Reader feedback

Monkey Business: A History of Nonhuman Primate Rights has been described by readers as 

"Fascinating...I thought chapter one was great - it was important to see how everything developed",

"Very impressive and thorough",

"Your language is beautiful and flows so well and comfortably...Your argument is cogent and well organized and, as I said, beautifully written",

and 

"In helping to get the word out, you are making a difference".

More specifically....

Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, co-founder (with Jane Goodall) of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, fellow of the Animal Behavior Society, former Guggenheim fellow, author of numerous books on the ethical treatment of animals - as well as subject of the book - writes:

"I'm thrilled that Erika Fleury took the time to write this most valuable book. It's not only a thorough history of primate protection/rights, but also an easy read. I find myself continually go[ing] back to it for facts about which I was unaware. Highly recommended to a broad audience, including those who want to learn basics about our closest relatives."

* * * * 

April Truitt, director of the Primate Rescue Center, primate activist, and subject of the book, writes:

"If I had known you were such a talented writer, we SURELY wouldn't have let you out of Kentucky! Fantastic effort - clear, succinct and compelling..."

* * * *

Deborah Curtin, founder of New England Primate Conservancy, writes: 

"...I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the chapter on the Ethics of Primate Use. I like the way you developed the flow of the chapter and the conclusions to which you bring the reader. Nicely done! I also like the way if flows into the closing chapter."

* * * *

Amazon reader Barb23 writes:

"While reading this book, I was amazed at the many views covered that I had never before thought about. It truly opened my eyes and mind to the unethical treatment of all animals and not just primates. I was particularly impressed where the author discusses how closely related we are to nonhuman primates, separated from the great apes by just one gene. Where do we draw the line about who has the right to control or limit the freedom of the other?

Kudos to the author for informing readers about the thousands of nonhuman primates that have been abused and neglected in roadside attractions, zoos and laboratories, simply to entertain and benefit mankind.

One quote from Chapter 8 says so much, 'People who believe that animals are happy living in captivity because they have their basic needs met -- be it as pets, actors, or in zoos or labs -- would certainly resist imprisonment themselves.'

This book was both thought provoking and an easy read."


* * * *

Amazon reader Franklin Jacobson writes: 

"Finally...someone has written a cogent, insightful book on this topic. Author Fleury delivers a sweeping view of the fast-changing and controversial world of nonhuman primate rights. Her detailed research is impressive and she carefully balances nonhuman primate advocacy and the conflicts inherent to the topic. Readers should not be put off by the first chapter; while necessary, it is a bit tedious. Overall, Monkey Business is a welcomed addition that will enhance understanding of nonhuman primate rights."


* * * *

Amazon reader ClubTootie writes: 

"I'm not at all familiar with the topic of nonhuman primate rights, but this seemed like an interesting and important topic so I thought I'd give it a try! So far, I have found this book extremely well-written and interesting- an engaging read for even a beginner to the topic. I'm looking forward to finishing it! Kudos to the author!"


* * * *

Amazon reader Tiffany Vizzo writes: 

"As a born vegetarian I have always had a respect for animals. I have also always had a fascination with the ape world and, at a young age, remember reading a book about primate activist Jane Goodall. I have always felt ill hearing stories of animals being used for testing, research, or entertainment. I live a town away from the incident in Stamford, CT where an ape was kept as a pet and one day he critically injured the owner's friend. My compassion was not for the owner, it was for the ape. He lived a life that was not natural for him. It deeply saddened me. Even with this knowledge and understanding it was not until reading Erika's Fleury's eye opening book did my compassion for nonhuman primates deepen. She is an incredibly detailed writer who explores the world and history of nonhuman primates in such a way that you cannot put her book down. I smiled, I cried, I felt overwhelming passion to do something to fight her cause. To educate everyone around me. This is a book for everyone. This is a must read. All nonhuman primates deserve a good life, as we as humans do, and the key to achieving that is to educate one another. Start here!!!"

* * * *

Amazon reader Henry S. writes:

"I was expecting a fairly straightforward book on non-human primate rights but quickly realized that this is so much more than that. It's a surprisingly entertaining read about a topic that is quickly becoming more and more relevant in this country. The impact of this book lies in its vivid details, the carefully laid out structure building towards something greater than the sum of it's parts and an unflinching look at our own morality when dealing with non-human primates. Monkey Business signifies a crucial step towards increasing animal rights awareness and is a must read for anyone even remotely interested in this topic."

* * * *

Facebook reader Veronica R. writes:

"I love the concise history of AR [Animal Rights] at the start. Really great job."

* * * *

Amazon reader Donald L. Heyman writes:

"Monkey Business is a comprehensive, well written and thoughtful overview of a subject that should be the concern of anyone who cherishes our world and the animals who inhabit it. While the author has a point of view, she provides a wealth of information and insights without being preachy. You'll learn a ton and enjoy the process. And you'll never look at a circus chimp the same way."

* * * *

Letter writer Patty McKenzie writes:

"Interesting how public apathy has turned to awareness. It's such a complex issue...but [you] organized the info so intuitively. While I found myself skimming the history chapter, I never did elsewhere because you also made it readable for the lay person like me!...I'm at Chapter Five now...your writing is really wonderful."

* * * * 

Amazon reader Carrie N. writes:

"So far, very interesting  The book is informative and educational. It is great when one can learn about ethics relating to animals." 

* * * *

Amazon reader Maureen Mahon writes:

"Very informative book. Erika Fleury really knows her stuff and presents it in a comprehensive and interesting way."

* * * *