Some chapters I liked better than others.

I have no idea what book John Dufresne thought he was contributing to, but it shouldn't have been this one. It's the only chapter that pulled me out of the story because of the style difference. And seriously, what on earth is up with the description of Marion after death??

Also, I could have done without Carl Hiaasen's erasure of the sweet manatee character. He might as well have said, "I don't know WHAT those other authors were thinking. How stupid."

However, those are just minor gripes. Overall, the book was entertaining, although it was a bit confusing at times. It does give you a good feel for Miami, with its vibrant and diverse atmosphere.

The book also reads quickly, which is a plus. You can breeze through the pages and get lost in the story.

Despite its flaws, it's still a worthwhile read for those interested in Miami or looking for an entertaining book.

First time reading a novel written by 13 different authors. My thoughts:

1. It's truly worth a read for those of us residing in South Fla. or who are acquainted with the life here. It humorously mocks just about everything in this area, mainly associated with Miami and Coconut Grove.

2. There's a very funny chapter that pokes fun at the typical South Beach lifestyle and the trendy clubs. There's also a tacky private dinner party and a club called "Hell" with an aquarium dance floor filled with sharks. Note: Hiaasen later wrote a book called "Star Island" which also has a scene with a similar trendy club.

3. The scene with the bridge going up and the car just making it is quite relatable. There are so many of those bridges all over South Florida! I can 100% identify with that being in the book.

4. Towards the end, there's a scene where almost an entire chapter details a very Tarantino-esque murder scene clean up. It left me wondering if grey matter, pieces of the brain, look like wax when splattered about. I pictured scenes from the Sopranos. Although a later chapter mentions who the victims were, it didn't really make complete sense.

5. I was able to keep track of perhaps 99% of the numerous characters.

6. One of the authors seemed to despise the Jake Lassiter character to the point of endless ridicule. It seemed rather strange. The suave lawyer now becomes a beer-drinking buffoon after... something?

7. The main plot is quite convoluted. Let's see... there are multiple (two?) fake heads of Castro. One goal was for the CIA to assist Castro in faking his own death. After Castro has a bad experience in Miami getting mugged on the beach, he abandons the plan and goes back to Cuba. Meanwhile, a Castro overthrower wannabe Cuban believes the head is really Castro, so he can then become the President of Cuba since Castro is proven dead. He winds up jumping into the bay and being hit by a boat and drowning. It was unclear who Phil/Hector worked for. Aside from them delivering the head, it's not sure how the mafia guy fit in. The US Govt./CIA was working with Fidel and his people to fake Fidel's death, and the two characters Hector and Weston were part of this plot. Yet Hector was also involved with the Reyes guy and then for some reason Weston/Hector were killed off upon Fidel's command. It's odd that the US govt. would ever help Fidel, and Carter is mentioned but it's not clear what he had to do with all of this. In the end, it seemed Fidel had the last laugh against his would-be overthrower, going back to Cuba as if nothing had happened.

8. I liked the manatee character. And yes, the chapter where it gets all high browy is rather awful. But the scene where it swims with Marion was really nice. I have to hope maybe they may do that. My one encounter with manatees in the ocean was that they swam off so fast, just as fast as a boat can go. I liked that the manatee got revenge by scraping the boat, even though as Hiaasen later chastises, a manatee would never do that in real life, but it's fiction so why not?

9. The time references in the book are quite telling. You can tell when it was written by its references to the OJ trial which was mentioned at least twice in the book, its lack of mention of Facebook or other social media, smartphones, etc.

10. I don't believe the scene where Castro is mugged on the beach. While it's funny to think of that happening, it's completely unrealistic. Oh well. I'm sure Castro isn't that clueless or lacking in street smarts nor would he ever be without bodyguards. It would have made more sense, and been more true to Miami/South Beach if he had left the expensive watch unattended on the beach while swimming and then it was stolen. That's what happens to anything left unattended just about anywhere in South Fla., even in Boca Raton.

11. The chapter where they go to Jake Lassiter's house, a coral home with no AC? That's not possible for that character. Maybe it could be for a hipster surfer dude or a bunch of surfer dudes, but not a South Fla. lawyer.

I've reread this book approximately 10 times.

As a native of South Florida, it holds a special significance for me, especially when I'm feeling homesick.

The words within its pages seem to transport me back to the familiar landscapes, the warm beaches, and the vibrant culture that I left behind.

Each time I read it, I discover new details and nuances that I may have missed before, as if uncovering hidden treasures.

The author's vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life, making it easy for me to picture myself there.

It's not just a book; it's a connection to my roots and a source of comfort during those moments when I long for the place I call home.

Whether I'm reading it on a rainy day or in the midst of a busy schedule, this book always manages to bring a sense of peace and nostalgia.

I'm grateful to have found such a wonderful piece of literature that speaks to my heart and reminds me of the beauty and charm of South Florida.

Thought I would start off the year with a light, funny read.

I usually enjoy Carl Hiaasen books, as his works often bring a unique blend of humor and engaging storytelling. However, this particular one was a tad jarring.

The way the narrative moved from chapter to chapter with a new author was quite disconcerting. It made it extremely hard to get fully immersed in the story.

It felt more like one of those vanity movies where all the actors seem to be having a great time, but the audience doesn't quite share the same level of enjoyment.

Instead of being able to lose myself in the plot and the characters, I was constantly being pulled out of the story by the disjointed nature of the writing.

Perhaps if the book had maintained a more consistent authorship or had a smoother transition between the different voices, it would have been a more enjoyable read.

As it stands, it left me with a sense of disappointment and a longing for the kind of seamless reading experience that I have come to expect from Carl Hiaasen's books.

Hopefully, his future works will return to the high standards that I have come to associate with his name.

Excellent!

Thirteen well-known Florida authors have come together in an extraordinary collaboration. Each of them writes a chapter, and together they create a truly cohesive novel.

From the humorous Dave Barry to the talented Carl Hiassen, from the renowned Elmore Leonard to the accomplished Les Standiford, these authors bring their unique perspectives and writing styles to the table.

All of them write about south Florida, painting a vivid picture of the area and the diverse and quirky characters that call it home.

It's as if a group of friends sat down together, sharing ideas and inspiration, and decided to write a great crime novel. The result is a south Florida gem of storytelling that is sure to captivate readers.

Treat yourself to this wonderful book and immerse yourself in the world of south Florida and its colorful characters.

A cute book is like a little treasure chest filled with wonder and charm. It has a cover that immediately catches your eye, perhaps with a colorful illustration or a unique design. Open it up, and you'll be greeted by pages filled with beautiful words and engaging stories.

The characters in a cute book are often endearing and lovable, making you root for them from the very beginning. They might have funny quirks or unique personalities that make them stand out. The plots are usually simple yet captivating, taking you on a journey through different worlds and experiences.

Whether it's a children's picture book or a charming novel for adults, a cute book has the power to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. It can transport you to a place of imagination and joy, allowing you to forget about the stresses of the outside world. So, the next time you're looking for a little escape, pick up a cute book and let it work its magic on you.

3 1/2

This number, 3 1/2, might seem rather ordinary at first glance. However, it could potentially hold various meanings and interpretations depending on the context. In some cases, it might refer to a measurement, such as 3 and a half inches or 3 and a half liters. It could also be used to represent a score or rating, perhaps a 3.5 out of 5 in a review or evaluation.

Overall, while 3 1/2 may not be the most exciting or memorable number, it still has its place in our numerical system and can convey important information in different situations. Whether it's used in a practical or more abstract sense, it serves a purpose and helps us make sense of the world around us.

As for the statement "It was entertaining but not one I would read again," it implies that the experience of reading something was enjoyable to a certain extent, but not enough to warrant a second reading. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the story not being engaging enough, the writing style not appealing, or the content not being particularly memorable.

In conclusion, both 3 1/2 and the idea of an entertaining but forgettable read offer interesting insights into different aspects of our lives, whether it's through numbers or literature.

So, a group of more than a dozen authors gets together and engages in a literary game of Telephone.

Dave Barry kicks it off, presenting a chapter that introduces his favorite character, a manatee affectionately called "Booger" by the locals, along with a few humans to satisfy the public who might not be content with an all-manatee cast.

He then passes the baton to a writer friend, who in turn hands it to another, and another, and another, for the subsequent thirteen chapters.

Having endured books written by committee, I was understandably skeptical about the viability of this concept. However, to my surprise, it worked.

I'm not at all acquainted with the characters that surface in Naked Came the Manatee. Although I've learned since finishing the book that many of them are the lead characters in the authors' other works.

I was left wondering why there was such a massive crowd by the end of the story (so large that I couldn't keep track of who was who after around page 125, which is the sole reason this receives four stars instead of five).

The story is humorous, it has touching moments in certain spots, and there is a mystery that I couldn't solve 100 pages in advance.

My most vivid memories are of the uproarious moments involving a dance floor above a shark tank and the cause of a truly nasty traffic jam.

Throughout it all, though, is Booger. He shows up just in time to save a life or two and witnesses some truly villainous mischief.

He's exactly what I would hope the lead character would be if that character were a manatee. It would have been wonderful to take a swim with him.

This book hardly made any sense at all.

The sole reason I decided to read it was that a friend had given it to me. You see, I've read several books by Hiaasen and Leonard before.

The only chapter that was any good was the short one that was written by Leonard. In fact, it was so good that it could have easily stood on its own as a short story.

Hiaasen really tried his hardest to tie all the loose ends together in the final chapter. However, the best he could manage was to make a manatee actually seem like a manatee once again. It was a rather disappointing effort overall, considering the potential that the book had started with.

Perhaps if Hiaasen had focused more on developing the plot and characters in a more coherent way, the book would have been a lot better. As it stands, it's just a mediocre read that I'm glad I'm done with.

A few years later, Dave Barry's first novel, Big Trouble, was published. It not only made its way onto the big screen as a movie but also led to a series of other books. However, Dave seemed to be concerned about whether he would ever be truly accepted as one of the peers he had collaborated with in the pages of Naked Came the Manatee.

Well, Dave, you had it spot on the first time. Big Trouble is precisely what you intended. Your peers, in a way, kind of botched up your original premise.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The chapter written by Elmore Leonard sort of makes the whole thing worthwhile. And the ending by Carl Hiaasen hilariously mocks much of what came before it. It's a quick and easy read. It's probably deliberately convoluted, adding to its charm. It takes some sharp jabs at Jimmy Carter. And the manatee in question is the only one who manages to win the girl. Everyone is also reminded of the huge mess that Fidel Castro leaves in his wake.

And then, like that, you move on to another chapter in your literary journey.

Fun, easy but not deathless prose.

I have a great affection for the FL settings and the concept of many people sharing a novel. However, at times, it gives the impression of short stories with the same scenery.

I hold all these authors in high regard, which makes it enjoyable to read. It transports me back to the older Florida that I cherish before I fled for retirement.

The FL settings bring a sense of nostalgia and charm. They paint a vivid picture of a place that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

The idea of many sharing a novel adds an element of community and connection. It makes me feel like I am part of something bigger, a group of people who all have a love for literature and a connection to this particular place.

Although the stories may sometimes seem similar in scenery, each one has its own unique charm and message. The authors have a way of bringing the characters and the setting to life, making it easy for me to get lost in the pages and forget about the world around me.

Overall, reading these stories is a wonderful escape and a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life in the older Florida.

I have a great passion for Dave Barry's outrageously zany novels and Carl Hiaasen's delightfully humorous nods towards saving the environment. So, when I chanced upon this book that was written with a chapter each by famous Florida authors, including this remarkable duo, my excitement knew no bounds. However, alas, it turned out to be a huge let down.

"Naked Came the Manatee" commences with a promising air of chaos and a cast of wacky characters, which are the trademarks of Barry. I'm not entirely certain who was responsible for devising the plot, but it surely seems to bear his imprint. Oh, how I wish that a greater portion of the book had actually been penned by him.

The issue with having more than 10 authors, even if they are all talented, is the immense difficulty in maintaining a seamless flow from one piece to the next. The subtly different writing styles toyed with the characters to such an extent that they lost all their depth. Moreover, additional characters were introduced regularly, making the cast overly cumbersome. Instead of being able to see how all the elements tie together at the end, I felt as if I was left with a hopelessly tangled fishing line. I could identify the beginning and the end, but I was completely unsure about how one was supposed to navigate through the middle.

I'll freely admit that I'm not overly familiar with most of the authors. But I feel quite confident in stating that reducing the number of authors to just two or three would have been of immeasurable benefit to this book. It had such great potential, but those opportunities and choices were unfortunately sacrificed for the sake of expediency and the addition of a new chapter and author.