On a zoo sleepover, Ivan Zelinka gets mixed up with a couple of semi-mad scientists who inject his leg with top-secret gorilla serum. Soon the muscles on his right leg are bulging and his skin is covered with thick black hair. Most high school students would be horrified by such a transformation. But did I tell you that he’s the place kicker on his high school football team? Horror gives way to delight as Ivan finds himself booting fifty-yard field goals and punting the ball into the stratosphere. The Bulldogs are winning for the first time in their history. Ivan’s dating the adorable Kipper Swanson. And the fans love him. He’s even got his own cheer, which fans chant when he lines up to kick: “Boomer, Boomer, ooh, aah!” But on the flip side, he’s worried about turning into a full-fledged gorilla. Goodbye, Boomer. Hello, Gorilla Boy. And the scientist who’s supposed to be working on a cure is a behemoth named Elko. When Elko’s not threatening to crush someone into a ball or spray them with his personal blend of knockout gas, he’s betting on football - including Ivan’s high school games. By the big game, Ivan must decide whether to fully transform himself into Boomer or return to being plain old Ivan. Fourth and Ape is a great read for sports fans or anyone loves a funny, quirky adventure story. Jeff Weiss writes very descriptively and with a lot of fun energy, where I felt like I was almost like watching a movie or a play. This book is geared toward younger readers, but I think it is intelligent and complex enough to have a wider crossover appeal. Although reminiscent of the human/animal theme, this felt different from others I've read, and in a way delivers a more powerful message than Ivan's leg :-). A recommended read, and I hope to read more from Mr. Weiss in the future. (5 stars) - Indie Book Review Super Read! Well written and funny. Lots of Chuck Lozenge stuff that was new to me ... I need a Soccer version now that I can buy for my non-American nephews. Also, maybe a version about Netball or Swimming for the nieces. - Norm Wheatley Author of White Man, Black Man Fun, Fun Fun... a delightful change of pace. Never preachy, nor overburdened with sports tropes, just a fun romp through home, school and the football field with a boy who has a secret power that it both a burden and a blessing. - Cal Southern Author of Hoops of Fire Jeff Weiss has a gift for writing descriptive and life-like scenes that make readers feel as though they are inside the minds of the characters - as opposed to it all just being "told" to us, as so many rookie authors make the mistake of doing. I like that this book didn't feel stale or derivative, but instead like a new niche of teen action/adventure. There are some subtle subplots woven throughout and while this might be a long book for younger kids, they will certainly enjoy the fun storyline. I am in my 30's and thought it was thoroughly enjoyable and very well written and I think that it would appeal to older readers as well. (4-5 stars) - Indie Book Review Why did I write this book? Well, I felt like it. For once I'm not kidding. I think that just about everyone, perhaps even yourself, feels that deep within the confines of their mind, lurks the Great American Novel.  Well, the heck with that.  For heaven's sake that's just too much work.  I've written the novel that I felt like writing.      After all, the world is full or hand-wringing, furrowed brows and acid reflux. Why not help the reader by writing a book about a kid with a gorilla's leg who kicks field goals? The drama, humor and bizarre logic of Ivan's plight make you forget about your acid indigestion.      Or you can take a Tums. The decision is up to you. I wrote this book with the reluctant reader in mind.  A book that a parent could give to their sports-obsessed son to get him to read. But I've been surprised and flattered by the diversity of readers, a group that includes both genders and all ages. I guess they can related to an everyman like Ivan who gets thrown into a situation he can barely handle and is told to "deal with it."      I enjoyed writing this book.  It was fun imagining the situations and conversations that would occur between characters.  I hope that you enjoy reading it.  I live in a 110 year-old house in San Francisco with my wife and two kids. If I go on the roof, set up a step ladder and climb to the top, I can see the Golden Gate Bridge. However, it probably a lot easier to ride my bike to the bridge. I try to bike as much as possible, especially through Golden Gate Park or near the ocean. Ah, the smell of the sea! Speaking of the sea, one day I was jogging barefoot on the beach. I was a little worried because the beach was littered with dinner-plate-sized jellyfish. I asked one of the surfers if the jellyfish stung. He said they stung, but only a little bit. "In fact," he said, "I was sitting on my board with a bunch of guys and for the amusement of my buddies, I p