Talk to Me: T.C. Boyle

Guy Schermerhorn, brilliant young professor of psychology and disciple of the pioneering Dr Moncrieff, is making a name for himself on the talk show circuit with an unusual protege in tow: a chimp by the name of Sam. Sam lives in Guy`s apartment, wears diapers and neckties, devours pizza and Macdonalds – and, through Guy`s careful training, can communicate through sign language.

But living with Sam is wreaking havoc on Guy`s personal life, and when shy, meek undergraduate Aimee Villard volunteers to take on babysitting for him, he can`t believe his luck. Aimee and Sam have an immediate rapport, and before Guy knows it she`s moved in, proudly devoting herself to Sam`s care and Guy`s project.

Aimee has never known purpose and happiness like this; but when Guy`s funding is imperilled, and Sam is taken away by the sinister Moncrief, her world falls apart. Aimee discovers just how far she`ll go to, and just what she`ll risk, to be united with the chimp she`s come to love so much.