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
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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A Delightful South Florida Farce

A truly delightful south Florida farce awaits the reader. What makes this farce even more remarkable is its consistency in voice and style throughout. Despite being the product of 13 separate authors, the plot remains coherent from beginning to end. It's a seamless blend of their individual creativity and talent.



The story is filled with humorous situations and characters that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It's the perfect read for a vacation, when you want to relax and have some fun. The lighthearted nature of the farce makes it easy to get lost in and forget about the stresses of everyday life.



Whether you're lounging on the beach or by the pool, this south Florida farce will provide you with hours of enjoyment. So, grab a copy and get ready to be swept away by the hilarity and charm of this unique literary creation.

July 15,2025
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This was a highly ingenious and humorous novel. Thirteen mystery authors collaborated to write it, with each author penning a chapter and then "handing it off" to the next one.

The novel revolved around the discovery of two canisters, each containing the head of... ahem... Fidel Castro! The reader was left pondering - how did these heads wind up in Coconut Grove, Miami? A diverse cast of characters, including a 102-year-old pro-environment grandma who swam with a manatee, a smooth-talking lawyer, an ambitious reporter, and an athletic diver, got embroiled with Cuban mobsters whose mission was to ensure the heads were delivered to the appropriate party.

Along the way, we experienced the sounds of a Miami nightclub, endured a frustrating traffic jam, and witnessed various scenes in Cuba as well.

The chapters or passages told from the perspective of the manatee were especially unique. At times, he provided the humans with clues and attempted to rescue them from further trouble. However, at the end of the book, humans behaved as humans do...

The plot became rather convoluted, as one might expect when so many writers were attempting to take the story in their own directions. But overall, I believe this was a successful and enjoyable group effort. One could reread it to ensure that all loose ends were tied up, but for me, reading it once was sufficiently satisfying.

July 15,2025
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A Crazy, Fun Read

Have you ever picked up a book that just blew your mind with its wild and wacky content? That's exactly what a crazy, fun read is all about! It's a literary adventure that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences.

These types of books are filled with unique characters, outlandish plots, and unexpected twists and turns. They have the power to make you laugh out loud, gasp in surprise, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Whether it's a hilarious comedy, a thrilling mystery, or a fantastical adventure, a crazy, fun read has something for everyone.

One of the best things about these books is that they allow you to escape from the real world and enter into a completely different realm. You can let your imagination run wild and get lost in the story. So, the next time you're looking for a good book to read, don't be afraid to pick up something a little crazy and fun. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
July 15,2025
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Most entertaining.

All the authors did an outstanding job of playing "Yes, and..." - skillfully running with the plot twist left by the previous chapter. Their ability to build on the existing narrative and take it in unexpected directions was truly remarkable.

I was not familiar with most of these authors, which perhaps meant I missed out on fully appreciating how they utilized their own characteristic styles to tell the story. However, despite this, the overall reading experience was still delightful. The variety of voices and perspectives added depth and richness to the collection. Each chapter was like a new adventure, filled with excitement and anticipation. It was a pleasure to journey through the pages and see how the story evolved. Even without prior knowledge of the authors, I was able to engage with the text and be entertained by the engaging plot and well-developed characters.
July 15,2025
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I have lived with the legend of this book ever since my parents let me read Dave Barry when I was a small child.

Bad move, parents. I'm super strange now and it's your fault. In my mind, nothing beats the humor and weirdness of South Florida's best and most cherished authors. Barry, among others like Hiassen and Shroder, collaborated on the book and each added a chapter.

You think this would make for a great romp, but really, it's just as confusing and halting as it sounds. I even read this while in the Keys to get the full experience.

Like being on a jet ski, it was an experience I enjoyed, but don't wish to repeat (I don't like boats). These guys are my heroes, and the book definitely poked at my South Florida mythology gland.

However, as far as the writing goes, the book barely approached expectations. But I am okay with that. After all, it's the unique combination of these authors and their individual styles that make this book something special.

Even though it may not be a literary masterpiece, it still holds a special place in my heart as a tribute to the wacky world of South Florida.
July 15,2025
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Are you intrigued by the humorous and engaging writings of a group of highly respected authors? Then this book is precisely for you.

It is a mystery thriller parody, with each of its 13 chapters crafted by a different writer from the Miami area. Some of the notable contributors include Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen, Dave Berry, and Edna Buchanan, to mention just a few.

Originally serialized in the Miami Herald's Tropic magazine, the book was conceptualized by the editor of the newspaper magazine. Dave Berry penned the first chapter, which was then passed on to the next writer, and so forth, until Carl Hiaasen completed the final chapter.

The manatee in the title, named Booger, is a gentle being who, for some reason, finds himself caught up in the antics of some very interesting, and some not so intelligent, individuals. There's the 102-year-old woman who swims with him in the middle of the night, and the men who kidnap her granddaughter and seem to be the recipients of one of the mysterious containers that so many people are eager to get their hands on.

The plot involves numerous characters, coincidences, murders, and those mysterious canisters. For the most part, it is slightly improbable, silly, and extremely enjoyable reading.

The book was first published in 1996, and the proceeds from the novel were donated to charity.
July 15,2025
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A cool idea of having a different Floridian author writing each chapter was implemented. However, the result turned out to be a bit choppy. Each author brought their own style and perspective, which sometimes made the transition between chapters a bit jarring.


The plot, on the other hand, was fun. It had its moments of excitement and adventure, but it also felt a bit hokey at times. Some of the events and character actions seemed a bit too contrived or predictable.


Overall, while the concept was interesting, the execution could have been better. The book had the potential to be a great read, but it fell short in some areas. Maybe with a bit more editing and coordination between the authors, it could have been a more seamless and engaging story.

July 15,2025
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A collaborative book

takes readers on a journey that is as unique as a manatee gracefully gliding through one chapter after another.

This extraordinary book weaves a strange whale of a tale

that delves into the realms of Castro heads, greed, and the devastatingly encroaching effects of humanity on wildlife.

It explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world,

highlighting the consequences of our actions on the delicate balance of nature.

The authors have masterfully crafted a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking,

drawing readers in and making them question their own role in the preservation of wildlife.

With its vivid descriptions and engaging storyline,

this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who read it.
July 15,2025
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I purchased this book with the full understanding that it was a collaborative, tag-team effort. And I must say, it truly worked!

The story presented within its pages was highly creative, captivating my imagination from the very beginning. The characters were not only likeable but also realistic, which added a sense of authenticity to the narrative. However, they were not overly deep, which made them easily relatable and accessible to a wide range of readers. The pace of the story moved along at a brisk clip, keeping me engaged and eager to turn the page to discover what would happen next.

This book is a delightful little romp filled with humor, intrigue, and a splash of color. It offers an entertaining escape at an affordable price, both in terms of finances and the time required to read it. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Liz
July 15,2025
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A Hilarious Way to End 2023

As the year 2023 is coming to a close, many people are looking for ways to celebrate and have some fun. One hilarious way to end the year could be to throw a New Year's Eve party with a unique theme. For example, you could have a costume party where everyone dresses up as their favorite fictional character or a decade-themed party where people come dressed in the style of the 80s or 90s.

Another option could be to have a game night with your friends and family. You could play some classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, or try out some new and trendy party games. You could also have a dance-off or a karaoke competition to really get the party started.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's something that will make you laugh and create memories that you'll cherish for years to come. After all, what better way to end 2023 than with a whole lot of fun and laughter?
July 15,2025
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Entertaining!

Entertainment is a crucial part of our lives. It comes in various forms and has the power to bring joy, laughter, and relaxation.

We can be entertained by watching movies, which transport us to different worlds and tell captivating stories. TV shows also offer a wide range of entertainment, from dramas that keep us on the edge of our seats to comedies that make us burst out laughing.

Movies and TV shows have the ability to engage our emotions and make us forget about the stresses of daily life for a while. They allow us to escape into a fictional realm and experience different emotions and perspectives.

Moreover, they can also be a great source of inspiration and education. We can learn about different cultures, historical events, and human nature through the stories presented in movies and TV shows.

In conclusion, entertainment, especially in the form of movies and TV shows, plays an important role in our lives. It enriches our experiences, broadens our horizons, and provides us with a much-needed break from reality.
July 15,2025
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A highly amusing manatee-adjacent mystery awaits!

"Naked Came the Manatee" is an experimental mystery novel in which each chapter is penned by a different author. I was not acquainted with most of the authors involved, yet at times they seemed to blend well...except when they didn't.

It commences with a boat accident and a local manatee celebrity named Booger coming to the rescue of a drowning man. Would it conclude in the same manner?

As the tone of each chapter subtly changes, you'll be privy to diverse layers of this strange mystery collaboration.

Set in Miami, a peculiar caper involving multiple unusual canisters (what lies within the container?) and international relations attracts a wide variety of colorful characters. These include a linebacker-turned-lawyer, a special effects artist, the "President In exile" of Cuba, a century-old alternative medicine practitioner, a dysfunctional divorced couple, and a host of others.

Oh, and let's not forget about Booger the manatee!

While the entire plot may be absurd and convoluted at times, it remains amusing and held my interest.

Also, while reading this, you'll discover that a manatee can experience love and sadness. But can it also fathom the concept of revenge?
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