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Star Island
Star Island
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Meet twenty-two-year-old Cherry Pye (née Cheryl Bunterman), a pop star since she was fourteen -- and about to attempt a comeback from her latest drug-and-alcohol disaster. — Now meet Cherry again: in the person of her “undercover stunt double,” Ann DeLusia. Ann portrays Cherry whenever the singer is too “indisposed”...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780307272584
ISBN-10: 0307272583
Publication Date: 11/9/2010
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 89

3.6 stars, based on 89 ratings
Publisher: Knopf
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Star Island on + 175 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
3.0 out of 5 stars Mildly amusing, got old fast..., September 16, 2010
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This review is from: Star Island (Hardcover)
This latest novel read like an issue of one of the more lurid entertainment magazines -- however in this case, fiction is a bit stranger than truth although some of the current stars do manage to create a lot of mayhem and mischief. Hiaasen has taken a page or two from the tabloids and churned out another trademark romp -- this time focusing on Cherry Pye, a young singer who is poised between rehab and a comeback tour. Unfortunately, she's so out of control that even her handlers can't seem to slow the skid.

The other characters in this sometimes funny story include a familiar face -- Skink, formerly known as Clinton Tyree, who had a short-lived term as governor of Florida before he went "green" and bonkers. He's been in several previous novels and hasn't changed a bit. In addition, Hiaasen has given somewhat clever names to the players in this novel including the giant bodyguard Chemo (and his weed-whacker arm), Bang Abbott (one of the paparazzi) who hatches a scheme that goes horribly wrong, the slimy promoter Maury Lykes, and the rest of the cast fill out a bizarre tale that amuses at times but ultimately the joke goes on too long. I really had no empathy for any of the characters, not even the stand in Ann who is supposed to be the one we root for, rose much beyond a stereotype. I think there was just too much going on -- definitely this was tongue in cheek, over-the-top satire of the world of celebrities and the folks who feed off them. Basically the novel was a cliche of all that and although I found it mildly amusing, I wasn't unhappy when I turned the last page and closed the book.

I've read all of Carl Hiaasen's novels and probably will read the next one, so I expect other fans of this author and this genre will do so as well.
Bamalama avatar reviewed Star Island on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book - I just love Hiaasen's mix of humor, extreme characters, mystery, and especially his unrestrained indictment of those who continue to destroy the most diverse eco-system in this country.
reviewed Star Island on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Hiassen novel! It was an intriguing, fast paced book which I enjoyed reading.
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reviewed Star Island on + 141 more book reviews
Always fun to read, this new book by Hiaasen is not his best and a bit raunchier than the others. It is about the drug culture of the rich and famous; of course my favorite, Skink is there to help straighten things out. Would love to meet this guy. Genny
reviewed Star Island on + 3 more book reviews
Entertaining read. However the ending was disappointing.
davidmartin52 avatar reviewed Star Island on + 35 more book reviews
Typical Hiaasen, which is to say, there's a credible story there, though a bit weak in this book, but told with some of the most interesting and humorous dialogue possible. Chemo's back, as is Skink, though I think Chemo's a bit "over the top", much like Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms. But hey, it's only fiction, and if you're not entertained by this fiction, then turn your brain back on! I consider myself fortunate to have been born & raised in Miami Beach so Hiaasen's story references mean even more! I actually went trick-or-treating on Star Island in the 60's! If you like Hiaasen, this book will not disappoint!
reviewed Star Island on + 13 more book reviews
Not Hiaasen's best effort, but not a total flop, either. Reintroducing the character Chemo was a good move and made for some interesting (and funny) scenes. The overall plot line was a little weak, but was also a change from Hiaasen's usual eco-crusader theme, so points for a change of pace. Having Skink appear in the story was most of the reason I got the book - as a longtime fan, Skink is easily my favorite Hiaasen character. Sadly, however, his role was very limited and seemed like more of a hook to draw in readers than an integral part of the story. A fun quick read, but not good enough to add to my permanent collection.


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