Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
25(25%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
42(42%)
2 stars
0(0%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Extremely hilarious! I was laughing out loud on the tube. It was truly an amazing experience. The humor was so on point and had me in stitches. I couldn't help but share my joy with those around me.
Love Carl Hiassen! His writing is just brilliant. He has a unique way of creating characters and storylines that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Every time I pick up one of his books, I know I'm in for a treat.
Whether it's his witty dialogue or his absurd plot twists, Carl Hiassen never fails to deliver. His work is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a great story. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

July 15,2025
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**Title: The Importance of Recycling**

Recycling is a crucial practice that has a significant impact on our environment and society.

It helps to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and save energy. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal, we can prevent them from ending up in landfills or being incinerated, which can cause pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, recycling can also create jobs and boost the economy. The recycling industry employs a large number of people in areas such as collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing.

In addition, recycling can raise public awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. By educating ourselves and others about the importance of recycling, we can make a positive difference in the world around us.

Therefore, it is essential that we all do our part to recycle as much as possible. We can start by separating our waste into different bins, such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal, and taking them to the nearest recycling center.

We can also support businesses and organizations that are committed to recycling and sustainable practices. By working together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
July 15,2025
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This was my very first encounter with a book by Hiaasen, and I have to say that I wasn't in the least bit disappointed.

The story was filled with great, quirky characters that really brought the narrative to life. Each one had their own unique traits and personalities, making them truly memorable.

And the plot? It was borderline insane in the best possible way! There were so many twists and turns, and plenty of laugh out loud moments that had me chuckling throughout.

At his best, Hiaasen compares favorably to Joe Lansdale, and I consider that to be a huge compliment. Both authors have a talent for creating engaging stories with larger than life characters and outrageous plots.

I definitely will be reading more of Hiaasen's work in the future. I can't wait to see what other crazy adventures he has in store for his readers.
July 15,2025
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I read this when it first came out many years ago and remember finding it funny.

Tried to re-read it this past week or two and just couldn't finish it.

All the women in the story are depicted as sex objects, whores, or nymphomaniacs. This one-sided and demeaning portrayal is quite off-putting.

The main character seems to bumble around aimlessly, constantly walking into trouble. What kind of a detective is he? It's hard to take him seriously.

As for Skink, well, just the thought of him makes me go "ugh." His character is equally unappealing.

And of course, there's the obligatory fake reverend who is both on the take and on the make. The whole situation is just too clichéd.

This time around, there was just too much gross out "humour" and violence for my taste. It really shows how much I've changed over the years. I guess my perspective on what constitutes good literature has evolved.

July 15,2025
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Super entertaining!!!!

Weird characters populate a sleazy backdrop of high stakes professional bass fishing tournaments. It's like a wild and crazy adventure that takes you on a fast paced joy ride through the back roads of Florida.

The story is filled with countless twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. And the sick humor adds an extra layer of entertainment.

You'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of the absurd situations and dialogue. It's morbidly enjoyable in a way that you just can't put it down.

This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of the strange and humorous.
July 15,2025
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This was a truly engaging murder mystery that was set in the beautiful state of Florida.

The individuals involved in this thrilling tale were bass fishermen, and the bass tournaments they participated in were so highly competitive that they could potentially lead to someone's demise.

A photojournalist, burdened with his own troubled past, was called upon to uncover the truth behind the suspected cheating in these tournaments. Little did he know that he would soon find himself right in the middle of a complex murder mystery.

The book was penned in 1987, which made it particularly interesting to observe how much times have changed. The styles of decorating, the clothes people wore, and the absence of cell phones were all vivid reminders of a bygone era.

However, the absolute best part of the book was undoubtedly Skink. This character, whom the protagonist encounters during his adventure, was, in my humble opinion, completely off-center and uproariously hilarious. His presence truly elevated the entire book.

I was extremely intrigued to discover that Skink makes appearances in 5-6 other books by Hiaasen. Just this fact alone has piqued my interest and made me eager to explore those other books.

July 15,2025
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3.5 I have had the pleasure of reading several books by this author, and this particular one stands out as the most bizarre yet highly entertaining.

It was penned in the late 1980s, and surprisingly, the story set in the environment of South Florida still manages to resonate with readers today.

One might argue that there are perhaps too many characters, each with their own plethora of side stories. However, this does not detract from the overall hilarity of the book.

In fact, it often leads to unexpected and laugh-out-loud moments.

Among the many memorable characters, Skink is truly unforgettable. His antics and unique personality add an extra layer of charm to the already engaging narrative.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a humorous and slightly offbeat adventure.
July 15,2025
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As Decker pushed past the screen door, his eyes widened in amazement. What he saw was a veritable library. Every wall was lined with raw pine shelves that reached all the way to the ceiling, and each shelf was filled to the brim with books. The east wall was dedicated to classic fiction, featuring the works of Poe, Hemingway, Dostoyevsky, Mark Twain, Jack London, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and even Boris Pasternak. The west wall held political biographies, including those of Churchill, Sandburg's Lincoln, Hitler, Huey Long, Eisenhower, Joseph McCarthy, John F. Kennedy, and Robert Caro's Lyndon Johnson, although it appeared to be a book-club edition. The south wall was exclusively for reference books, such as the Britannica, Current Biography, the Florida Statutes, and even the Reader's Guide to Periodic Literature. This was the wall of the shack that leaned so precariously, and now Decker understood why: it held the heaviest books.


"What're you staring at?" Skink demanded.


"These are great books," Decker said.


"No Shit."


Skink was a man who had once climbed to the pinnacle of power as the governor of Florida, only to now live in a swampy shack, surrounded by books. Decker, on the other hand, was a down and out private investigator who had seen better days. He used to have a great job shooting pictures for a newspaper until something happened that landed him in jail. Now, he took whatever jobs he could get. When Dennis Gault showed up offering a whopping $50,000 to catch Dickie Lockhart cheating at a Bass Fishing Tournament, Decker was hooked.


The world of Bigmouth Bass fishing was a strange one, with grown men sitting around all day to watch others fish. It seemed like people would do just about anything for entertainment. But Decker soon discovered that there was more to this case than met the eye. There were stoned hijackers, an enforcer with a strange obsession, and a preacher with a penchant for prostitutes and fake healings. And, of course, there was the ever-present theme of the raping of the Florida environment, which Hiaasen explored through his unique brand of black humor.


As the story unfolded, Decker found himself in the middle of a web of lies, deceit, and corruption. But he was determined to solve the case and get his hands on that $50,000. Along the way, he would encounter a cast of characters that would make him laugh, wince, and question everything he thought he knew about the world. And in the end, he would learn that sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction.
July 15,2025
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This one was simply not for me. It was lewd, crude, and way over the top.

Moreover, it was far too long, consisting of almost 500 pages filled with one foolish antic after another.

I had the distinct impression that I was reading a Tim Dorsey novel. Just substitute Serge and Coleman for Decker and Skink, and you'll understand precisely what I mean.

There was an abundance of gore and animal abuse. I had to quit just before the end as I couldn't endure any more sex and violence.

It's evident that Mr Hiaasen is writing for a male audience, not for an 83-year-old woman like me, even though I do reside in Florida!!

I've already given up on Dorsey for the same reasons.

The fact that I despise fishing didn't make matters any better either.

The book was written in 1987, yet all the racist remarks and descriptions were truly horrifying. They made me cringe.

Was that really considered acceptable back then??

It's truly a pity that such content was included in a book. It really detracted from what could have potentially been an interesting story.

I hope that in the future, authors will be more mindful of the impact their words can have and will strive to create works that are more inclusive and respectful.
July 15,2025
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I sometimes have a penchant for reading a novel that doesn't take itself overly seriously. This particular one falls right into that category.

It presents completely silly and impossible situations that are truly a delight to encounter.

It's precisely the kind of thing I needed during my vacation.

The story unfolds in the most absurd ways, yet it manages to keep me engaged and entertained throughout.

The characters are larger than life and their actions are so outlandish that it's hard not to laugh out loud.

It's a refreshing break from the more serious and complex novels that I usually read.

This lighthearted and humorous novel has become my go-to during my vacation, providing me with countless hours of amusement and relaxation.

July 15,2025
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A wild ride, as usual for a Hiaasen book. I haven't read one of these in a while and I truly enjoyed it, despite all the bass fishing. There is just so much bass fishing!

R.J. Decker, a former news photographer now freelancing as a private investigator and mainly doing insurance fraud work, is hired by a wealthy bass fisherman. The task is to obtain evidence that a rival is cheating to win big money bass fishing tournaments. The setting is Florida and Louisiana in the 1980s, filled with rabid developers, sleazy TV evangelists, and hordes of white men in boats vying for the glory of catching the biggest fish.

The story is convoluted and brimming with colorful characters. Skink, the mystery man with the flowered shower cap who lives in the woods and dines on roadkill, is one of the strangest characters I've ever come across in a book. We get to learn about his backstory, and since GR calls this "Skink #1", we know he'll survive and embark on other adventures. I wouldn't mind seeing him again. Then there's the rich fisherman's sister Lanie, the black highway patrolman Jim Tile assigned to the most racist, rednecked corner of Florida, Decker's Miami cop friend Al García, the opportunist so-called preacher Weeb, and an assortment of lowlifes in pickup trucks.

And, yes, there is so much bass fishing. I've witnessed with my own eyes people getting excited about a current TV show called River Monsters. Closer to the time this book is set, I remember weekend fishing shows on broadcast TV that must have had an audience, strange as it seemed. I don't quite understand the appeal, but I guess it's something like watching other people bake on The Great British Baking Show. So, I don't judge too harshly.

Anyway, in this book, we delve into the nitty-gritty details of bass fishing, especially bass fishing for big money. At one point, there's a $250,000 prize for the biggest fish, plus a new boat and other goodies. We do catch glimpses of people who aren't just in it for the money. There's a sweet moment with a rival TV fisherman that redeems the activity (although I can't help but think about those poor fish, yanked around by something sharp in their lips, half drowned in air, and then tossed back to endure it all again next weekend).

And Florida. I used to watch The Everglades on TV, and in the 70s, I read all the John D. MacDonald Travis McGee books. A good friend also grew up in Tallahassee, so I have a mental picture of how it once was. Hiaasen wrote this book in 1987, when the wild and woolly development was still relatively fresh. He describes the state scrambling to turn a few remaining beach dunes into parks. It's satisfying to see one of the worst developers getting his just deserts. I live in Arizona, which shares some history with Florida, so what Hiaasen writes about in the nooks and crannies of the story resonates with what I've seen in the newspapers here over the past 40 years.
July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaasen has a unique talent for making you realize just how fortunate you are not to reside in Florida. At first, you might think that surely not everyone there is completely off the wall. However, when you recall those numerous vacations you've endured in Florida, you quickly come to the conclusion that, yes, it truly is that crazy.

Hiaasen's stories, filled with a cast of insanely loony characters in the most improbable, hilarious, and mind-boggling situations that you somehow still manage to believe, are the perfect reading material for a lackluster summer afternoon. His vivid descriptions and zany plots transport you into a world that is both entertaining and slightly terrifying. Whether it's the antics of a deranged alligator hunter or the misadventures of a bumbling private investigator, Hiaasen's writing never fails to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, the next time you're looking for a good read to pass the time on a hot summer day, pick up a Carl Hiaasen novel and prepare to be thoroughly entertained.
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