Book Review: Ape House (Chapters 26 - Epilogue)

We have finally finished Ape House over at Book Beginnings and Bookends. I don’t want to spoil the book for those who have not read it (although some of my answers below might, so spoiler alert!!), so I’ll just keep to answering the questions this time.

1. How would you describe the relationship between John and Isabel?

Although I was expecting it to get more personal, it seemed very professional to me. I think Isabel really respects John as a journalist, and trusted that he would write her story the respectable way, not like Cat and the some of the other reporters. I think it says a lot when she trusts him even though he is currently working for a tabloid newspaper.

2. What was your reaction to finding out Peter's role in the explosion and capture of the apes?

I honestly had no idea he would be involved with the explosion. I had a feeling he was involved with the sale of the Apes when he was discussing what happened to the Apes back with Isabel in the hospital. He was acting funny that day, so I assumed he was involved with the sale somehow. Who knew he would go so far as potentially harming them for money. How guilty he must have felt seeing his fiancé just traumatized and hurt. I can’t believe he really thought she would go back to him. I am glad she got rid of him so quickly.

3. Both John and Amanda ended up achieving their professional goals. Amanda ended up getting pregnant and John is excited about having a baby. Do you think this is the end to their problems? Can John and Amanda be happy?

I am not sure if it will solve all of their problems. I think there are still some issues deep down that they are going to need to resolve before being completely happy. There seems to be some trust issues on both parts and Amanda is still going to have self esteem issues (especially after having a baby). I hope for both of them, and the new baby, that they are able to resolve things.

4. What did you find to be the most intriguing about the bonobos?

I almost cried when the one bonobo was trying to communicate with Isabel when the other bonobo was in labor. And then when they reunited with her at the end, it was all so sweet. I think the communication aspect was most intriguing to me.

5. Which character did you enjoy reading about the most?

I enjoyed following John the most. Hearing about his successes and struggles in the journalism industry seemed to be the most interesting for me, especially when he was at that hotel dealing with all the crazy guests.

6. Was the ending what you expected? Did things resolve the way you thought they would?

Yes, the ending was what I expected for the most part. I kind of expected more to happen between John and Isabel, but I am glad that it didn’t happen, and he ended up still with Amanda. I thought the ending was cut a little short. When Amanda was accusing John of cheating, it just seemed like that issue was a really big one, and it was resolved rather quickly. I mean she went days thinking he was cheating, and with a quick explanation she had forgiven him and they were making out??? I mean good for them for resolving conflict that quickly, but didn’t seem real to me.

7. And finally, any overall thoughts or feelings that these questions haven't addressed? How would you rate this book for others? Any part that you loved? Anything you hated? SHARE!

I didn’t have high expectations for this book. I think some of the reviews led me to believe it wasn’t going to be as good. Plus, after reading Water for Elephants, I didn’t think she would be able to top that book. Now I don’t think she necessarily topped that book, but this was far better than I expected. When I read the description, I really didn’t get what the main story was about. I felt like they kept going on about her research, and I didn’t expect the whole reality tv to fit in anywhere. It was a very good read though, and I would totally recommend it.