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My Remarkable Little Monkey
Marty Anderson is looking for some companionship and decides he must have a monkey. It is a decision that will soon change his life. The capuchin monkey he purchases turns out to be more than just an ordinary little tree-swinging pet. This monkey, named Shakespeare, is exceptionally bright. Marty does everything he can think of to accommodate his furry brilliant friend, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough. Join Marty and his group of unforgettable friends as they try to give Shakespeare a proper upbringing in an unpredictable human-oriented world. In My Remarkable Little Monkey, the outlandish becomes a reality and the status quo becomes unbelievable. Once you are done reading, you’ll put this book down while scratching your head and wondering what just happened.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2017
9 people are currently reading
2436 people want to read
About the author
Mark Lages
21 books311 followersQuickly...I was born and raised in California, but now live in South Carolina with my wife and our animals. I am neither a liberal nor a conservative. In fact, I despise politics. I think of myself as an artist, and not as a journalist. I've been influenced by Milton Friedman, Frank Lloyd Wright, Hunter S Thompson, Douglas Adams, Salvador Dali, MC Escher, JS Bach, Keith Jarrett, Vincent Price, Tom Waits, and many others. I like to smoke cigars and drink lots of coffee. And I do love to write. Lock me in a room with a box of cigars, a coffee maker, and a computer, and I will do just fine. Click here to leap to my website for more info about me and my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 15, 2017
Adorable story of a man who decides to have a monkey as a pet. Soon afterwards, the monkey starts talking and then starts doing other humanlike things. I loved this book.
May 8, 2020
4.25 stars
Another great read from an author who is quickly becoming my favorite.
In a departure from his usual plots, Mr. Lages weaves a wonderfully imaginative tale about Marty and his capuchin monkey, who he names "William Shakespeare." What unfolds is a captivating plot detailing their lives together and how Marty does everything he is able to do to educate Shakespeare once the monkey begins to talk. (His first 'word' was 'TV').
In-home tutors are hired (Marty is very well off after inheriting his father's estate) and before long W.S. is reading, writing and speaking better than most humans. W.S. writes a book and it gets published to rave reviews, which leads to a movie.
The monkey is courted by UCLA to be taught by it's best professors and W.S. attends. (Many years prior, he began wearing clothes.) He learns at an astonishing rate, all the while writing his second novel regarding life and death. Once the book is published, it is not well received. It seems that W.S. doesn't believe in God, which, being a monkey, is understandable. But the public does not see it that way and disparages him.
By now, Marty is married to Sarah. W.S. meets a woman at UCLA and they, despite all objections, get married. This also creates an uproar with the public, further alienating W.S. from his once huge public fan base. Death threats are made and Marty hires a publisist and security for the simian.
A few months later, W.S.'s wife, Becky, is killed by the man who had been making death threats against W.S.. The killer is caught, but W.S. is devastated. Becky's father, who was always against her marriage to a monkey, decried W.S. to every reporter, television show and media outlet that will listen to him.
In an effort to get back into the public's good graces, W.S. writes a third book. This novel will be an attempt to explain his second novel in greater detail, while also apologizing for some of the wording therein.
Unfortunately, this book only adds fuel to an already hot fire. More death threats are made, protests are formed and the media has a field day with Shakespeare's life. He keeps the subject matter secret, not even allowing Marty and Sarah to read the manuscript until it's completed.
Finally, W.S. gives Marty and Sarah the manuscript. They read it in totality, finding a shocking conclusion that shakes them to their very cores.
What was in the third book that upset Marty and Sarah so? What did W.S. write that made them rush over to the simians' home? Well, I cannot tell you, for that would not benefit future readers. Let me conclude by stating this: I enjoyed the heck out of this book and I think you will also. Go on... take a look inside a monkey's life among the human race he clearly is more intelligent than 95% of. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Another great read from an author who is quickly becoming my favorite.
In a departure from his usual plots, Mr. Lages weaves a wonderfully imaginative tale about Marty and his capuchin monkey, who he names "William Shakespeare." What unfolds is a captivating plot detailing their lives together and how Marty does everything he is able to do to educate Shakespeare once the monkey begins to talk. (His first 'word' was 'TV').
In-home tutors are hired (Marty is very well off after inheriting his father's estate) and before long W.S. is reading, writing and speaking better than most humans. W.S. writes a book and it gets published to rave reviews, which leads to a movie.
The monkey is courted by UCLA to be taught by it's best professors and W.S. attends. (Many years prior, he began wearing clothes.) He learns at an astonishing rate, all the while writing his second novel regarding life and death. Once the book is published, it is not well received. It seems that W.S. doesn't believe in God, which, being a monkey, is understandable. But the public does not see it that way and disparages him.
By now, Marty is married to Sarah. W.S. meets a woman at UCLA and they, despite all objections, get married. This also creates an uproar with the public, further alienating W.S. from his once huge public fan base. Death threats are made and Marty hires a publisist and security for the simian.
A few months later, W.S.'s wife, Becky, is killed by the man who had been making death threats against W.S.. The killer is caught, but W.S. is devastated. Becky's father, who was always against her marriage to a monkey, decried W.S. to every reporter, television show and media outlet that will listen to him.
In an effort to get back into the public's good graces, W.S. writes a third book. This novel will be an attempt to explain his second novel in greater detail, while also apologizing for some of the wording therein.
Unfortunately, this book only adds fuel to an already hot fire. More death threats are made, protests are formed and the media has a field day with Shakespeare's life. He keeps the subject matter secret, not even allowing Marty and Sarah to read the manuscript until it's completed.
Finally, W.S. gives Marty and Sarah the manuscript. They read it in totality, finding a shocking conclusion that shakes them to their very cores.
What was in the third book that upset Marty and Sarah so? What did W.S. write that made them rush over to the simians' home? Well, I cannot tell you, for that would not benefit future readers. Let me conclude by stating this: I enjoyed the heck out of this book and I think you will also. Go on... take a look inside a monkey's life among the human race he clearly is more intelligent than 95% of. I promise you will not be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
In typical Lages style, "My Remarkable Little Monkey" is a quirky story told in a conversational tone. Here, we follow Marty who decides to buy a monkey and name him Shakespeare, after the Infinite Monkey Theorem (that a monkey left in a room with a word processing computer for an infinite amount of time would type the words of Shakespeare perfectly without typos). Shakespeare isn't just any monkey though- he's exceptionally intelligent, able to talk and act like a human.
Lages uses a very conversational tone in his books, so you feel like the narrator is talking to you casually, and this book is no different. This style seems to move it along at a decent (steady) pace, although it does slow down towards the end and drag a bit later on. The content is a bit odd but interesting, and perhaps less surreal than Lages's other books. A highly intelligent monkey is not so far out of the blue. Marty is a likable character and very personable, which makes his story worth reading. Shakespeare was well developed as well, and the journey between the two was clever and at times heartwarming. Overall, I think fans of Lages's other books will enjoy this one!
Please note that I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Lages uses a very conversational tone in his books, so you feel like the narrator is talking to you casually, and this book is no different. This style seems to move it along at a decent (steady) pace, although it does slow down towards the end and drag a bit later on. The content is a bit odd but interesting, and perhaps less surreal than Lages's other books. A highly intelligent monkey is not so far out of the blue. Marty is a likable character and very personable, which makes his story worth reading. Shakespeare was well developed as well, and the journey between the two was clever and at times heartwarming. Overall, I think fans of Lages's other books will enjoy this one!
Please note that I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 24, 2019
An enjoyable novel chock full of ideas. I think I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the last half, but Mr. Lages created an interesting premise and took it places I wasn’t expecting. Similar to but much more enjoyable than ISHMAEL, this novel leaves the reader with many thoughts to ponder. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mr. Lages.
August 31, 2017
A quirky tale that's fun to read. I would have given five stars except I felt that the ending dragged a little.
July 6, 2017
My Remarkable Little Monkey by Mark Lages is in a word remarkable. There are many other adjectives that I could use to describe this little gem of a book such as insightful, quirky, off-beat, unique, intriguing.....but I am not sure any of them do it justice. I am not going to give a summary of the book because if I did, I am pretty sure you would not choose to read it, which would be a mistake. Now I like a book that has all of the attributes that I just listed, but when I read the blub on the book cover, I thought, "Now, this might just be the silliest premise for a book ever," and to be frank, some of the story line is quite outside the box of realism or even believability. However, I simply could not resist reading a book in which the main character is a monkey named Shakespeare, and I have no regrets that I opened it up and started reading away. The book addresses many issues in a way that left me going "hmmmmmm," and made me see things in an entirely new light. As the book cover stated, " Once you are done reading, you'll put this book down while scratching your head and wondering what just happened. " So, if you like reading books from a totally different perspective, that make you think, and make you feel, run, don't walk down to your nearest book store, or let your fingers do the talking and order My Remarkable Little Monkey. You may hate it, or you may love it as I did, but you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
July 27, 2017
This is an unusual book. It's about a Capuchin who is anything but ordinary. It's a creative way for the author to share his philosophical views. At first I thought it was a little predictable, but as I read more I got really involved in the monkey's life and how it affected the characters. I didn't mind the philosophical part because I mostly agree with the author; however, if you have very firm views and opinions and happen to disagree with the author, you may not like that part of the book. I think the author did a good job presenting his views in a non-confrontational way.
The author himself says, "I anticipate some readers will find the absurd premise of this book hard to take seriously. Perhaps some will even think it's a little childish, but this is not a children's book. And if you'll give it a chance, I think you'll enjoy it." I didn't think it too childish, and I did enjoy it.
He goes on to say, "...my objective is to tell a story that is entertaining and thought provoking....I try to explore what it means to be different..." I read most of the book in one sitting, so I think he did what he wanted.
The author himself says, "I anticipate some readers will find the absurd premise of this book hard to take seriously. Perhaps some will even think it's a little childish, but this is not a children's book. And if you'll give it a chance, I think you'll enjoy it." I didn't think it too childish, and I did enjoy it.
He goes on to say, "...my objective is to tell a story that is entertaining and thought provoking....I try to explore what it means to be different..." I read most of the book in one sitting, so I think he did what he wanted.
October 15, 2017
This is a story of Marty Anderson, a lonely young man, who gets more than he bargained for when he buys a pet capuchin monkey. Odd choice of a pet for many of us, but Marty is not exactly normal, either. Marty is an independently wealthy orphan living by himself.at the beginning of the story.
His new pet monkey is christened Shakespeare and quickly becomes a character that readers will feel affection for. The narrator is Marty, and Marty’s love of Shakespeare shows in the way the story is told. This pet becomes more of a companion than many pets are. Like it says in the theme to the Golden Girls, he becomes “a friend and a confidant.”
On the surface this is a fun story about a man with a pet monkey. However, if the story was just about a pet monkey it could have been a picture book for kids, but the philosophical and ethical questions raised make this story intriguing on many different levels. Answers for some of those questions are presented from the point of view of an amazingly bright (even for a human) monkey, his owner, and various other characters, but other questions are asked and the reader is left to think them over and answer for themselves. Shakespeare serves as an intelligent observer of humanity, interacting with but not quite part of it, letting the reader reflect on the often contradictory mind of man (and woman).
Shakespeare acts as a mirror for humanity, looking and evaluating our culture and species, pointing out cognitive dissonance at several points. If you are looking for a light story, this is a mostly upbeat one. If you are looking for a deeper work with subtle symbolism and deep ruminations, this is also a good one.
I would suggest this book for middle school age and up. There is a brief discussion of abortion and interspecies relationships (with consent by a sentient creature), but nothing graphic.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author and/or publisher.
His new pet monkey is christened Shakespeare and quickly becomes a character that readers will feel affection for. The narrator is Marty, and Marty’s love of Shakespeare shows in the way the story is told. This pet becomes more of a companion than many pets are. Like it says in the theme to the Golden Girls, he becomes “a friend and a confidant.”
On the surface this is a fun story about a man with a pet monkey. However, if the story was just about a pet monkey it could have been a picture book for kids, but the philosophical and ethical questions raised make this story intriguing on many different levels. Answers for some of those questions are presented from the point of view of an amazingly bright (even for a human) monkey, his owner, and various other characters, but other questions are asked and the reader is left to think them over and answer for themselves. Shakespeare serves as an intelligent observer of humanity, interacting with but not quite part of it, letting the reader reflect on the often contradictory mind of man (and woman).
Shakespeare acts as a mirror for humanity, looking and evaluating our culture and species, pointing out cognitive dissonance at several points. If you are looking for a light story, this is a mostly upbeat one. If you are looking for a deeper work with subtle symbolism and deep ruminations, this is also a good one.
I would suggest this book for middle school age and up. There is a brief discussion of abortion and interspecies relationships (with consent by a sentient creature), but nothing graphic.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author and/or publisher.
August 28, 2017
I was not expecting a monkey so remarkable that he could burp out a haiku but I got one. I had mixed emotions while reading this book. I thought it was a compelling enough read but towards the end, maybe the last 50 pages, I just wanted the author to wrap things up. That doesn't happen very often but a monkey that could not only speak but do so while burping a haiku regained my waning attention. That's talent but monkeys are trouble so that's where it ends.
I feel like I started this review backwards lol. I got a copy of this for free, thank you to the author and the publisher. When I started reading this I thought it was a true story. I would tell my sister about this crazy monkey book I was reading but it didn't take me long to realize it wasn't true. The whole time I was reading it I'd randomly update my sister about what was happening, all the while reminding her that it wasn't true. I mean, most monkeys are of the poo flinging mentality and don't have much to say about the nuances of the English language. Not Shakespeare. He wrote books, could belch better than most teenagers, spoke, had an IQ greater than mine (I'm almost positive anyways), is toilet trained, and made a movie. I'm not sure why I wanted this to be a real story so badly but that didn't change my opinion of the book.
Aside from the initial disappointment of this being fiction instead of non-fiction the only other thing that bothered me was when one of the characters in the book died. Normally, I'd be bummed, at the very least, possibly sobbing like I'm watching a Lifetime movie. I barely reacted. So, that happened, I scratched my head and realized I didn't really get attached to any of the characters. But, don't read this if you haven't watched the finale of the current season of Game of Thrones, I wasn't giddy like when Little Finger got tag teamed by the Stark girls. <- Sound like something he'd like but I'm intentionally not ruining that for you.
I feel like I started this review backwards lol. I got a copy of this for free, thank you to the author and the publisher. When I started reading this I thought it was a true story. I would tell my sister about this crazy monkey book I was reading but it didn't take me long to realize it wasn't true. The whole time I was reading it I'd randomly update my sister about what was happening, all the while reminding her that it wasn't true. I mean, most monkeys are of the poo flinging mentality and don't have much to say about the nuances of the English language. Not Shakespeare. He wrote books, could belch better than most teenagers, spoke, had an IQ greater than mine (I'm almost positive anyways), is toilet trained, and made a movie. I'm not sure why I wanted this to be a real story so badly but that didn't change my opinion of the book.
Aside from the initial disappointment of this being fiction instead of non-fiction the only other thing that bothered me was when one of the characters in the book died. Normally, I'd be bummed, at the very least, possibly sobbing like I'm watching a Lifetime movie. I barely reacted. So, that happened, I scratched my head and realized I didn't really get attached to any of the characters. But, don't read this if you haven't watched the finale of the current season of Game of Thrones, I wasn't giddy like when Little Finger got tag teamed by the Stark girls. <- Sound like something he'd like but I'm intentionally not ruining that for you.
June 19, 2017
I don’t think I can say enough about this book. # 1 for the 2017 yr.
Marty Anderson not your typical playboy, has found you would say a roommate. His name is Shakespeare.
The guy always gets the girl.
Follow the adventure & journey of Shakespeare, Marty Anderson (24, Berkley, UC Irvine; Bus) & Sarah (18, Berkley, UC Irvine; English).
I think all state/federal governments should be run by Shakespeare’s.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written comedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great comedy movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Authorhouse; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Marty Anderson not your typical playboy, has found you would say a roommate. His name is Shakespeare.
The guy always gets the girl.
Follow the adventure & journey of Shakespeare, Marty Anderson (24, Berkley, UC Irvine; Bus) & Sarah (18, Berkley, UC Irvine; English).
I think all state/federal governments should be run by Shakespeare’s.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written comedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great comedy movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Authorhouse; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 1, 2020
This has got to be one of my ultimate favorites. I am a dedicated fan of Mark Lages so that is saying a lot.
I could read this one over and over again.
Here is a well to do young man who inherited a great deal of money from his parents estate. He need not to work and volunteers his time at a shelter but he does not have anyone in his life to spend his time with..
He wants to buy a monkey. He has enough money to buy any he wants but he hates spending money. So he finds one that he was told that he was a runt and fairy "slow" in the training.
Marty found out that the monkey can mimic words.. But he soon finds out that the monkey is extremely intelligent. It's unfathomable as to the level of his smarts. He is a genius.
The monkey wants to write a book and tells his tutor, a psychiatrist, about his aspirations.
He is brutally honest in his manuscripts and ends up writing a plethora of books. People liked him one minute and despised him the next. He said things that we all want to but too afraid to. You will find yourself applauding his bravery to speak his mind.
But one day things change and everyone that knows the monkey will be at a loss.
You will not want to put this down and you will hate to see it end...
I could read this one over and over again.
Here is a well to do young man who inherited a great deal of money from his parents estate. He need not to work and volunteers his time at a shelter but he does not have anyone in his life to spend his time with..
He wants to buy a monkey. He has enough money to buy any he wants but he hates spending money. So he finds one that he was told that he was a runt and fairy "slow" in the training.
Marty found out that the monkey can mimic words.. But he soon finds out that the monkey is extremely intelligent. It's unfathomable as to the level of his smarts. He is a genius.
The monkey wants to write a book and tells his tutor, a psychiatrist, about his aspirations.
He is brutally honest in his manuscripts and ends up writing a plethora of books. People liked him one minute and despised him the next. He said things that we all want to but too afraid to. You will find yourself applauding his bravery to speak his mind.
But one day things change and everyone that knows the monkey will be at a loss.
You will not want to put this down and you will hate to see it end...
August 17, 2017
If you are looking for a story about a silly monkey, don’t look here. If you looking for a book that makes you think then “My Remarkable Little Monkey” is a must read book. It has been a while since I’ve read such a thought provoking, humorous, honest, truth telling book. Sometimes the truth was hard to swallow – in your face truths that challenge our way of thinking about human character, double standards, selfishness, and greed. What I loved about this story was Shakespeare, the main character who happens to be a really smart monkey and his reminders of looking for the good in life, how to be happy, to feel good about oneself, and how all life is sacred. Man is supposed to be one of the most intelligent species on this planet, yet as Shakespeare shows us, is easily manipulated by the media, religion, politics and social norms. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that you will give it a chance, you might be surprised and learn something new about yourself.
Thanks Mark Lages for a great read. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
I won this book a Goodreads.com.
Thanks Mark Lages for a great read. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
I won this book a Goodreads.com.
September 24, 2017
Marty is a very wealthy bachelor who has become disenchanted with the type of women he attracts. All they want is to be part of his money. He decides that what he needs is a pet, not an ordinary pet but a pet more like a companion. He decides to get a capuchin monkey. The man he purchases the monkey from tells him that this little year old monkey is exceptionally smart which turns out to be an understatement. He names his new pet William Shakespeare. Shakespeare mimics everything Marty does and soon is trying to speak because Marty speaks. As Shakespeare gets smarter and smarter, Marty realizes it is his duty to get Shakespeare an education. Soon Shakespeare is talking and starting to read. The story goes on to tell of the trials and tribulations of educating Shakespeare who turns out to be quite a philosopher.
This is well written book and it is fun to see how Shakespeare deals with the world of humans.
Much of what is in this book, as laid out by Shakespeare, are things most of us should take notice of.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my unbiased review.
This is well written book and it is fun to see how Shakespeare deals with the world of humans.
Much of what is in this book, as laid out by Shakespeare, are things most of us should take notice of.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my unbiased review.
June 26, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I am so glad that I did! I was apprehensive at first as I didn't know what to expect from a book about a guy and his monkey. But this book is about so much more than a guy and his monkey. Shakespeare, the monkey, potty-trained himself, learned to speak, and eventually attended college. Along the way, he decides to offer his objective, non-human evaluation of humanity, addressing issues such as abortion, being transgender, racism, and religion. Being a monkey, he feels he can provide an outsider's perspective, but things go awry as the public becomes angry with his perspective. I found his views thought-provoking and, while I didn't agree with all of them, I appreciate the self-evaluation this book prompted. If you want to challenge yourself to understand your thoughts on these issues, you will not be disappointed in picking up this book.
July 7, 2017
The story is about a man, Marty, who is looking for something to make his life more meaningful. Marty decides that getting a monkey, he names Shakespeare, is just what he needs. The monkey is not your typical pet. He potty-trains himself, learns to speak, and eventually goes away to college. Shakespeare feels he can provide a monkey’s perspective on real world issues, so he begins to write excerpts for the newspaper and a eventually books, but things get crazy as the public becomes angry with his perspective. I didn’t know what to expect from the book based on the unusual preview. However, I did really enjoy the book. It was silly, entertaining and very thought provoking. It allows for an open minded viewpoint on serious topics which may otherwise be considered off limits. I have read other books from this author and I have to say, that this is one of my favorite Mark Lages books.
July 23, 2017
I have read several books by this author. He never disappoints. I find Mr. Lages the most original, most creative of all the authors I have read from the Goodreads site. Marty decides to adopt a capuchin monkey. He soon discovers this is no ordinary monkey. Shakespeare has an IQ higher than most humans and a thirst for knowledge that Marty is determined to help his monkey achieve. Part of the brilliance of this novel is that we accept all that Shakespeare does as, maybe not normal, but totally probable. Shakespeare is a philosopher and eventually his ideas and opinions no longer find favor with the masses. As Marty says about Shakespeare " All he ever wanted to be was honest and thoughtful, but for some reason, honesty and thoughtfulness weren't too highly regarded. Perhaps they never have been, and maybe they never will be." You will just have to read the book to find out what these controversial opinions are and what happens to Shakespeare.
July 22, 2017
The book was a clever way to state the author's points of view without it being preachy because they came through the words spoken and written by his monkey Shakespeare. At times, the I thought the author went too far with Shakespeare's experiences (i.e., getting married). However, there were several places in the book which really made me think of the human race and all our idiosyncrasies and hypocrisy on things such as killing, war, and 'taking sides'. The 'taking sides' as we human's ALWAYS do, was the most profound for me because it is exactly true. We take a side and try to persuade others to join our 'side'.
January 8, 2018
It was very unique& heartwarming and You can't help but love Shakespeare!! Parts I didn't really like- like- when he married a Human- I love Sci Fi, but really!!- but it also really makes you think about us humans and our hypocrisy- it is a book that will stick with me forever and make you think about life and what a truly remarkable gift it is. This little monkey truly understood humans and wrote about it, which humans didn't like their flaws pointed out! GOod story, would make a great movie if they didn't mess with it!!!! If you like sci fi and fantasy i guess you'd say you'd like this little adventure with Shakespeare, the remarkable little monkey!!!
June 17, 2017
This book was a great surprise. Nothing at all like my preconceived perceptions. From reading the preview, I thought it was going to be on the funny childish side of things. Instead this story is a deep interesting look at society and how crazy things can be with humans. This book was entertaining and caused me to really think about some of the things that were brought up .Shakespeare was quite the intellectual and a deep thinker. Loved the ending - it made me very happy! Mark Lages did a tremendous job writing this story. I highly recommend this book for a great read.
June 23, 2017
You might call this book a fairytale for grownups with a lot of deep thoughts and feelings thrown in. It is, after all, a book about a man and his capuchin monkey Shakespeare who can talk. Not an ordinary set of circumstances. Shakespeare however will surprise you with his remarkable intellect. His "lessons" about humans are truly amazing. I have read other Mark Lages books and enjoyed them all, but I liked this one best of all. Perhaps because as a teenager, we had a monkey as a pet and she was amazing. Quite smart little animals who can easily win you over.
September 1, 2017
Unexpectedly heartwarming, this novel portrayed a father-and-son relationship between a young man finding his way in the world and a genius monkey (yes, you read that right). Putting the bizarre plot aside, "My Remarkable Little Monkey" is a story about thinking out of the box and embracing our differences. This novel is definitely unlike anything you've ever read, as it is entertaining (read the life story of a genius monkey!), yet it speaks on a deeper level of understanding and embracing people's (and other animals') similarities and differences.
July 21, 2019
I won this a while back in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the first thing I've read by the author.
The concept of the book is intriguing and I was really looking forward to reading this. The writing style is like a person telling you a story during a conversation and frankly I'm not a fan of that style. Much of the story is entertaining but there are large sections were it gets preachy and these really killed the mood and flow for me (even if I agreed with the viewpoint of that section). If this is a first attempt it's pretty good but definitely needs some polishing.
The concept of the book is intriguing and I was really looking forward to reading this. The writing style is like a person telling you a story during a conversation and frankly I'm not a fan of that style. Much of the story is entertaining but there are large sections were it gets preachy and these really killed the mood and flow for me (even if I agreed with the viewpoint of that section). If this is a first attempt it's pretty good but definitely needs some polishing.
September 6, 2019
Ridiculous story about an annoying talking monkey who is an attention whore. It started off good but petered out quick. The only character that interested me was the monkey's chauffeur. It's as if the author used the monkey's voice to opine about tricky societal problems like: abortion, guns, religion, etc., and in doing so further sullied any concise opinions of societal problems today. The monkey's keeper, a trust fund jag named Marty is about as uninspiring as literary characters come. I don't recommend, unless you are in need of some mindless drivel. The $3.89 I paid was $3 too much.
December 8, 2025
This was a story about a monkey who talks. It’s written in first person from the point of view of this rich man who buys a monkey for companionship. He soon finds out his monkey is super smart, can talk and learn things quickly. The narrator was one dimensional almost like he was bored of his own story. The monkey at first was cute but after awhile things became absurd. The monkey gets married to a woman, he goes on talk shows, answers people’s letters. I thought it was just a way the author could state his opinions about controversial subjects. I don’t recommend this book.
December 31, 2017
It feels like you are out to dinner and your partner is telling you this fun quirky story. I also loved the setting and the circumstances of the characters - truly made the story seem like non-fiction as I was dropped into their lives and was a little bit more than an observer. I enjoyed watching how Shakespeare interacted in the world of humans. A big learning experience looking at the world through his eyes. A well written book that makes you think - a real treat and a good read.
May 14, 2017
Wow, this book is not what I expected. I found it to be a fascinating and entertaining read. What begins as an almost childish account of a man and his remarkably intelligent monkey turns into a thought provoking study of humans, the way we treat those who are different from us, and the way we treat each other. With a talent for making us think, and simultaneously laugh, Lages makes this bizarre story well worth reading. The ending surprised me and made me smile. Hurray for Shakespeare!
June 25, 2017
WOW! What an interesting book that I have to say I really enjoyed. After reading all the
other reviews I can only say that all the 5 Star review are all spot on! I rated it 5 Stars and can in no way say it any better than the others. I look forward to reading other Mark Lages book(s). I won this book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy
other reviews I can only say that all the 5 Star review are all spot on! I rated it 5 Stars and can in no way say it any better than the others. I look forward to reading other Mark Lages book(s). I won this book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy
September 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and light, serious and somber. It tickled the brain cells and made you really think about some deep subjects, but at the same time, it felt good to read it. Humans from a monkey's perspective, who knew? I admire the author for his creativity and thinking out of the box-like a monkey. I stayed up late reading more nights than I should have because this book was so fun to read.
September 3, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have all the others I've read by Mark Lages. It's a great, fun, quirky story about a man who decides to get a capuchin monkey as a companion and gets more than he bargained for. Shakespeare turns out to be extremely multi-talented. He turns out to be a thoughtful thinker and more like a son than a pet. It's a great story with a great ending. Another triumph for the author.
December 1, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and was asked for a review by the author. The review is honest. The book description sounded so unusual I had no idea what to expect; reading it The text is very easy to read, and the story is mostly lighthearted, though it touches on some more serious subject matter. It's about a man who adopts a monkey who turns out to have an extremely high IQ. This allow the monkey the unique perspective of having intelligent thought processes, with the detachment of a non-human. Readers experience the observations of human behavior as viewed by the monkey, and the morality the monkey develops based on his observations. Suspend your disbelief for this story, as the monkey's journey leads him from toilet use and speech to book authorship and movie stardom. One part that resonated with me was Marty's journey as a parent watching his non-human child grow into an adult and experience the natural progression of a child-parent relationship.
Overall, I thought this was a great book and I would read Lages again.
Overall, I thought this was a great book and I would read Lages again.
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