first week of the book study!

I am so excited my blogging book club is back!  I really enjoyed the two other books we've read and so far I have really loved Ape House by Sara Gruen.  If you are interested in reading along and answering the questions, there is still plenty of time to join up!  Just visit Book Beginnings and Bookends and link up! :)

For the first week, we've read Chapters 1-12.  I finished my pages up last night and am ready to tackle these questions!

1. What was your initial reaction to the idea of a language lab with bonobos who are capable of having conversations with humans?

I've read a couple of other books that have a similar idea to them such as Ishmael so the idea wasn't completely foreign to me.  I sometimes question how much the apes actually know and how much they are just trying to please the humans they are working with.  But, I'm pretty open to the idea and have loved reading about the bonobos and how they communicate with each other and the humans!  

2. Isabel said early in the book that the apes know they're apes and know that the humans are humans, but they don't see any superiority with either... What do you think the major difference is between the two?

I loved this part of the book!  I think that we, as humans, always view ourselves as the superior species.  We even take care of other animals--dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, etc.  This idea of knowing that we are different, but not seeing any superiority was really eye-opening to me.  I have two cats and two dogs and completely consider myself their mom!  But, to have an animal (especially a bonob0) who knew we were different but didn't think he was superior to me would be really interesting!

3. What are your thoughts on John and his feelings toward Isabel? How do you think their relationship will play out?

I am not for sure...I think because I am getting married in just a few weeks that every time I read a story or see a movie that has an infidelity plot I inwardly groan and complain.  I really hope that John's feelings are just of those of a friend.  I don't know if the author is hinting at this just to gain our interest or if there will be something that will happen later.  I am keeping my fingers crossed nothing else happens, but I hate to say that something probably will...

4. How do you think Isabel will respond to the apes being taken?

I think Isabel will really freak out when she finds out the apes have been taken from where they were being kept.  I know she is already being sedated when she gets upset about the apes, but she doesn't know anything that has really happened besides the bits and pieces she has seen on tv.  I really admire her compassion and care for the animals.  I imagine, to her, it seems like she has lost friends and colleagues that don't have anyone to stand up for themselves.

5. Do you think Celia is part of the team that ambushed the learning center?

At first I didn't think so because she was coming back to the learning center with the coffee drinks for the apes, but the more I read, the more I believe she might be.  Perhaps the extremists mentioned her name so they could cover for her.  I hate to think that she did have a part in it, but it seems pretty likely to me that there was someone working inside!  I just hope it's not Peter, for Isabel's sake.

6. What are your thoughts on John and his relationship with Amanda?

This is another part of the story where I was having a huge inner dialogue!  The book makes it obvious Amanda is struggling with her life right now.  She is wanting to produce something and is willing to move to LA to get her career going, even if it separates her from her husband.  For the most part, I think John and Amanda do a good job of taking care of each other but I think at times John gets exhausted from Amanda's emotional needs.  I am really keeping my fingers crossed that John remains faithful, and vice versa, while they are apart!

Comments

[Stephanie M]

I do fall into the belief that we are the superior species, but what if my dog thinks she is taking care of me when she curls up next to me on the couch? I really wish I had a way into her head! :) Or a way for her to communicate easier with me. Animal and human relationships are so interesting.

[Mrsc2b]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I liked your thoughts on the last questions. I like John and Amanda and have my fingered crossed also.

[Extoria.blogspot.com]

I've read Ishmael too - it's one of my favorite books!

You know, it's funny that you should mention Peter in number five - I felt a little bit suspicious of him but can't put my finger on why. It would be crazy if he was behind it!

[Lovenotesinabox.blogspot.com]

Hey girl! I gave you an award today on my blog..check it out! :)

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmvzDH9LyESm0XNnqBBIru_HJBBHIUh6Mc]

I never thought about Peter being involved. Very interesting. I also agree, I hope that John stays faithful to Amanda. I like them together, but I am not completely sure why. Maybe I just want to see a guy be faithful to his wife for a change.

By the way, congrats on your upcoming wedding!

[Lilacsandavocados.blogspot.com]

So glad you're playing along!

I couldn't agree more with your last question. I just want to see John stay faithful to his wife!