Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Classic Hiaasen story, yet the quality significantly drops compared to his other books.


Continuing with Hiaasen's typical themes of "don't be a douche", this book features a group of quirky characters in the wacky landscape of Florida, combating the forces of debauchery. However, the scale is much smaller than in other books. The two main antagonists are connected to the protagonists for rather personal reasons. This is likely due to the theme of individual badness in people worldwide and how, if people decided to be "decent", the world would be a better place. Nevertheless, I feel this theme fails as the two antagonists don't change. One is killed, and the other continues his ways but in Florida.


Moreover, the story is restricted by the fact that all the characters have to go to the island, and most of the story occurs there. This limits the scope and variety of the narrative, making it feel somewhat confined and less engaging compared to Hiaasen's other works.

July 15,2025
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3.25 stars

Honey Santana, a divorced mother of a 12-year-old, finds herself in a difficult situation one evening. After losing her job, she is having supper with her son when she is rudely interrupted by a telemarketer. The encounter leads to a heated discussion, and Honey becomes determined to track down the telemarketer and get her revenge.

Meanwhile, the telemarketer, Boyd, is involved in an affair. Back in Florida where Honey lives, a half-Indian is attempting to escape from white society but is facing several challenges in doing so.

The book was just okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first (and only other, so far) book I've read by Hiaasen, Skinny Dip. However, I did find the second half of the book more engaging as all of the characters began to interact and the various storylines intertwined. It was interesting to see how everything came together in the end.

Overall, while it wasn't a favorite, it still had its moments and was an entertaining read.
July 15,2025
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This work may not be Hiassen's absolute best, but even his so-called fair-to-middling tales have the remarkable ability to make me burst out laughing.


Hiassen has a unique writing style that infuses his stories with a certain charm and humor. Although this particular piece might not reach the pinnacle of his literary achievements, it still manages to tickle my funny bone.


The characters he creates and the situations he devises are often absurd and yet strangely relatable. It's as if he has a knack for finding the humor in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike.


Even when the story is not at its most outstanding, Hiassen's wit and cleverness shine through, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read that leaves me with a smile on my face.

July 15,2025
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This is truly a delightful and hysterical caper that will keep you entertained from start to finish. The zany characters in this story are so unique and engaging that they seem as if they could have walked right out of a Florida news story. However, they are far more developed and richer than the typical "Florida woman" characters you might come across. They have real depth and heart, which makes you root for them throughout the adventure.

While there are a couple of instances of language that may not have aged well, it doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the book. It's important to note that this language comes from the antagonists, and it only serves to add to the complexity of the story. Overall, this is a fun and engaging read that is sure to put a smile on your face.
July 15,2025
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Maybe 3.5 stars, but what the heck.


This is a humorously absurd (or absurdly humorous) novel of revenge that only the twisted mind of Mr. Hiaasen can tell.


A woman is constantly annoyed by telemarketers who interrupt her dinner with her son. Fed up, she decides to take matters into her own hands and get revenge on a particularly unpleasant caller.


The story is full of twists and turns, and it really must be read to understand the whole convoluted plot.


Frankly, you will enjoy the ride as you follow the woman's hilarious and unexpected actions.


Mr. Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making this a great read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a bit of absurdity.


So, if you're looking for a lighthearted and fun novel, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

July 15,2025
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I have an absolute passion for Hiaasen's books. I have devoured almost every single one of them, and whenever I catch wind of his next masterpiece即将问世, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. Some of his works may be superior to others, but this particular one is truly outstanding. Regardless, his stories are always brimming with an abundance of humor and excitement, while still maintaining their essence as a mystery.

This time around, the "mystery" aspect pertains to just one facet of the story. Hiaasen's tales are typically jam-packed with numerous characters and a plethora of different subplots. In this instance, the "mystery" revolves around the death of a tourist and a Native American who attempts to cover it up. The Indian didn't actually kill the man, but he also didn't exactly rush to the police. I understand – it may not sound like much of a mystery. However, that's often the case in Hiaasen's novels. The mysteries (or lack thereof) are similar to what director Alfred Hitchcock used to refer to as "the MacGuffin." Hitchcock described it as a mechanical element that serves as a form of motivation. The mystery propels the story forward – who will discover the body? Will the Indian be accused? And so on. But the heart of the book lies in the characters, most of whom have no connection to the mystery at the beginning of the story. As the narrative progresses, each of the subplots inches closer and closer to揭开 the mystery. Nevertheless, Hiaasen's talent truly shines as the mystery isn't "solved" until all of the subplots converge.
July 15,2025
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I hadn't delved into any Hiaasen books in the recent past. So, I decided to pick up this particular one. Interestingly, several characters from his previous works make an appearance in Nature Girl. At this juncture, having read a significant number of his books, I can anticipate the plot points from a great distance. His writing has unfortunately become rather predictable. You can easily discern which characters are doomed to die, which ones will survive but face their just deserts, and which ones will ultimately emerge victorious. His characters have devolved into mere caricatures of the commonly used stereotypes. As is typically the case, the environmental message is quite potent. However, this book gives the impression that he is now simply going through the motions. His writing has seemingly lost its former spark. I can't help but wonder if he has some sort of software where he merely plugs in character names and it churns out a book similar to his others.

Note to self: This is the second lackluster book I've read within the past three months! I must definitely check out the goodreads recommendations of others!!
July 15,2025
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This is not a book that you would want to give to your maiden aunt as a present.

The theme of this book predominantly revolves around sex, and the language used leaves very few euphemisms. However, it is also extremely funny. Hiaason fans will have a good idea of what to expect.

Just like all good farces, it commences with a reasonably plausible premise. A single mother is having dinner with her son when she is irritated by a cold call from a telemarketer. From there, a series of increasingly complex situations unfold. In this story, they involve a seafood salesman whose fineries are bitten off by a crab, a half-white/half-Seminole Indian who is afraid he will be charged with a murder he didn't commit, a stowaway college drop-out who dreams of becoming a television weather girl, and many more. But you can already get the idea.

This book is well up to standard and is warmly recommended.
July 15,2025
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Love these kooky and wild Florida Key stories that are so absurd you can’t really describe them without sounding like a…well, Floridian.

These tales from the Florida Keys are truly one-of-a-kind. They are filled with strange characters, unusual events, and situations that seem almost too crazy to be true.

Take, for example, the story of the man who claimed to have been abducted by a group of mermaids and taken on a wild adventure under the sea. Or the tale of the woman who found a giant alligator in her backyard pool and managed to wrestle it into submission.

These stories may sound far-fetched, but in the Florida Keys, anything is possible. The unique combination of tropical climate, laid-back lifestyle, and diverse population creates a breeding ground for the most outlandish tales.

Whether you believe them or not, these Florida Key stories are sure to entertain and leave you with a sense of wonder and amazement. They are a testament to the creativity and imagination of the people who call this place home.
July 15,2025
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Read last summer, it was really pretty funny.

This woman gets extremely mad at a rude telemarketer who calls her house and rudely interrupts her dinner. It's truly the last straw for her. So, she completely goes bonkers and comes up with a rather elaborate plan. She decides to lure the telemarketer to her home, which is located in the swamps of Florida, with the promise of a "free vacation." Once he arrives, she torments him with various nature experiences until he finally decides to become a nice human being.

It's really as good as a sitcom, similar to an episode of Gilligan's Island. In this crazy scenario, everyone is running around with guns in the swamps, looking for each other. There's the woman herself, her ex-husband and son, the telemarketer and his mistress, the private investigator his wife hired to track him and his mistress down, a random young Indian guy who heads to the swamps to escape "civilization," the college sorority girl chasing the cute Indian boy while she's on spring break, and the crazy hillbilly type chasing the woman because he wants to make her his "woman."

I'm definitely going to look for another book by this guy.
July 15,2025
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This was truly an enjoyable experience. It was my very first encounter with Hiaasen's work.

As a person who is native to Florida, I can't help but think that I should have delved into his books much earlier.

He has an amazing ability to vividly portray the unique wackiness and eccentricity of this place.

His descriptions bring to life the strange characters, the outlandish situations, and the overall charm that makes Florida so distinct.

It's as if he has captured the essence of the state and bottled it up within the pages of his book.

Reading his work has given me a new perspective on my home state and has made me appreciate its quirks even more.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of Hiaasen's novels and seeing what other adventures and stories he has in store.

Overall, this initial foray into his writing has been a great success and has left me eager for more.
July 15,2025
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Wild!

Nature is truly wild and magnificent. The vast landscapes, with their soaring mountains, deep valleys, and endless plains, are a sight to behold. The wild animals that roam freely, from the majestic lions and tigers to the graceful deer and antelopes, add to the allure.

The wild also holds many mysteries and secrets. The dense forests are home to countless species of plants and animals that are yet to be discovered. The uncharted territories offer a sense of adventure and excitement.

However, the wild is also a place of danger. The unpredictable weather, the powerful forces of nature, and the presence of dangerous animals can pose a threat to those who dare to venture into it.

Despite the risks, the wild continues to fascinate and吸引 people from all over the world. Whether it's for a thrilling adventure, a peaceful retreat, or simply to observe the beauty of nature, the wild has something to offer everyone.

So, let's embrace the wild and all its wonders, and do our part to protect it for future generations to enjoy.
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