Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More

So funny! This is an absolute must-see. You will be thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The humor is top-notch and will have you laughing out loud.

Highly recommended for anyone in need of a good laugh. Whether you're having a bad day or just looking for some lighthearted entertainment, this is the perfect choice.

The characters are engaging and the story is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on this hilarious experience!

July 15,2025
... Show More
Crazy antics took place at a theme park in Florida (of course).

Yes, you do get the wacky hijinks that readers expect from a Hiaasen title. However, this one really dragged for me.

The author usually provides some good insights into the state's plant and animal inhabitants in his works. But this caper is aiming for straight-up comedy.

Frankly, it all just gets to be a bit tedious. It took me nearly a month to read this book.

It's extremely hard to get excited about a tale where pretty much every character is the Bad Guy.

There's no one to really root for or connect with on a deeper level.

The story seems to lack that extra something that would make it truly engaging and enjoyable.

Perhaps if there had been a more well-rounded cast of characters or a more complex plot, it would have held my interest better.

As it is, it just feels like a one-note comedy that wears thin after a while.

Overall, I was disappointed with this offering from Hiaasen.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The text you provided seems a bit disjointed and random, but here's an attempt to rewrite and expand it while keeping the general tone:


It's really quite hilarious. The dolphin not aging well is a strange and comical thought. And that brief yet intense reliance on pre-9/11 airport security - it truly made me burst out laughing. Carl Hiaasen's excessive thinking about the Beatles, well, that's something I couldn't care less about. However, I do have to respect his unwavering commitment to hating on golf. Golf really does seem to deserve all the criticism it gets. It's almost as if it's a target for his scorn, and in a way, it's kind of entertaining to see his passion for disliking it.



I hope this meets your requirements! If you have any other specific instructions or if you want to clarify anything, please let me know.
July 15,2025
... Show More
What do a burnt-out reporter, a phone sex operator, a girl in a Robbie Racoon suit, rogue dolphins, and other assorted characters, both human and otherwise, have in common? Well, they have all managed to find their way into Hiaasen's hilarious world of Florida greed and corruption.

This is an early work by Hiaasen and the second one to feature Skink, the former Florida governor who has gone AWOL in the Florida wilderness. It's truly one of his best and funniest creations.

The story is filled with wacky and absurd situations that will keep readers entertained from start to finish. Hiaasen's unique brand of humor shines through as he satirizes the various aspects of Florida society.

From the seedy underworld of phone sex operators to the antics of rogue dolphins, every character and plot point adds to the overall hilarity. The reference to Bozeman, MT, and Puccini's Tosca adds an extra layer of quirkiness to the story.

Whether you're a fan of Hiaasen's work or just looking for a good laugh, this book is definitely worth checking out. It's a wild ride through the wacky world of Florida that you won't soon forget.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Carl Hiaasen is truly at his very best in this work. The writing and the story deserve a solid 4 stars. But there's more! Another 1/3 of a star is added because it has an even larger portion of humor, which really makes the reading experience enjoyable. And let's not forget about the blue-tongued voles! They alone earn this book an additional 1 star. So when we add it all up, it comes to... all the stars!

We don't necessarily need literary super high quality. What we have here is much more entertaining. We have the charming blue-tongued rodents and the interesting character of Skink. It's a combination that makes this book a must-read for those who love a good laugh and a unique story.

Hiaasen's ability to blend humor, adventure, and interesting characters is on full display, and it's clear that he knows how to keep his readers engaged from start to finish.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Content Warnings at the End of the Review

Joe Winder, a former journalist who is now a PR hack, is employed by the Magic Kingdom. His job is to issue press releases in order to minimize any mishaps that occur at the park. However, when a pair of extremely rare voles disappear from the park and people start dying, Winder realizes that he may have to take action.

I had a much greater liking for this book compared to Double Whammy, although it still isn't my typical kind of read. I relished the theme of environmentalism that persisted throughout the story - it was a bit stronger than in Double Whammy - and the female characters were also marginally better (even though they were still mostly portrayed as sex objects, at least Carrie made an effort).

The characters in this book were more developed as well. Of course, the bad guys remained rather one-dimensional, but the rest of the characters embarked on interesting journeys, and I believe every single one of them ended the book in a different state than when they began.

I managed to figure out the'mystery' almost immediately, but I don't think these books are truly about whodunnit; the revelation comes quite early too. Overall, it was entertaining to read.

CONTENT WARNINGS

Racial slurs and racism, which the author does not condone.

Animal abuse.

Sexual assault as perpetrated by a dolphin.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I simply adore these early Hiaasen books.

The audiobook features the ideal neutral narration, which is just right for these outrageously entertaining stories. They are so wild and crazy that they don't require any overly dramatic interpretations.

Prepare to have a great laugh as you immerse yourself in these captivating tales. I highly recommend adding these books to your summer reading list.

They are the perfect companions for those long, lazy summer days when you want to escape into a world of hilarity and adventure.

Whether you're lounging by the pool or taking a long walk in the park, these books will keep you thoroughly entertained and bring a smile to your face.

So don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the unique charm of Hiaasen's early works. Grab a copy of these books and get ready for a summer filled with laughter and fun.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This guy is truly hilarious.

His sense of humor is like a bright star shining in the darkness, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him.

He has a unique way of telling jokes and stories that always manages to catch people off guard and make them burst into laughter.

Whether it's his witty remarks, his comical expressions, or his absurd actions, everything he does seems to be designed to make people laugh.

He is the life of the party, the one who can always lighten the mood and make any gathering more enjoyable.

His funny nature is not only a source of entertainment for others but also a reflection of his positive and乐观的 attitude towards life.

He always looks at the bright side of things and finds humor in the simplest of situations.

His presence is like a breath of fresh air, bringing a smile to everyone's face and making the world a better place.

We should all strive to be like this guy, spreading joy and laughter wherever we go.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I have a great passion for Carl Hiaasen's books. However, unfortunately, I encounter a problem with the slow pace of this particular one.

Overall, it is still very entertaining. The characters and the humor that pervades throughout the book are truly enjoyable.

My favorite character without a doubt has to be the bad guy, Pedro Luz. He is a steroid addict security guard who walks around with a steroid drip IV rig. What makes him even more interesting is that he becomes overly concerned and obsessed with measuring and documenting his sexual wand.

One aspect that is a bit disappointing is that there isn't much of Skink in this book. Skink is a beloved character in Hiaasen's works, and his limited presence leaves a bit of a void.

Despite the slow pace and the lack of Skink, the book still has its charms and is worth reading for the unique characters and the humorous situations they find themselves in.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I really enjoyed this one the second time around just as much as the first.

It's truly remarkable how some things have the power to maintain their charm and appeal no matter how many times you experience them.

The second encounter with this particular thing brought back all the wonderful memories and emotions from the first time.

It was as if I was rediscovering its unique qualities and being captivated by them all over again.

Whether it was a book, a movie, a song, or some other form of entertainment, it had that special something that kept me engaged and entertained.

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to experience it again and to once again be filled with that sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the things we love the most are the ones that can bring us joy time and time again.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is the only one of the "Skink" series that I hadn't listened to. I remember from years ago how funny I had thought the series was. Written in 1992, it definitely doesn't fit into today's mold of being politically correct. It could possibly offend most anyone who reads it.

However, it does capture the feeling of Old Florida, pre-tourist, where the inhabitants could see what an environmental timebomb tourism was producing. It's raunchy humor, to say the least. But the madcap capers will keep you laughing, and the characters are a hoot as portrayed by George Wilson.

I didn't think this was the best of the series and it was a little too long. But I did enjoy the ride. The story takes you on a wild adventure through the swamps and backroads of Florida, with a cast of colorful characters that you won't soon forget. Despite its flaws, it's still a fun read that will transport you to a different time and place.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a side of humor and a touch of the wild. Just be prepared for some politically incorrect language and situations.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Native Tongue is my very first encounter with Carl Hiaasen's novels.

His unique writing style and approach bear a striking resemblance to that of Joe R. Lansdale, Elmore Leonard, and Harry Crews. In fact, Hiaasen even makes a reference to Harry Crews in this particular title.

As I delved into the story, I found myself laughing out loud at his dark humor on more than one occasion. The ecological theme running through the book is truly captivating. It shows how "Skink" is determined to preserve Florida's wild spaces and keep them in their natural, unspoiled state.

The story is populated with a plethora of bizarre and highly memorable characters, each adding their own flavor and charm to the narrative.

I am already looking forward to returning to Mr. Hiaasen's books in the near future. It's safe to say that he has won another dedicated fan in me.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.