The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan - Patricia Castelao, Katherine Applegate

“Memories are precious,” Stella adds. “They help tell us who we are."

 

This was unexpected. There I was, sitting at work, checking BL updates, minding my own business, when - WHAM! - Martini exercised her Svengali-mind-control tricks. Next thing I know, I'm engrossed in the story of Ivan, the one and only.

 

Ivan is a gorilla who is kept in a circus themed mall. He loves art.

 

There is not much more I can say without spoiling the story, so I won't.

 

Except, I cannot remember the last time when a visit to the mall filled me with so much rage, sadness, and just enough hope to keep from despairing over human stupidity.  

 

"Humans.

Sometimes they make chimps look smart."