Ape House
by Sara Gruen
Hardcover
My own copy



The Ape House is the story of Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Lab. She meets, and is interviewed by John, a reporter. A explosion rocks and upsets the lab for the Bonobo Apes,and Isabelle.
She is severely hurt and taken to the hospital. The apes escape, and then somehow a reality TV show apprehends the apes, and telecasts them on TV.

From there, that is where I lost it. I didn't care for the characters. It seemed like the author wanted to stand on her soap box and write about her thoughts about inhuman acts in zoos, and sanctuaries.  Which is fine, because I love a story that has social commentary. But this one, I could not get into for some reason. I like a story with substance and this one did not fit the bill for me.

I must be a prude because reading about sexual acts between apes did not interest me. Reading about the antics of the apes with touching, and caressing, while their sexual organs enlarged. Just made me close the book the book, and say enough already, I really lost it.  I think she would have been able to tell the story without that in the book, would have been fine.
I would have liked the story if there was more to it. But, I just felt the story was flat. This is one book that I purchased as a hardcover. I bought this two years ago. I was hoping for a good story by the author. I was disappointed.  I loved Water for Elephants.  

We read this for our book club. I was not able to make it, because of a car accident, and trying to find a car.  I was curious to see what others thought of this book. I had spoken to one of my friends and she felt the same way. I have been reading mixed reviews on other blogs, and on Goodreads, some good some bad. 

The Lifeboat
By Charlotte Rogan
Courtesy of Penguin Books
and Anna Balesai


The Lifeboat takes place on the high seas in the Atlantic Ocean, in the summer of 1914. Grace Winter, and her husband Henry, a bank financier are newlyweds, is on a business trip and takes Grace along with him, on the Empress Alexandra.  All of a sudden a  mysterious explosion occurs, and the passengers are forced to either go on lifeboats or jump into the Atlantic Ocean.   

There is panic, and pandemonium. Everyone is trying to get to the Lifeboats. but unfortunately there are not enough seats on the lifeboats. Most of the lifeboats are filled to capacity. Even though the regulatory number says you can have more.  On Lifeboat 14, there are 39 passengers, but,regulator capacity says 40.

Henry, Grace's husband makes sure Grace will be the 39th passenger. It is filled to capacity. Henry will meet her later on, this is what Grace hopes and thinks. There are later implications that her husband bought her a seat on the lifeboat.  Did you ever wonder what it was like to be on a lifeboat after the sinking of the Titanic?

 Do you re-call when you saw the movie, Titanic, there was a part when the Captain told someone" the lifeboats was not enough for the capacity for the entire ship."  The question, who will survive? Do you sacrifice others to save yourself?  What would you do if you were in this situation?  This is the question of the entire novel. You think about mankind, how each of us treat each other in a panic.  

There are plenty of twists and turns and mystery. With plenty of accusations, and paranoia to sink a sinking ship already.  There is plenty of politics to go around as well. There is a sailor named, Mr. Hardee he takes the role as leader. But, some of the women on the ship have a problem with this.  This is when the story gets interesting and gripping.  After a few days the elements gets the best of everyone. The lifeboat is thought provoking and you think about human nature.

 Is this their real character, or is dehydration and starvation causing them to hallucinate, and become irrational, and down right nasty? A couple of the women are feeding in to everyone's fear, and forced to take sides. What would you do in extreme danger, and disaster?

 The novel is awesome and I can't rave enough about all the emotions I am having after reading it.  
 Wow, The Lifeboat blew me away with its narrative.  The Lifeboat is literary, but it is also filled with mystery, and suspense, and even a trial.

 This story I felt was that good. It doesn't need any further explanation.  Just a fast paced novel that you wish it would not end.  I can still feel the waves bumping into the lifeboat.  The Lifeboat is a satisfying read. A good summer read, but not while on a cruise. I give it 5 thumbs up.

Titanic-Re-Release in 3D

This month marked the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. I have been wanting to see this movie again. The cinematography, and the colors were so vibrant. To see the costumes and the characters, on the screen again. But this time it will be 3D. It will be coming out on April 3rd. If you did not see it the first time, I highly recommend it, not only for the movie but to hear Celine Dion. I still remember playing the CD over and over again. It was so worn I had to replace the first copy.