Me Cheeta, Chimp's Memoir, Among Contenders For Man Booker Prize

LONDON — The purported autobiography of a movie-star chimpanzee is among the contenders for Britain's most prestigious literary award.

"Me Cheeta" is one of 13 novels on the Booker Prize longlist. Originally published anonymously, James Lever's book claims to tell the life story of the chimp who gained 1930s Hollywood stardom in "Tarzan" movies.

Other contenders announced Tuesday are former Booker winners A.S. Byatt and J.M Coetzee, as well as Adam Foulds, Sarah Hall, Samantha Harvey, Hilary Mantel, Simon Mawer, Ed O'Loughlin, James Scudamore, Sarah Waters, William Trevor and Colm Toibin.

The shortlist will be announced Sept. 8 and the winner of the 50,000 pound ($82,000) prize on Oct. 6.

The Booker is open to writers from Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth.

Comments

[kinogod]

Yes, 'N I have a new book out for buyers of a purported autobio by a chimp. It's called "Me, Chump."

[jl4141]

Lum-da-lum da-lie-eye!

[chicagomike]

I assume this is just the Brits, being droll again.

[Budokan]

GWB wrote a book? He must had done it after he read those "three Shakespeares."

[KLordsha]

Maybe now Curious George will finally explain the yellow outfit....

[duvster]

autobiography? you mean he typed it himself? Nah ! He must have dictated it to some
hack writer.

[dimplesmile7]

I did not know Dick Cheney's book was out.

[JScott]

"Me Cheeta

Me write pretty.

[baddadd49]

Yes huffpo showing how classless it can be by running a story just to give you infants something to chew on, pathetic really.

[Budokan]

Go chew your underwear.

[darthmaul]

I heard the critics went ape over the book. It turns out that Cheeta was a real swinger in his younger days.

[rigveda]

Hahah

[filo]

What's chimpanzee for "Show me the money."

[JScott]

Me Cheeta

Show money

[Tom Joad]

I think it's disrespectful to refer to former President Bush as 'Chimp'...just sayin'

[filo]

How about chump?

[shel3364]

Chimps memoir contender for prize??

Is Palin's book out already?

[jwb]

"The Booker is open to writers from Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth."

Are you sure Cheeta is from Britain, Ireland, or the Commonwealth? I want to see a birth certificate! And I won't believe it if you show me one!

[rigveda]

I didn't even know that Bush had written a new book!