_Bad Monkeys_ by Matt Ruff

***6 stars***

Dedication: "For Phil"

Epigraphs:

Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field..."
--Genesis 4:8

Conscience: the inner voice that warns us someone may be looking.
--H.L. Mencken

REALLY not my cup of tea. I picked this one up because it has a great cover and was recognized with an Alex Award…given to an adult book recommended for young adults “based on literary quality, readability, and strength of teen appeal.” Definitely NOT appropriate for our 6th-8th grade middle school campus, but okay for most public high schools.

If it hadn’t had as many surprising twists (including the ending!) which will keep young readers hooked, it would have earned even fewer stars from me. Although Booklist gave it a starred review (?!), I think Kirkus was more accurate: “Despite the metaphysical trappings of Existential Big Themes, it's hard to care too deeply about the characters, who remain intellectual cardboard cutouts.”