Review: The Chimp Who Loved Me by Annie Greer and Tim Vandehey

Title: The Chimp Who Loved Me and Other Slightly Naughty Tales of a a Life With Animals

Author: Annie Greer, Tim Vandehey
Genre: Memoir, nonfiction, adult
Publication: 2010
Source: For review, Pump Up Your Book

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this book is: freaking hysterical. Annie Greer is the wife of a farmer/veterinarian, Kent, and is herself an animal chiropractor. She and her husband have had quite a variety of animal adventures, owning several animal clinics, and even a petting zoo at one point! Somehow, Annie always finds herself with an exotic animal (or two, or three), at her home, ranging from a horny chimpanzee, to a wolf, to 500 pound pigs, to "special needs" chickens and turkeys.

Annie's book is full of 26 stories of animals ranging from exotic, wild animals, to farm animals, to pets they see in their clinic, including a Doberman who ate underwear. Each story gets funnier and funnier, and I could not stop laughing the whole time I was reading. The writing is hilarious, wry, and brash, full of harsh words one could only use to describe a 9 month old Chimp attempting to get in the shower with you. I especially enjoyed Annie and Tim's humor in a story about the time she and her husband went on a pig foray that was more reminiscent of "The Swamp Has Eyes," as they call it, kind of like the movie, "The Hills Have Eyes," except... ya know... in a swamp. It was filled with creepy pig owners, an eerie premonition from their receptionist, and strange people ducking behind trees along the deserted country road. I also loved hearing about Sammy, the Chimpanzee, chucking donuts at Annie's dog Lucy, during a dinner party, complete with "chef," guest, and all.

This is not a sweet, endearing animal memoir. You won't cry from sadness, only from laughing too hard. I was expecting one of those sweet and adorable animal memoirs that I love so much, but what I got was even better: a hysterical look into the real world of animals from a true insider who has been working with all kinds of animals for years. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you love animals and laughing (and who doesn't?) then this book is for you. Beware, the language is mature, but really, who doesn't want to drop an F-bomb or two when they're chasing 500 pound pigs through a meadow, or a zoo customer has put your flying squirrel in their pocket?

Seriously, go buy this book. 20% of the proceeds go to animal charities, and you'll piss your pants laughing. I was sad to see it end. This book is staying on my bookshelf to be shared with friends and read for years to come. Check out this website for more information and a cool book trailer!

My Rating: 5/5