Ape House

by Sara Gruen

After enjoying Water for Elephants so much, I thought I'd give Ms. Gruen another try.  She did not disappoint. She managed to make primates interesting enough that I'm ready to google them.  There is love, tension, passion, disappointment, sorrow, fear, and more.  Gruen made animal research something I could relate to and the stories that coincided with the apes were intriguing.  Definitely a great book!  (a few F-words, definitely an adult theme as the primates features are known for their casual and spontaneous sexual acts).

****

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

What a marvelous tale!  A young boy grows up hearing the fascinating tales of his grandfather's youth as a Jewish refugee in an orphanage in Wales during WWII.  As a teenager, this boy begins to wonder of the truth of these tales.  Deciding they are fiction, he is sorrowful when his grandfather dies a questionable death.  He then embarks on quite an adventure!
Interesting story.  Quick read.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

****

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

So, having the LAMEST English teacher is high school, I was never required to read this.  I was intrigued after it was mentioned in relation to a few other books I've read about the 1920's and 30's.  So...I read it...it was interesting.  I have to say, my interest was piqued, but I didn't love it.  However, I really liked the writing.
Fitzgerald's style is so unique.  Regardless of what's written, it's fun to read his words and how they're put together.  I would recommend this book if you like to read "the classics".  If you're looking for quick-paced entertainment, this is NOT it.  Still, it's worth your time to read it, do a little soul-searching based on the characters, then move on.

***