Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely love Carl Hiaasen. He books never fail to make me laugh out loud. And as looney and outrageous as his plots and characters are, there is an amazing amount of truth there also. As a fellow Floridian, I can attest to the craziness of our state...the retirees, tourists, sleazy politicians, religious zealots, real estate scams, amusement parks, roadside strip joints...the list goes on. Mr. Hiaasen exposes all that is wrong with this state that he loves, and makes you grateful that he took you along for the ride.
This book stands alone, but I suggest you read his others in order, as there are some reocurring characters whose stories build. Welcome to Florida!
This book stands alone, but I suggest you read his others in order, as there are some reocurring characters whose stories build. Welcome to Florida!
Helpful Score: 2
Satisfingly sharp, funny, and smart. The usual collection of Hiaasen odd-ball characters - my favorites in this one had to be the bouncer Shad and Garcia the cop. And those who deserve justice once again received it as only Hiaasen can deliver - not always neat, clean, or lawful, but justice all the same! Thoroughly enjoyable read!
Helpful Score: 2
Another entertaining read from Hiaasen, it's all there -- implausible plot, eccentric characters, strong women, crazy druggies, cartoon violence, the whole nine yards. Not his best -- but still fun if you're a fan.
Helpful Score: 2
I had watched the movie for this book a couple of times before I had actually gotten around to reading it and was glad I did. I usually don't have a problem with creating a mental image of a book's characters, but sometimes a little Burt Reynolds in cowboy boots and not much else can give you a better impression of how to get a feel for an individual.
Overall, I found it to be an excellent story and it's why I will continue to read books by this author in the future. The plot is good and I really liked the follow-up at the end of where key characters ended up. Reading a book by Hiaasen just gives you a good feeling afterwards because it's not a completely serious novel.
The only real complaint I had is that I found it a little corny how Erin rationalized, to herself, that her job was really more like dancing to make it seem more doable, instead of just admitting she was desperate for a job to pay her lawyer. I guess I prefer to read stuff where lead women are a little more secure and would just admit that they're stripping because a) they can, and, b) they needed the money, and aren't rationalizing what society things they should do. P2TP I say, :P
But regardless, this was a good read and I recommend it to anyone who's a fan. You'll enjoy the laughs.
Overall, I found it to be an excellent story and it's why I will continue to read books by this author in the future. The plot is good and I really liked the follow-up at the end of where key characters ended up. Reading a book by Hiaasen just gives you a good feeling afterwards because it's not a completely serious novel.
The only real complaint I had is that I found it a little corny how Erin rationalized, to herself, that her job was really more like dancing to make it seem more doable, instead of just admitting she was desperate for a job to pay her lawyer. I guess I prefer to read stuff where lead women are a little more secure and would just admit that they're stripping because a) they can, and, b) they needed the money, and aren't rationalizing what society things they should do. P2TP I say, :P
But regardless, this was a good read and I recommend it to anyone who's a fan. You'll enjoy the laughs.
Helpful Score: 1
A Chicago Tribune review on the cover states: "His decidedly best novel..." Well, if true, then I have nothing to look forward to with the rest of his books.
Unlike other reviewers here, I am not impressed with Hiaasen. Over this last year I read three of his books, based on a recommendation from a friend. None really impressed me. I think the only reason I read three was the Florida tie-in.
There is an old saying, "So many books, so little time." I would like to add another, "With so many good books out there, why waste your time reading bad ones?"
Hiaasen's novels are sometimes defined as "comic mysteries" and satire. I don't remember laughing, or even chuckling, once during my reads. If you like low humor, sex and slapstick comedy all rolled into one and stuck between the covers of a book, then Hiaasen will satisfy you. But once again, this book convinces me that reviewers whose comments appear on the covers of books are being paid off in some way.
Unlike other reviewers here, I am not impressed with Hiaasen. Over this last year I read three of his books, based on a recommendation from a friend. None really impressed me. I think the only reason I read three was the Florida tie-in.
There is an old saying, "So many books, so little time." I would like to add another, "With so many good books out there, why waste your time reading bad ones?"
Hiaasen's novels are sometimes defined as "comic mysteries" and satire. I don't remember laughing, or even chuckling, once during my reads. If you like low humor, sex and slapstick comedy all rolled into one and stuck between the covers of a book, then Hiaasen will satisfy you. But once again, this book convinces me that reviewers whose comments appear on the covers of books are being paid off in some way.
