Joe, the burned-out ex-newspaper man, has now become a PR hack for a rip-off amusement park founded by Frankie, a mob guy in the witness protection program who is obsessed with competing with Disney. The smarmy Charles Chelsea is the head of PR and Joe's boss. Joe's girlfriend Nina, who dumps him, works the sex-talk phone lines. Pedro, the steroid-popping head of security, is the precursor to another character in another of the author's books, Tool. There's also Molly, the pistol-packing environmentalist grandma, and the two thugs she hires. A ton of other characters are woven in, but their names aren't important as we've seen similar types before in his novels.

The story is formulaic. There are characters with integrity, those with none, and some who gain integrity by the end. However, there are two things that stood out and made me smile when remembering. Skink is in this one too, but not as much as in "Stormy Weather". He's running around the Florida swamplands, wearing a radio collar that he took off a dead panther being tracked by wildlife feds. Endangered Panther #17 was hit by a bottle distributing company truck on the highway, and Skink is keeping its memory alive. The other thing I really enjoyed was the "battle of press releases" between Joe and his former boss Charles. Joe's press releases were the stuff of fantasies! It made me think about how many times I've wanted to do some major damage in the media after leaving a corrupt place of employment. A very amusing fencing match-up ensues, with thrust and attack, deflect and defend, everybody spinning, throwing around fake expert testimony and careful word selection. It was hilarious and well-done. But overall, this ranks as #4 on the list of 4 Hiassen novels I've read to date.

I found the story to be entertaining, but it didn't have the same impact as some of his other works. The formulaic nature of the characters and the plot was a bit predictable, but the two亮点 I mentioned earlier did add some charm and humor to the story. I would still recommend this book to fans of Hiassen's work, but it may not be the best place to start for those new to his novels.

Another example of what I truly appreciate about Hiaasen is that I have a clear anticipation even before commencing the reading.

His works always offer a fun story, engaging characters, and a unique setting. Florida, as depicted in his books, is indeed this peculiarly wonderful place. It constantly reminds me that once I leave this state, I will likely cherish stories like these even more.

The Audible version of this particular work was quite good. The narrator did an excellent job in bringing the various character voices to life. However, I found it rather interesting that Skink's voice in this book sounded exactly the same as Jim Tile's in Double Whammy. While it was a bit odd, it was only a brief distraction that didn't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the listening experience.

Overall, Hiaasen's writing continues to captivate me with its charm and distinctiveness.

I truly required this book. You know, I had just completed reading Michael Grunwald's THE SWAMP and was experiencing anger and a sense of utter hopelessness. So, what could be a better way to heal my woes than to return to a world where developers remain morally bankrupt scumbags and nature is something to be awed and inspired by, rather than destroyed - in other words, the world of Skink.

I believe that what I adored the most about this book was the introduction of Molly McNamara. What a character!! There's nothing quite like a gun-toting grandmother leading the Mothers of Wilderness. And don't even get me started on the diverse group she assembled.... It's all just uproariously funny. (And what happens to them in the epilogue is simply the cherry on top!) When you combine Molly and her crew with an IV-carrying 'roid head former cop turned security guard, an unethical developer in the witness protection program, the craziness that is the Amazing Kingdom of Thrills, and a former newspaperman who took a job doing PR for this entire mess, well, it's just pure, unadulterated Hiaasen.

This was only my second Skink book - and I hope Molly wasn't just a one-time wonder - but I'm eagerly anticipating reading more..... May we all shine on!!

Hiaasen is truly a remarkable author, and you simply can't go wrong with his works. His writing style is engaging, filled with vivid descriptions and unique characters that bring his stories to life. Whether it's a thrilling adventure or a thought-provoking mystery, Hiaasen has the ability to capture the reader's attention from the very beginning and keep them hooked until the end. His books are not only entertaining but also offer valuable insights into various aspects of life, such as nature, society, and human behavior. With each page turn, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of his creation, experiencing a range of emotions and being inspired by his words. So, if you're looking for a great read that will leave you satisfied and wanting more, look no further than Hiaasen. You won't be disappointed!

The characters are truly the draw in this story. There is a plethora of them, and each one is written in a hilariously entertaining way.

This aspect alone makes "Native Tongue" a worthwhile read. However, Hiassen doesn't stop there. He also employs a unique style and clever plotting.

Even though the story itself might seem a little underdeveloped considering its complexity, these elements keep the more story-heavy sections engaging.

Overall, "Native Tongue" is mostly just really funny. It's a book that will have you laughing out loud at the antics of the characters and enjoying the ride despite any minor flaws in the story development.

Hiassen's ability to create such a vivid and humorous cast of characters and combine it with an interesting plot makes this book a must-read for fans of comedy and mystery alike.

If you have a penchant for the humorous and offbeat writing styles of Dave Barry, Tom Robbins, and Richard Brautigan, then you are in for a treat with this raunchy escapade.

Set in the steamy swamps of south Florida, this story takes you on a wild ride filled with colorful characters and outrageous situations.

The author's vivid descriptions bring the swamps to life, complete with their unique flora and fauna.

As you follow the protagonist's adventures, you'll be entertained by the witty dialogue and absurd plot twists.

Whether it's a run-in with a gator or a hilarious encounter with a local eccentric, there's never a dull moment in this raunchy romp through the south Florida swamps.

So, if you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read that will make you laugh out loud, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!

This was an absolute hoot. There is simply no other way to describe it.

Hiassen weaves a dark and yet uproariously hilarious tale that delves into the world of idiot criminals, corrupt amusement parks, and environmental extremists. What's truly remarkable is how he manages to make all of these larger-than-life characters seem perfectly reasonable when they are set against one another.

In some respects, the book is horribly dated. We see references to fax machines and carbon paper, and the death of John Lennon is presented as a relatively recent event. However, in the end, these elements only serve to add to the book's unique charm.

They give the story a sense of nostalgia and a bygone era, making it all the more endearing. It's as if we are peeking into a world that has long since passed, but still holds a certain allure and fascination.

Despite its age, the book remains a timeless classic, captivating readers with its engaging plot, vivid characters, and dark humor.

If Charles Dickens were to relocate to Florida, he might find himself in some rather strange and unexpected situations. He could be seen hanging out with women who are not afraid to wield machetes and have a strong aversion to snakes. At a rundown roadside stand, he might engage in a wild wrestling match with alligators, all for the sake of a delicious corn dog. He could even become a drunken roadie for Jimmy Buffett, dressing up as Buzz Lightyear at Disney World and playfully kicking little kids in the butt as they pass by.

Living deep in the swamp, Dickens might subsist on a diet of possum and moonshine, while also dealing cocaine for a cartel on the side. He could mow lawns at a senior retirement center, using one of those cool motorized lawn mowers that allow you to ride around in style. In Palm Beach, he might take on the role of a car repo man, and also work as a revivalist preacher, counting election votes and sweeping up any hanging chads that happen to fall on the floor.

All of these crazy scenarios could potentially make Dickens into someone like Carl Hiassen, whose specialty is shining a light on the unique and often wacky denizens of Florida. Hiassen has a talent for creating outlandish characters, weaving together dozens of subplots, and making coincidence work its magic in the most entertaining ways. So, if you're looking for a good laugh and a peek into the strange world of Florida, give Hiassen's books a try.

Hiassen's latest book is all about the age-old battle of good vs. evil, but with a humorous twist. It's not your typical Tolstoy novel, but rather a lighthearted and entertaining read. The cover blurb gives you a good idea of what to expect, so be sure to check it out.

One of the things that really gets Hiassen fired up is people who mess with the environment. In typical Hiassen fashion, these "a$$holes" do eventually get what's coming to them, and it's both satisfying and painful to watch.

In previous reviews of Hiassen's work, I've compared him unfavorably to the master crime writer, Elmore Leonard. However, in this book, Hiassen seems to have found his own voice and abandoned any attempts to emulate others. He sticks with what he does best, which is being as funny and obnoxious as possible.

In the past, Hiassen has struggled when writing from the perspective of female characters. But in this book, he seems to have learned from his mistakes and does a much better job. The reader definitely benefits from this improvement.

And for those of you who are curious, the book does address the question of what would happen if a horny dolphin tried to mate with a human. Let's just say it's not a pretty sight.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, give you someone to look down on, or if you just think that a case of swamp ass is hilarious, then this is the book for you. Check it out and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Never mess with Mickey Mouse. That's the hard lesson career thug Francis X. Kingsbury learned when he challenged the Colossus of Kissimmee. He built his own cut-rate theme park called "The Amazing Kingdom of Thrills" in the Florida Keys. Instead of Mickey and Minnie, there were Petey Possum and Robbie Raccoon. The once-legendary thrill rides were replaced by a cheap water slide that resembled a giant condom. Blue-tongued voles, which don't actually exist, were a poor substitute for Disney's wildlife-rehab efforts. Things took a turn for the worse when the "rare" voles, Vance and Violet, were captured and held for ransom. Then, Francis Kingsbury's greed took over as he planned to develop the last pristine parts of his Key into a mediocre golf resort, despite the advice of those who hadn't been bribed. True to form, he scheduled a "Summerfest" at the worst possible time of year climatologically.

Welcome to the sharp world of Carl Hiaasen's adult satires, of which NATIVE TONGUE (1991) is one of the finest. In Hiaasen's universe, when it comes to corruption, many are called and just as many are chosen. This includes a pimpled, over-steroided head of security, two bumbling kidnappers, and an even more inept hit man from the North. There are also good people in the book, some of whom we've seen before, like the wild Florida ex-governor "Skink" and his loyal deputy Jim Tile. The moral core of the book, as in many others, is a journalist (spoiler alert): in this case, a Hiaasen-like wordsmith who does P.R. for the park and gets moral support from his would-be girlfriend. Their efforts combine with the help of a memorable little-old-lady eco-terrorist who funds the last-ditch efforts to stop the golf resort. It all culminates in a wonderful chaos of panic that keeps the reader guessing until the very last pages.

While NATIVE TONGUE may be a bit long-winded, it's still great cynical fun and well worth reading.

from the book:
An awakening nation heard the famous weatherman [Willard Scott] say:

"This ring-tailed rascal is one of the most popular characters here at the Amazing Kingdom of Thrills. Go ahead, tell us your name."

And in a high, squeaky voice Joe Winder gamely replied: "Hi, Willard! My name is Robbie Raccoon."

"You're certainly a big fella, Robbie. Judging by the size of that tummy, I'd say you've been snooping through a few garbage cans!"

To which Robbie Raccoon responded, "Look who's talking, lardass." (p. 378)

This book is a solid "meh."

Though I have a great love for Hiassen's novels, unfortunately, this particular one failed to capture my interest.

One of the initial issues that came to my attention was the excessive head hopping.

We begin a paragraph from one person's point of view (POV), and by the end of the page, we might have already experienced three or four more POVs.

This constant shifting made it extremely difficult for me to become fully immersed in the story, as the problem kept recurring.

Moreover, the book seemed to be approximately 100 pages too long.

Like all of his works, this one also features an environmentalist theme.

I'm not an environmentalist myself, but I've always adored his books to such an extent that the theme never really mattered.

However, this time around, I couldn't help but feel that the environmentalist message was a bit too heavy-handed.

Skink, who has appeared in numerous books, is simply unappealing, and I was eager to skip through the parts involving him.

Also, Jim Tile is constantly being called the N word by the bad guys.

These were initially interesting tropes, but after reading four or five of these books, I'm now seeking something fresh and new.

Despite all that, there were still some parts that were laugh-out-loud funny.

It was a perfectly entertaining book for the four days it took me to read it, but I had much higher expectations for this particular offering.

Hiassen is an exceptionally gifted writer. His works have the remarkable ability to not only entertain the readers but also address important social issues. What's more, he manages to do so in a lighthearted manner, often injecting a few good laughs along the way. Just like all the other pieces I've read by him, the setting of this work is South Florida. Here, he primarily takes aim at the real estate developers, the theme parks, and the corrupt politicians who seem to flourish in this area. And boy, does he make it highly entertaining!

Hiassen has a keen ear for dialogue, which adds to the charm and authenticity of his stories. After I finish my current read, I may very well come back for Skink 3. His unique writing style and the engaging nature of his plots always leave me eager for more. I can't wait to see what other adventures and social commentaries he has in store for us in his future works.

It was truly good and extremely funny.

The experience was filled with moments that had me laughing out loud.

There were little details and unexpected twists that added to the hilarity.

It was one of those rare occasions where everything seemed to come together perfectly to create a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere.

I couldn't help but share the laughter with those around me, and it felt like a moment that would be etched in my memory for a long time.

The humor was not only entertaining but also had a way of bringing people closer, as we all bonded over the shared joy of the moment.

Overall, it was a wonderful and funny experience that I will cherish.