read.
Not as good as water for elephants but still enjoyable & love to read about animals.
Making bonono apes more real than most humans is a new take, and a good one. I was so up set at the treatement of the apes, I had to put the book down and wait a few days to finish it. It’s well worth reading.
Another home run for Ms. Gruen! I loved Water for Elephants, and this book was just as engaging! She does her homework and presents the story in such a way that one’s heart becomes involved early-on. Thank you, Ms. Gruen, for another fantastic, educational read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and plan to read more from this author.
A wonderfully written book about a fascinating subject. Recommend it for sure.
I could not put this book down. It was well written. The characters were well developed and the story line was not predictable. I would like to read more Sara Gruen.