Took me an age to read this. It wasn't that there was anything objectively wrong with it. The writing was quite good, and the story was entertaining enough. However, for some reason, I just couldn't seem to engage with it on a deeper level. Maybe it was the subject matter that didn't quite appeal to me, or perhaps the pacing was a little off for my taste. In any case, while I can appreciate that others might enjoy this book, it just wasn't my thing. I found myself getting distracted easily and having to force myself to keep reading. It's a shame really, because I know that there are many great books out there that I would love to read and fully immerse myself in.

It's truly so good that I'm going to watch the movie!

This statement expresses a high level of excitement and anticipation.

The person is clearly impressed by something, perhaps a trailer, a review, or a personal recommendation.

The idea of watching the movie seems to bring them a great deal of joy and they can't wait to experience it for themselves.

It could be a movie in any genre, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming dramas or hilarious comedies.

Regardless of the type, the anticipation of watching it is palpable.

Maybe they'll gather some friends or family to share the experience with.

Or perhaps they'll prefer to watch it alone, fully immersed in the story.

Either way, it's clear that this movie holds a lot of promise and they're looking forward to seeing how it unfolds on the big screen.

This book was truly one-of-a-kind, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.

It was fascinating to encounter a protagonist who was a smart stripper, driven by the sole purpose of reclaiming her child and rescuing her from her despicable ex.

The way the story unfolded was both engaging and entertaining. The character of the ex as the worst informant ever added a comical touch to the narrative.

Moreover, his crazy sister brought an additional layer of eccentricity to the plot.

Overall, this book presented a plot that was distinct from the norm, yet it took the reader on a hilarious and enjoyable ride.

It was a refreshing departure from typical storylines, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining read.

Some of the things described in this book didn't age well.

However, there are also some aspects that have aged very well.

In the realm of Florida politics, certain things haven't changed at all.

Just like in almost all of Carl Hiaasen's books, I found myself laughing out loud numerous times!

The author has a unique way of presenting the idiosyncrasies and absurdities of the political and social scene in Florida.

His vivid descriptions and humorous characters make the reading experience truly enjoyable.

Despite the passage of time, the underlying themes and issues he addresses still resonate.

Whether it's the corruption, the crazy antics of the politicians, or the strange events that unfold, Hiaasen's books always manage to entertain and engage.

This particular book is no exception, and it serves as a reminder that some things may change, but others remain the same.

Meaningful and funny, like virtually all of Hiaasen’s creations.

His works have a unique charm that combines humor with important messages. Whether it's through the antics of his characters or the absurd situations they find themselves in, Hiaasen always manages to make us laugh while also making us think.

For example, in some of his novels, he might use humor to expose environmental issues or the corrupt practices of certain individuals. By doing so, he not only entertains us but also raises our awareness about these important topics.

What makes Hiaasen's creations even more special is his ability to create memorable characters. Each one has their own distinct personality and quirks that make them come alive on the page.

Overall, Hiaasen's works are a joy to read. They offer a perfect blend of entertainment and enlightenment, leaving us with a smile on our face and a new perspective on the world.

I was in a real reading slump. It felt like I just couldn't get into any book no matter how hard I tried.

As a result, it took me ages to get through even the simplest of texts. I would pick up a book, read a few pages, and then find my mind wandering.

I tried different genres, thinking maybe a change would do the trick. But alas, it didn't seem to make much of a difference.

I was starting to feel really frustrated with myself and my inability to focus on reading.

I knew that reading was important for my knowledge and relaxation, but I just couldn't seem to break out of this slump.

It was a real struggle, and I was hoping that it would pass soon so I could get back to enjoying the wonderful world of books.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that while I'm not entirely convinced that every Carl Hiaasen book merits the 5-star Goodreads "it was amazing" descriptor, Strip Tease comes extremely close. I happened to pick up this book, already being a devoted Hiaasen fan, at a bargain price from Goodwill or some thrift store. Shortly after that, I discovered that the 90s movie Strip Tease starring Demi Moore was based on this very book. Due to this fact, I left it unread for months. I didn't think the movie was especially good and thus had rather low expectations for the book. However, I was proven wrong.

This serves as a prime example of the adage, "the book was better than the movie." In fact, Strip Tease is likely one of the finest Hiaasen novels I've had the pleasure of reading - right up there with Skinny Dip.

Many of the negative or lackluster reviews seem to stem from readers who perhaps aren't Hiaasen enthusiasts. If that's the case, I can understand; everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if you don't like Strip Tease, then it's probably best not to bother reading any other Hiaasen books; you'll likely never become a fan. Similarly, if you enjoy Hiaasen's work, then you will most definitely relish Strip Tease! I most certainly did.

Unfortunately, this novel is nowhere near as fun or funny as the other novels I've read from this author.

It does have an interesting story, but it lacks the absurd humor that the author is known for.

I am planning to try one more novel from this author to figure out whether this is just a one-off exception to the hilarity of his other works.

Maybe the next one will be more in line with my expectations and bring back the laughter and enjoyment that I had with his previous novels.

I hope so, as I really liked the author's writing style and the unique charm of his other books.

Let's see what the next one has in store.

A bachelor party on the eve of the wedding takes a disastrous wrong turn.

The groom, in a state of drunken clumsiness, stumbles onto the stage at the Eager Beaver and ends up with a dancer named Erin Grant. Suddenly, an unidentified wild man leaps into the fray and starts hitting the groom over the head with a champagne bottle. Amid the chaos and confusion, the attacker manages to escape.

As it later transpires, the attacker is none other than Congressman David Lane Dilbeck, who is so intoxicated that he has no recollection of what he did and couldn't care less. Luckily for him, he has a fixer on his staff to handle such messy situations. However, for the Congressman, some things prove to be beyond easy repair. In this instance, the fix sets off a chain of deadly events that spiral out of control.

"Strip Tease" is filled with a diverse cast of memorable characters. Erin Grant, a former FBI clerk, takes to dancing in order to earn enough money to cover the legal fees in her custody battle for her daughter. Her ex-husband is a psychopathic drug addict and a prime example of sheer stupidity in action. Her friend and bouncer, Shad, is the tough back-up muscle who does his best to protect her, all while constantly scheming to get rich quick. Then there's Al Garcia, a local homicide detective whose family vacation is abruptly interrupted when his children discover a floater from south Florida in a Montana river. Determined to solve the murder, Garcia must employ some clever maneuvers to achieve his goal. All of this combines to make for an entertaining and engaging read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

It never occurred to me that this was the same book as the movie.

The story presented in the book has its own unique charm and does not seem as outrageous as a number of his other outings.

There is a certain solidity and entertainment value to it that keeps the reader engaged.

While I may favor Skink overall, this particular work still manages to hold its own.

It offers a different perspective and a set of characters that are interesting enough to follow.

The plot unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing and wanting to know more.

Overall, it's a book that can provide a good dose of entertainment and is worth giving a chance.

Whether you've seen the movie or not, the book has its own merits and can be enjoyed on its own terms.

I have been deeply engrossed in David Hewson's Nic Costa series. Last week, while browsing the shelves in search of additional books, I happened to come across Hiaasen. I had heard of him before, but I had never actually read any of his works. After some consideration, I decided to pick up the oldest book on the shelf, which was "Strip Tease".

To my delight, it was an extremely fun book to read. The characters were wild and full of life, and the plot was straightforward and easy to follow. Overall, the story ended well, leaving me satisfied. If his other books are anything like this one, they would make for great summer reads, perfect for enjoying by the pool or at the beach.

The story revolves around Erin, an ex-FBI employee who has made the difficult decision to dance at a strip club in order to pay the legal fees required to fight her scum-bag ex-husband for custody of her daughter. One night, while she is dancing, an inebriated customer clings to her leg in awe and for balance. This incident inspires another customer to club him viciously over the head with a champagne bottle. As it turns out, the other customer is a US Congressman who has a weakness for women, especially this particular dancer.

The Congressman has a rather sordid history and a small team dedicated to cleaning up his messes. The inebriated customer has a fiance, and her cousin is a lawyer with less than exemplary ethics. Erin, on the other hand, has the floor bouncer, Shad, who is always looking for ways to get rich quick, such as by "finding" large insects in food products. She also has Mr. Peepers, a customer who attempts to blackmail the Congressman but winds up dead in Montana. His body is found by a Florida detective who is on vacation and gets drawn into the whole mess in an attempt to help Erin.

The characters in this book are truly over the top, and my personal favorite was probably Shad. The story takes you on a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It is a light read, but one that is very enjoyable. However, it should be noted that this book is for adults only, as it is set mostly in a strip club and contains some adult themes and language.

I’ve been a Hiaasenhead ever since I was a kid.

Probably too young, but it was a lucky break for me. My parents were more worried about keeping me away from M-rated video games than unrated books, so I had the opportunity to devour a lot of Hiaasen’s wacky Florida capers.

I suspect these books have had an impact on my worldview. Now in my thirties, I’m relentlessly cynical about the state of politics and human nature. However, I remain hopeful about the unseen workings of divine justice and am passionate about environmental protection.

But I haven’t read Hiaasen since I was 20. I wondered if I would still enjoy his work now.

Luckily for me again, this novel is an absolute blast. Hiaasen is clearly an acolyte of Elmore Leonard. His characters have all the right moves and the best lines.

But unlike Leonard, I find Hiaasen to be far more satisfying to read. His plots, though sprawling, are a bit tighter. His characters are more enjoyable to spend time with, and his turns of phrase are more memorable.

Some might argue that there isn’t much philosophical depth to Hiaasen’s stories. I would argue the opposite. He has always been open about his environmental and political concerns.

Even in the midst of all the hijinks and hilarity, everything in his stories is ultimately aimed at justice. The good and bad usually get what they deserve.

Maybe that seems hopelessly naive, but I like hope. I don’t have enough of it in my life.

Perhaps I should write a bit more specifically about this novel. Capers rise or fall based on the strength of their casts, and this one is excellent.

Erin is a wonderful protagonist. The movie should have cast Linda Fiorentino instead of Demi Moore. There’s a trio of villains, all both goofy and threatening in their own unique ways.

And Hiaasen, who has created some of the greatest goons of all time (my personal favorite is Chemo from Skin Tight and Star Island), adds another worthy addition to the hall of fame with Shad.

Look, what else can I say? I read the epilogue with a big, stupid grin on my face. Not many books can elicit that kind of reaction from me.