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Nature Girl

carl hiaasen

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Honey Santana—impassioned, willful, possibly bipolar, self-proclaimed “queen of lost causes”—has a scheme to help rid the world of irresponsibility, indifference, and dinnertime sales calls. She’s taking rude, gullible Relentless, Inc., telemarketer Boyd Shreave and his less-than-enthusiastic mistress, Eugenie—the fifteen-minute-famous girlfriend of a tabloid murderer—into the wilderness of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands for a gentle lesson in civility. What she doesn’t know is that she’s being followed by her Honey-obsessed former employer, Piejack (whose mismatched fingers are proof that sexual harassment in the workplace is a bad idea). And he doesn’t know he’s being followed by Honey’s still-smitten former drug-running ex-husband, Perry, and their wise-and-protective-way-beyond-his-years twelve-year-old-son, Fry. And when they all pull up on Dismal Key, they don’t know they’re intruding on Sammy Tigertail, a half white–half Seminole failed alligator wrestler, trying like hell to be a hermit despite the Florida State coed who’s dying to be his hostage . . .

        Will Honey be able to make a mensch of a “greedhead”? Will Fry be able to protect her from Piejack—and herself? Will Sammy achieve his true Seminole self? Will Eugenie ever get to the beach? Will the Everglades survive the wild humans? All the answers are revealed in the delectably outrageous mayhem that propels this novel to its Hiaasen-of-the-highest-order climax.

306 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30,2006
Literary awards
florida book award, 
Places
the united states of america, florida, 

This edition

Format
306 pages, Hardcover
Published
November 14, 2006 by Knopf
ISBN
9780307262998
ASIN
0307262995
Language
English
Characters More characters

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About the author

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carl hiaasen

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
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99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
xolocurar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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After a practice run with Joey in the preceding Skinny Dip, Hiaasen decided to take a different approach in this particular work. He opted for a female lead, which was a departure from his previous choice.

I firmly believe that he managed to pull it off splendidly. The book is just as amusing and worthwhile a read as any other in his extensive bibliography.

Hiaasen's ability to create engaging characters and weave entertaining storylines is truly remarkable. With a female lead at the helm, the narrative takes on a fresh perspective, adding an extra layer of depth and interest.

The reader is drawn into the world Hiaasen has created, filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists and turns. It's a book that will keep you entertained from start to finish and leave you eager to explore more of his works.

In conclusion, Hiaasen's decision to go for a female lead in this book was a stroke of genius, resulting in a highly enjoyable and memorable read.
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esss_05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Location: Southern Florida, Ten Thousand Islands
Characters: Honey, Perry and Fry Sanchez, Louis Piejack, Boyd Shreave, Genie, Sammy Tigertail, Gillian, Dealey

My thoughts:
Honey, also known as Nature Girl, has an alluring appearance but is on the verge of bipolar disorder. She writes letters, stalks, berates, and fights with anyone who seems to encroach on her values. Her intention is to keep her 12-year-old son, Fry, safe and happy, which has led to her divorce from Perry and some rather extreme actions. Now, she's purchasing kayaks for an 'eco-tour' that will surely have Shreave regretting ever setting foot in Ten Thousand Islands.
In the middle of this chaos, there's a jilted and kinky wife, a half-Seminole, half-white Sammy Tigertail seeking reclusion but burdened with a white man's ghost, a chatty college student who volunteers as a hostage, and a private investigator realizing some things are better left alone.
What I liked:
Hiaasen has a remarkable talent for creating slightly offbeat female leads who evolve into semi-heroines. He also introduces a bizarre and eclectic cast of characters, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what the final climax will be. I love how he takes serious subjects like mental illness, heritage awareness, and murder and adds humor and wit, making the book both enjoyable and captivating. I found myself identifying with each character, which is a rare experience for me. I especially appreciated Honey and Sammy as they battled against the things that made them unique.
What I disliked:
As a huge fan of Hiaasen, I rarely find fault with his works. However, I would have liked a bit more clarity on the final conclusion of Shreave and his ex-wife, as well as where Sammy ends up. I'm not a fan of unanswered questions, so I felt a bit unsatisfied after finishing Nature Girl.

Overall, despite this minor flaw, Nature Girl is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a humorous and engaging story with a cast of unforgettable characters.
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zaynab_hamied
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen, the author of Tourist Season, is a novel that I find myself disagreeing with The Economist about. While they may consider it one of the most amusing novels, it fails to strike the right chord with me.

The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is also on the short list, and while Waugh is praised for other works like Scoop and Decline and Fall, this particular novel doesn't quite make the cut for me either.

Tourist Season, which was included on the 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read list, also didn't meet my expectations. It was good enough, but not memorable. I'm looking for characters that excite and exhilarate, and while Sammy Tigertail may be interesting, he's not outstanding.

The confusion, detective, and other personages in the story don't bring the pleasure I seek. I prefer characters that are fuller, deeper, and more moving, as Malcolm Bradbury put it in To the Hermitage.

According to Seneca in On The Shortness of Life, it's crucial to read about lives that bring something meaningful. If a story is just about people chasing around in Florida, it may be a bad use of my time.

The tests for a good read, in my opinion, are whether the lives and characters are compelling, whether time spent reading is a gain or a loss, and whether it brings the elements of positivity like amusement, interest, and awe.

Flow, a classic of psychology by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, offers rules for achieving Optimal Experience or Flow. Reading a book should be an autotelic experience, where you're in control, have clear goals, and receive constant feedback.

Unfortunately, Nature Girl doesn't seem to meet these criteria. It doesn't seem conducive to Flow, and after a while, it brings Florida to the forefront, which for me is associated with Orange Jesus, Desantis, and all the negative connotations that come with them.

Despite all this, I still hold out hope for finding that perfect novel that will transport me to another world and give me the kind of experience I'm looking for. Maybe you have a suggestion?

In the meantime, I'll continue to read and explore different works, hoping to find that one that will truly move me.
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stacithemess
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In Carl Hiaasen’s 2006 novel \n  Nature Girl\n, the author once again casts a satirical eye on mankind’s destruction of the state of Florida.

In the past, the villains in his tales have encompassed everyone from rapacious land developers to greedy Indians bent on building casinos. This time, his spotlight shines on that scourge of humanity: telemarketers. Their calls, with offers of a slice of Floridian paradise at a special low price, disrupt our lives at the most inopportune moments.

The heroine of this story is the quixotic (or perhaps crazy) Honey Santana. After receiving one too many unwanted sales pitches at the wrong time of day, she lures a particularly despicable telemarketer to the Sunshine State with the intention of teaching him a lesson.

A diverse cast of other strangers in Paradise are also part of this story. There’s a phony religious cultist, a dirty old man, and Tommy Tigertail, who first appeared in Tourist Season in 1986. Over the years, the Seminole brave has evolved from a radical eco-warrior to a tribal leader.

In the novels of Hiaasen that I’ve read thus far, the theme that Florida would be a paradise if not for the people is ever-present. It’s remarkable how, for decades, he has been able to drive this point home with engaging and humorous stories. \n  Nature Girl\n is no different. It’s a great read. Enjoy.
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levantsu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It took me a moment to get into it. At first, I was a bit hesitant, not sure what to expect. But as I delved deeper, something magical happened.

By the end, I was completely and utterly loving it. The story had drawn me in, and I couldn't get enough.

The characters in this work are truly full of life. They seem to leap off the page, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. I found myself invested in their lives and rooting for them every step of the way.

And let's not forget the setting. Oh, how I adore the Florida setting. The descriptions of the warm sun, the sandy beaches, and the lush vegetation made me feel as if I was right there in the midst of it all. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story, making it even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, this is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read. It has everything - engaging characters, a captivating story, and a beautiful setting. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store.
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ApacheSnow69
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly appreciate the way this book portrays men as absolute garbage.

It presents a rather unique and perhaps controversial perspective that challenges the traditional notions and stereotypes associated with men.

By doing so, it forces the readers to question and reevaluate their own beliefs and attitudes towards the male gender.

The author's vivid descriptions and detailed characterizations make it easy for the readers to envision and understand the flaws and shortcomings of the male characters in the book.

It's as if the book is shining a spotlight on the darker side of men, exposing their vices and weaknesses for all to see.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with this portrayal, there's no denying that it makes for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

It definitely leaves a lasting impression on the reader and makes them think twice about the role and image of men in society.

Overall, I find this aspect of the book to be one of its most interesting and captivating features.
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TRLS18
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is one of those delightfully zany books. An eclectic mix of characters is jumbled together in a madcap plot, resulting in much sex, violence, and hilarity. I've witnessed it done better, and I've seen it done much worse. But I'm rather intrigued by how many books depict Florida as the epicenter of American weirdness. (No offense to Floridians - I've only spent a week there attending a conference at the Disneyworld Hilton.)

So, let's take a look at the characters.

Honey Santana is a bipolar "Queen of Lost Causes." After getting one too many telemarketer calls during dinner, she decides to take action.

Perry Skinner is Honey's ex, a Florida redneck. Once a ne'er-do-well, he now makes a more or less honest living as a crab fisherman. He still has feelings for Honey.

Fry Santana is their son, a precocious 12-year-old. We're supposed to like him because he's wise beyond his years, heartwarming, and a bit snarky. And I did like him; he's a good kid.

Boyd Shreave is the telemarketer who called Honey at dinner. He's a sleazy, philandering jerk, the perfect embodiment of all telemarketers.

Eugenie Fonda is Boyd's hot mistress. She's already realized that Boyd is a schmuck and only goes with him to Florida because she thinks it's a free vacation. Her last boyfriend killed his wife over her.

Gillian St. Croix is a college student who gets pulled into the plot for... well, just because she was there.

Louis Piejack is Honey's former boss who turns out to be a creepy stalker.

Thomas Dealey is a PI hired by Boyd's rich wife to gather evidence of his cheating.

Sammy Tigertail is a Seminole Indian with some issues about growing up part white. He just wants to be left alone when all these white people show up on his island.

Honey lures Boyd out to Florida by running a reverse scam on him, and everyone else gets drawn into the adventure through a series of plot twists that are collectively improbable but don't really stretch the imagination too far on their own.

This isn't a masterpiece of American literature, and there are no profound philosophical insights or epic moments of character development. But it's still a very good read with a satisfying conclusion. I've never read Carl Hiaasen before, but this book has made me eager to read more of his work.
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Rose_Cloud
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As usual, Carl serves up a helping of Florida's wildest characters and their captivating stories.

In fact, there are several crazy individuals who come from out of state.

After reading this thrilling tale of revenge and nature at its best, your sides will be hurting from laughter.

There is never a dull moment in a book by Carl Hiaasen! His unique writing style brings these eccentric characters to life, making you feel as if you are right there in the midst of their crazy adventures.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Whether it's the wacky antics of the local residents or the unexpected twists and turns in the story, Carl Hiaasen always manages to deliver a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

If you're looking for a fun and exciting read, look no further than Carl Hiaasen's latest offering.
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