In keeping with Hiaasen's custom of presenting the most outrageously despicable low-lifes as his hapless villains, this book is truly up to par.

It offers a unique and often hilarious look into a world filled with absurd characters and situations.

The only part that made me hesitate was his portrayal of the Hooters waitress heroine. When faced with an impending rape, she manages to maintain her cool in a plucky manner. While this might seem somewhat unrealistic, it could potentially be his tribute to the courageous potential of women.

However, it could also be a sign of his cluelessness regarding how some women might actually experience trauma.

Still, I do rely on Hiaasen's books for comic relief. Their sheer outrageousness has the power to always take my mind off the more burdensome aspects of life.

They provide a welcome escape and a chance to laugh at the absurdities that exist both in the fictional world he creates and, perhaps, in our own.

Whether it's the ridiculous antics of the villains or the unexpected heroism of the characters, Hiaasen's books never fail to entertain and provide a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.

Carl Hiaasen is an author with whom I've had nothing but great experiences so far. However, I have to admit that this particular work seemed a bit weaker compared to the others I've read.

It has a rather uneven tone, swinging abruptly between some truly unpleasant and detailed descriptions of racism and violence, on one hand, and raucous comedy and religious satire on the other.

Personally, I found myself more engaged by the subplot involving the holy cooters (turtles) and the rather unique character of Road Stain Jesus. The main storyline, which centered around two white supremacist thugs stealing a lotto ticket, wasn't bad per se. It just didn't have the same level of humor and charm as the antics of the holy turtles.

Nonetheless, it's still a Carl Hiaasen book, and there are definitely some enjoyable moments and clever writing throughout. It just didn't quite reach the heights of his other works for me.

1.5 ⭐ Sorry ☹️

I found myself confused for most of the book. The journey to retrieve the lottery ticket seemed to drag on for an incredibly long time, much longer than I believed it needed to be.

I do understand the awareness that this book is attempting to showcase and the lessons that one is supposed to learn from it. However, I was just so bored throughout the reading process.

And if you are considering reading this, just be aware that this is the very first time that I have given a book a one-star rating. Normally, if I'm not enjoying a book, I simply DNF (Did Not Finish) it.

To put it mildly, I am extremely glad that this book is finally over. It was a real struggle to get through, and I don't think I would recommend it to others based on my own experience.

I hope that future books I pick up will be more engaging and interesting, and not leave me feeling as frustrated and unfulfilled as this one did.

"Nothing to Write Home About"

This phrase, "nothing to write home about," implies that something is rather ordinary or unremarkable. It suggests that there is not much of interest or excitement to share with others.

For example, if you go to a restaurant and the food is just average, you might say, "The meal was nothing to write home about." It means that the food didn't stand out in any particular way and wasn't worth raving about.

Similarly, if you have a day that is filled with routine tasks and nothing particularly eventful happens, you could describe it as a day that was nothing to write home about.

In essence, this expression is used to convey a sense of mediocrity or lack of significance. It提醒人们 that not everything in life is extraordinary or worthy of great attention. Sometimes, the ordinary things are just that - ordinary.

However, it's important to note that what one person may consider nothing to write home about, another person might find interesting or enjoyable. Perception plays a big role in how we view and evaluate different experiences.

So, the next time you come across something that you think is nothing to write home about, remember that it might have a different meaning for someone else. And who knows, maybe even the most ordinary things can hold hidden value or charm if we look at them from a different perspective.

I truly had a great affection for this book. I had anticipated it to be charming and humorous, yet it turned out to be astonishingly better than what I had expected.

Don't misunderstand me. It was indeed adorable and hilarious, but it managed to achieve that while addressing several extremely serious themes such as racism, sexism, religion, kidnapping, and murder. Hiaasen approaches these topics with both honesty and humor, stating, "this exists; how we deal with it determines our character".

He demonstrates that the capacity to laugh at the fools in this world (and at ourselves) allows us to endure the craziness. And that a small amount of kindness can go a long way in this world.

Adding in a captivating plot and sub-plots along with some eccentric secondary characters, you end up with a truly enjoyable read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

It's a book that not only entertains but also makes you think about important issues in a light-hearted yet profound way.

Off-beat and hilarious, this read is truly entertaining to the end.

From the very beginning, it grabs your attention with its unique and unexpected plot twists. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own quirks and personalities that add to the overall charm of the story.

The author's writing style is engaging and humorous, making it impossible to put the book down. Whether it's the witty dialogue or the absurd situations the characters find themselves in, there's always something to make you laugh out loud.

As you progress through the pages, you'll be taken on a wild ride filled with laughter, excitement, and maybe even a few surprises. This read is perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining escape from reality. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the hilarity that awaits you within these pages.

Re-reading some classic Hiaasen on a summer day can bring out a lot of chuckles.

His works are filled with unique characters and humorous situations that never fail to amuse. I truly believe that Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, would have a great appreciation for this fellow journalist.

Hiaasen, like Clemens, has a disdain for ignorance in its many forms. He uses his writing to expose the follies and absurdities of society, making us laugh while also making us think.

Both authors have a keen sense of observation and a talent for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their works have stood the test of time and continue to entertain readers of all ages.

So, on this summer day, as I delve back into the world of Hiaasen, I can't help but think of the great Samuel Clemens and the impact that both of these writers have had on the literary world.

Florida novels present a captivating and diverse world.

JoLayne Lucks, a cheery vet's assistant in the tiny town of Grange, Fla., has a tender disposition and a no-nonsense attitude towards men. One day, a winning divided lottery ticket worth $14 million falls into her life. She treats it so nonchalantly that the town can hardly tell if she won or not. In fact, JoLayne actually wants to use the money to buy a local wilderness area and preserve it for the resident wild creatures.

A newspaper reporter, Tom Krome, gets wind of the story. Unfortunately, so do Bodean Gazzer and his friend Chub, the heart (and only members) of an "anti-gummint," white-supremacist, Bud-guzzling militia. This unsavory pair also won on the split ticket with JoLayne. Figuring that she, being black, doesn't deserve her half, they take it from her.

JoLayne's efforts, with Tom's help, to get the ticket back form the heart of the story. But it also expands to include holy turtles, Virgin malfunctions, Tom's wife who will do anything to avoid being served with divorce papers, young Shiner who wants to be a member of Bode and Chub's outfit, and the beauteous Amber, a waitress at Hooters cafe whose orange shorts set several hearts ablaze.

The story weaves together these various elements, creating a rich and engaging tapestry of life in Florida.

JoLayne Lucks, a veterinarian assistant, has won half a lotto number, which means she is set to receive a whopping $15 million dollars.

At long last, she anticipates fulfilling her dream of safeguarding a tract of woods from being paved over and turned into a mall. After all, a mall would not be practical for a town as small as Grange. This little town has a renowned source of income from hilariously fake religious displays that attract pilgrims by the busload.

The other half of the lotto prize goes to a couple of white nationalists who aspire to start their own militia. Discontented with just $15 million, they steal JoLayne's ticket. However, she doesn't go down without a fight, using her long fingernails to defend herself.

A reporter, who was presumed dead, teams up with her to hunt down the miscreants and retrieve her ticket.

The story is filled with plots and subplots that connect us to a cast of wacky characters. Some are endearing, while others are sleazy. The lotto thieves have their own dreams and self-imposed nightmares, especially when they encounter JoLayne and the undead reporter.

Amusing twists bring surprises as the author reveals the fate of several main and not-so-main characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed JoLayne's feistiness and her determination to save the baby turtles. I also liked the relationship that develops between her and the reporter, as well as the quirky characters who are harmless. And I couldn't help but be entertained by how the white nationalists continuously mess up. This is definitely a fun read, especially when a wooded area is in need of protection.

I can't even remember precisely when I read this book; it has been such a long time ago. In fact, I'd dare to say that it's been over 15 years.

Even though this book lies deep within the recesses of my memory, I can still recall with great clarity how vivid the characters were. They seemed to leap off the page and come to life before my eyes. And the humor in this book was simply outstanding. It had me laughing out loud at almost every turn of the page.

Admittedly, there is a fair amount of stereotypical behavior in this book. However, there is a purpose to it, and that is one of the main reasons why I adored this book so much. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story.

I truly wish I could award this book 6 stars because it most definitely deserves it. I'm not one of those people who are easily impressed, but this book managed to win my heart almost instantaneously. It's a real gem that I will always cherish.

Whenever I find myself longing for the beautiful state of Florida, I instinctively reach for the works of Carl Hiaasen. His books have an extraordinary ability to bring to life the diverse and captivating landscape of Florida, as well as its colorful cast of characters.

With his vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Hiaasen transports readers to the sandy beaches, lush swamps, and bustling cities of the Sunshine State. The pace of his books is always brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and eager to turn the page.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a humorous adventure, Carl Hiaasen's novels offer a quick and enjoyable escape. They allow me to relive the memories of my own experiences in Florida and discover new aspects of this wonderful place.

In conclusion, Carl Hiaasen's books are a must-read for anyone who loves Florida or simply enjoys a great story. His unique perspective and talented writing make him one of the most beloved authors in the literary world.

I truly liked it, indeed I did. However, I was desperately longing for it to come to an end. I couldn't fathom why there were still 75 more pages after the story had reached its climax. I was flipping through the remaining pages, wondering in confusion why it was going to take such a long time to wrap things up.

That being said, I must admit that some of my biggest laughs actually came in the final 50 pages. So, there are some rather contradictory sentiments here.

I don't overly love Hiaasen's penchant for constantly shifting between characters and storylines. Obviously, it's his distinct style. He has a great affection for his funny little side stories and characters, and funny they surely are. But at times, it can be quite exhausting.

I wanted to read a Hiaasen book because I had thoroughly enjoyed the recent Bad Monkey television adaptation. I had an intuition that the humor and charm of the show was successful precisely because it was faithfully adapting Hiaasen's unique voice in the novel. I was eager to read a Hiaasen book and verify if that was indeed the case. And it was. But still, I think I have a greater enjoyment of this particular type of story and humor in the television form. That's not to say that I won't read another one of his books in the future.