Volusia County Public Library discussion

Do you feel, right off the bat from reading this book, why the New York Times says, "If the words “jewel” or “gem” weren’t so diminished by indiscriminate use, they might do to describe “Mister Monkey.” It’s gorgeous and bright and fun and multifaceted, carrying within it the geological force of the ages. It’s a book to be treasured. But “jewel” and “gem” have been diminished in a critical context, so let me use another word, which cannot be diminished: Chekhovian. It’s that good. It’s that funny. It’s that sad. It’s that deceptive and deep." ??