Customer Reviews

Humanzee Pb

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4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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The characters were extremely detailed including Chingwe the humanzee and Nemo,the boy who is the main character..It was very descriptive in general.I could actually visualize the underground caves mentioned that Nemo explored.I would have liked a more detailed description of Chingwe,though.There was never a dull moment in the book.I literally had a hard time putting it down.It's been a while since I've read a book that engaging.

All in all, this is a fairly accomplished children's book, but sadly it doesn't transcend the barrier to make it a great kid's book that could be truly enjoyed by adults too.
The protagonist, Nemo, is an interesting and reasonably developed character; and Gates plays around a little with our concepts of time. Although set at the end of the 20th century, the book has a slightly futuristic feel.
The relationship between Chingwe (the humanzee of the title) and Nemo is genuinely touching at times, and his interactions with Martha are equally interesting.
Sadly, the book is a little disappointing in its treatment of science and evolution - the ideas presented may be challenging for some, but at times the book has a slightly preachy feel, and presents the issues in a very black and white way. The book would certainly from an interesting basis for discussing the ideas of both creationists and evolutionary biologists, but would be best presented along with material representing other viewpoints.
Just as a brief warning, although I'm not religious, I can very easily see that this book may cause offence to those with very strong religious sensibilities, as it presents creationism in a very negative light.