written by Guest Blogger Rachel Slaiman
On February 12th at the Marlton Hotel in Greenwich Village, a small group of ladies met to discuss the book Mister Monkey by Francine Prose. Comedy, multiple points of view including the author’s mixed with religious aspects, the author takes this non-traditional play and delves deeper into the topics of childhood, aging, and love. The group concluded that there were multiple stories in one book which lead to a very broad discussion which attendees were not shy to voice their opinion.
L to R: Ala Wesonowska, Jill Wisoff, Rachel Slaiman
Mister Monkey is an odd children’s musical about a playful chimpanzee that survives past his prime. Because of the nature of the play, actress Margot who plays the chimp’s lawyer, feels her acting career is going to fail. Reluctantly, she plays the part not knowing what will happen. She then receives a mysterious letter from an anonymous admires that we learn later is Adam, yet he is 12 years old playing the title role.
The next book club meeting is on April 22nd and the book will be The Cosmopolitans by Sarah Schulman. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and other great books are being considered for later months.
Rachel Slaiman is a published freelance writer of several articles in both print and online as well an editor and copy editor of aspiring author’s manuscripts. She is currently the co-recording secretary for the WNBA and co-chair for the Brooklyn Book Festival. Rachel holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.S. from Pace University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing short stories.
Thanks Rachel, for the book review and bringing into this fascinating work and discussion. Keep us reading!