Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Interesting concept: 13 different authors, each of whom penned a chapter, taking the story in their own direction. It's truly a unique approach that offers a diverse range of perspectives and writing styles. Dave Barry, with his characteristic humor, wrote the opening chapter. I found myself in hysterics, trying hard to stifle my giggles so as not to wake up my 8-year-old son who was sound asleep next to me. The idea of a manatee named Booger was just brilliant! It immediately grabbed my attention and set the tone for an entertaining read.


I'd never heard of the majority of the writers, so I had no idea what to expect. However, as I delved into each chapter, I was pleasantly surprised. Each one had its own distinct style and flavor, yet they all managed to work together really well. There was only one chapter that, for some reason, felt a bit out of sync with the others. But then again, it might just have been my mood that night. After all, our perception of a story can be influenced by our state of mind.


Carl Hiaasen did a FABULOUS job of wrapping it up in Chapter 13. He managed to take all of the seemingly incongruous parts and make them fit together perfectly. I remember flipping through the paltry 24 pages that he wrote, thinking that there was no way he could pull it off. But by the end, I was flabbergasted. His skill in tying up all the loose ends and creating a cohesive whole was truly impressive. This book is definitely worth reading again. It's a fun and engaging read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

July 15,2025
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An Extended Gag: A Book Like No Other


This book is as much an extended gag as it is a literary work. Thirteen renowned authors, who have a penchant for dishing out captivating Florida crime tales, have joined forces. Among them are the top-billed Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard, Edna Buchanan, Paul Levine, and James Hall. Each author contributes a chapter to an increasingly bizarre story that involves a frozen head and a cast of characters so eccentric that they must surely be Miami residents.


Some familiar series protagonists make appearances as well. Buchanan's Britt Montero, Levine's Jake Lassiter, and Les Standiford's John Deal all show up, adding an extra layer of familiarity for fans of their respective series.


What makes this book truly unique is that each writer employs their signature style. This can lead to some rather abrupt and whiplash-inducing transitions. Allowing Dave Barry to lead off was a decision that was either brilliant or crazy. He introduces everyone to Booger, the titular manatee, and it's highly entertaining to see a tough guy like Deal try to come to terms with an aquatic mammal named Booger while maintaining a straight face.


Overall, this book is great fun. It's occasionally silly and, like Tim Dorsey's books, it serves as an antidote to all the palm-tree drama you may have been exposed to. While it may not ultimately hang together perfectly, that almost misses the point. It's 201 pages of a group of great writers having a good laugh and having fun with their craft. So, c'mon, if you're looking for sense, this may not be the book for you, but if you're in the mood for a wild and wacky ride, then give it a try.

July 15,2025
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The plot action and writing of this article deserve 3 stars. However, there is an additional bonus star for the several times the better writers deliberately and overtly light sticks of plot dynamite before ending their chapters. This creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the readers, making them eager to turn the page and find out what happens next.

Moreover, Carl Hiassen's final chapters are a masterclass in omniscient narration. He is not afraid to talk explicit shit on the garbage worse writer's chapters that he was left to clean up. This adds a layer of authenticity and realism to the story, as it reflects the often cutthroat nature of the writing world.

Overall, this article is a great read, with engaging plot action, solid writing, and a unique narrative voice. It is sure to appeal to fans of mystery, thriller, and literary fiction alike.
July 15,2025
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I have always been intrigued by the concept of serial writers collaborating, where each chapter is passed on to the next writer. The idea of seeing different writing styles and perspectives come together in a single story is truly fascinating. However, in this particular case, my expectations were not fully met.

While I did find myself laughing out loud on a couple of occasions, which was a pleasant surprise, I couldn't help but feel that the chapters didn't quite have the distinctiveness I was hoping for. It seemed as if the writing style remained relatively consistent throughout, rather than feeling like it was crafted by different individuals.

On the positive side, I really loved the characters of Booger and Marion. They had a certain charm and personality that made them stand out. However, when it came to the overall character development, I felt that it was lacking. There just wasn't enough depth and exploration of the characters' motives, emotions, and backstories to truly engage me and keep my interest piqued.

In conclusion, although there were some enjoyable moments and likeable characters, the lack of diverse writing styles and insufficient character development left me a bit disappointed. I still believe in the potential of serial writing collaborations, but perhaps this particular effort could have benefited from a bit more attention to these aspects.
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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I have no words.

I am just completely stunned that as many as 13 people could come together and write in such a way.

It is truly astonishing to think about the collective effort and creativity that must have gone into it.

How did they manage to coordinate their ideas and produce something like this?

It makes me wonder about the various backgrounds and perspectives that each of them brought to the table.

Maybe they had different writing styles and preferences, but still, they found a way to merge them into a cohesive whole.

This kind of collaboration is not easy, and it requires a great deal of communication, compromise, and mutual respect.

I can't help but be impressed by their achievement and look forward to seeing what else they might come up with in the future.

July 15,2025
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The jacket proclaims that this book is "a delirious invention that is simultaneously harrowing and hilarious, brimming with pungent commentary and razor-sharp observations".

If I were in complete agreement, I would have bestowed more than three stars upon it.

It is indeed amusing, a light and fluffy piece. Several of the authors possess well-known and distinct voices. I had somewhat anticipated detecting a shift in voice at each chapter. However, they all became subsumed within this story, those voices being made as plain as vanilla.

This likely makes the story a unified whole rather than the mere sum of its parts. But I don't know anyone who would admit that their favorite flavor is vanilla. It seems that while the book has its charm and entertainment value, it may lack that certain je ne sais quoi that would have elevated it to a higher level in my estimation.

Perhaps with a more pronounced individuality in the voices of the authors, the story could have had a more unique and engaging quality.

Nevertheless, it is still a readable and enjoyable work that offers a certain amount of diversion.
July 15,2025
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How could I not love this?

There are some of the most outstanding writers in the field, collaborating with each other, building on each other's story lines.

They are creating a crazy and absurd tale that, against all expectations and difficulties, manages to hold together.

It's truly remarkable how their combined efforts result in such a unique and engaging narrative.

Their creativity knows no bounds as they weave a web of characters and events that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Each writer brings their own style and perspective, yet they manage to blend them seamlessly into a cohesive whole.

It's this synergy and the ability to take risks and think outside the box that makes this story so captivating.

I can't help but be drawn in by the madness and the magic that these writers have created.

It's a literary experience like no other, and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us.
July 15,2025
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A really interesting serial writing project is underway, featuring several talented authors. Each author brings their own unique style and creativity to the table, making it a truly captivating read.

The story unfolds in a series of installments, with each one building on the previous. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

What makes this project so special is the collaborative nature of it. The authors work together to create a seamless and engaging narrative, bouncing ideas off each other and adding their own personal touches.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone in this serial writing project. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

July 15,2025
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I firmly challenge those who assert that it arrives at a foreseeable conclusion. This is because within this concise novel penned by 13 Florida writers, absolutely nothing is foreseeable.

The story weaves a web of mystery and intrigue that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Each turn of the page brings a new surprise, a new twist that defies expectations.

It is truly a literary gem that is not to be missed. Perfect for a relaxing beach read, it allows you to escape into a world of uncertainty and excitement.

Whether you are lounging on the sand or sitting by the pool, this novel will transport you to a place where the unexpected is the norm and where the end is never in sight. So pick up this book and prepare to be challenged, entertained, and thoroughly captivated.
July 15,2025
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Bizarre and lighthearted, this murder mystery is truly one-of-a-kind.

The real fun lies in uncovering the details of how the crime was committed. Reading it is an experience similar to watching a movie where the actors are clearly having a great time, and their enjoyment is so contagious that it spreads to the reader.

What's remarkable is that, without emphasizing any particular author's style, the story flows with amazing continuity. There are plenty of moments that will make you burst into guffaws and even the occasional out-loud laugh.

It's a delightful read that will keep you entertained from start to finish, and leave you with a smile on your face.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly preposterous, and I mean that in the most positive sense. It's like the experiment we did in my 10th grade English class, where everyone wrote one sentence of a story on a piece of paper and passed it to the next person to continue. But here, you have well-known Florida authors writing entire chapters.

You can't expect this book to be even remotely coherent or make perfect sense. It's all about pure enjoyment. So, just go with the flow and don't overthink it. The nature of this project means that each author gets to decide which plotlines and characters to pick up from what came before. Basically, it depends on what catches each writer's imagination.

While you can't really read this book for a linear plot, it's a great opportunity to compare different authors' writing styles. For instance, there's a significant difference between Dave Barry and John W. Hall. It's also interesting to figure out what each one finds interesting or funny. Watching them try to incorporate the stock characters from their own novels into the mix is a real hoot.

The absolute best part is the last chapter, where Carl Hiaasen blatantly makes fun of some of the earlier installments. I was actually laughing out loud as I read it.
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