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Sara Gruen does get points for an original story. While it was not nearly as captivating as Water For Elephants, it was an interesting change to read a book in which the most important characters were a group of bonobos. Well-researched and carried out, this book poses questions to us all about how we treat animals, especially those who are so close to being human. Do they deserve respect and dignity simply because they are alive, or do they exist solely for our own enjoyment and entertainment?
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Original review posted here
I am one of the minority that did not enjoy Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I can’t really say why I didn’t enjoy it, as I read it a few years ago (and maybe my opinion will have changed if I try it again), but I do remember feeling just.. dissatisfaction with it.
So, with that background, I put off reading Ape House until I was wandering through the library and just decided to pick it up. I didn’t have high hopes, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I think I enjoyed thi ...more
I am one of the minority that did not enjoy Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I can’t really say why I didn’t enjoy it, as I read it a few years ago (and maybe my opinion will have changed if I try it again), but I do remember feeling just.. dissatisfaction with it.
So, with that background, I put off reading Ape House until I was wandering through the library and just decided to pick it up. I didn’t have high hopes, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I think I enjoyed thi ...more

This book was fast-paced and made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next and although it wasn't as great as Water for Elephants, I learned something about bonobos and was fascinated by their emotional range and ability to communicate with humans and with each other. In contrast, the humans in the book were troubled, criminal and woefully unable to communicate. And it was the humans who were supposed to be in charge.
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I looooved this book. I read Like Water for Elephants and apparently gave it 4 stars, but it did not stick with me and I can't remember it at all. I found this book super compelling and a real page turner. The bonobo characters and the human characters are very real and nuanced and while the plot seems a little strange, I could totally see it happening one day. The book is also more complex than most in dealing with the differing motives of scientists, animal rights activists and journalists. I
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Good book, but nothing compared to Water for Elephants. Great topic though, made me craving for more bonobos!! Nice story telling, decent characters. But that's it.
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May 12, 2010
Cass Sadek
added it

Oct 03, 2010
Rebecca
marked it as to-read

Feb 05, 2011
Mary Anne
marked it as to-read

Apr 04, 2011
Kate
marked it as to-read

Jul 07, 2011
Tara
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
peaked-my-interest,
thoroughly-enjoyed-it

Mar 12, 2015
Anna
marked it as to-read