In MR. COLEMAN, Simmons introduces us to two unforgettable characters: Mr. Coleman, a chimpanzee raised by a human family, and Tim Cameron, the nobly-intentioned but emotionally conflicted man who rescues Coleman from death at the hands of his own kind, then brings him into his home and his life.

Vividly and beautifully written, Scot Simmons’s MR. COLEMAN explores one of literature’s grand themes: What does it mean to be human? How do we best engage our humanity – and to what purpose will we devote our lives, our talents, our awareness?

These are the questions underlying a loving, lively chronicling of the relationship between Tim, the novel’s narrator, and Mr. Coleman, the chimpanzee whom Tim comes to love, and from whom he learns lessons that will effect profound changes in his life.

Filled with beautifully rendered incidents and provocative insights, MR. COLEMAN is that rarest of first novels, a compelling story that carries within its pages the seeds of larger truths. Mr. Coleman will move readers to consider the nature and purpose of their own lives, even as they, like Tim, grow to love the unforgettable Mr. Coleman.

MEET MR. COLEMAN

With his first novel, Scot Simmons tackles one of literature’s grand themes: What does it mean to be human? How do we best engage our humanity — and to what purposes will we put our lives, our talents, our awareness?

These are the questions underlying a loving, lively story of the relationship between Tim, the novel’s narrator, and Mr. Coleman, the chimpanzee whom Tim comes to love, and from whom he learns lessons that will change his life.

It is a life that, Tim realizes from Mr. Coleman’s example, needs changing. As the relationship — the bond of understanding — between human and chimpanzee deepens, Tim is cast back on a quest through his own past, through memories of mistakes, opportunities, and decisions made.

MR. COLEMAN is ultimately a love story, a story of second chances and unexpected revelations.

Filled with beautifully rendered incidents and provocative insights, MR. COLEMAN will move readers to consider the nature of their own lives, even as they, like Tim, grow to love the unforgettable Mr. Coleman.

This is a story that speaks to all of us.