Kick Ass: Selected Columns

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A collection of the unique and passionate columns by Carl Hiaasen of the Miami Herald examines the outrageous carnival of southern Florida and all its inhabitants--thieves, conmen, hustlers, perfumed swine, legal swindlers and patriotic crooks, executioners, and lap dancers. Reprint.

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29 reviews All reviews
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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As always, he is magnificent.

Unfortunately, despite all of those editorials, the problems in Miami and the stupidity of the state legislature just keep on persisting.

This is truly my second reading of the book.

This book would indeed be a great gift to anyone who has an interest in local politics.

I find it hard to believe that there aren't some places where some of this stuff isn't taking place.

Football stadiums, bribes to building inspectors, and so on.

And the fact that this is not fiction makes it even more remarkable. It is also written in a very humorous way.

Second reading, June 18, 2015. It is just as good as the first time I read it.

The author does an excellent job of presenting the complex and often absurd world of local politics in a engaging and entertaining manner.

It makes you think about the issues that are happening in your own community and how important it is to be informed and involved.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about local politics or just wants to read an interesting and humorous book.

July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaasen's day and night job as an investigative journalist and later as a columnist for the Miami Herald served as a great source of inspiration for many of his best-selling books. Journalism is indeed the first draft of history, and it also happens to be the first draft of numerous books.

Here are some of his finest works from the years 1985 - 1999. It was a great pleasure for me to publish some of these at the newspapers I edited. Later, during my previous tenure at Tribune in Chicago, I had the opportunity to edit and represent Carl's fresh and courageous commentary in international syndication.

His writing style is unique, filled with vivid descriptions and engaging storylines that keep readers hooked from start to finish. The combination of his journalistic background and creative writing skills makes his books a must-read for anyone interested in a good story.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a humorous satire, Carl Hiaasen's books always deliver. His ability to bring to life the characters and settings in his stories is truly remarkable, and it's no wonder that he has become such a popular and successful author.

July 15,2025
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One of the world's greatest raconteurs is engaged in doing what he excels at. That is, he is skillfully stirring up the turmoil of politics and society as a whole, all the while taking delight in a sense of disbelief, absurdity, and righteous anger.

His work is somewhat esoteric. He delves deeply into writing about a large number of minor politicians from the eighties. However, it is rewarding nonetheless.

This raconteur has a unique ability to bring to light the hidden aspects and dramas within the political and social landscapes. Through his words, he creates a vivid and engaging picture that challenges the reader's perception and understanding.

Despite the esoteric nature of his subject matter, the rewards of reading his work are significant. It offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity to gain insights into a bygone era of politics and society.

Overall, this raconteur's work is a testament to his talent and his passion for uncovering the truth and sharing it with the world.
July 15,2025
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A treat, as usual, to see Carl Hiaasen trash Florida politicians.

Carl Hiaasen has long been known for his scathing and often hilarious critiques of the political scene in Florida. His writing is a sharp and incisive look at the foibles and failings of those in power.

Whether it's exposing corruption, incompetence, or just plain absurd behavior, Hiaasen has a knack for making us laugh while also making us think about the state of our politics.

His books are not only entertaining but also serve as a wake-up call to the issues that plague our society.

So, the next time you're in the mood for a good read that will both amuse and enlighten you, pick up a Carl Hiaasen novel and enjoy the ride as he takes on the Florida politicians once again.
July 15,2025
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2001 was a significant year.

It brought with it a plethora of events and changes that had a profound impact on the world.

In that year, the global economy was in a state of flux, with various countries facing different challenges and opportunities.

The technological landscape was also evolving rapidly, with the emergence of new trends and innovations.

Politically, there were several important developments that shaped the course of international relations.

Socially, people's lifestyles and values were changing, influenced by a variety of factors.

Overall, 2001 was a year of transition and transformation, setting the stage for the years to come.

It will always be remembered as a year that left an indelible mark on history.
July 15,2025
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A Reminder of Miami in the 1980s and 1990s

Miami in the 1980s and 1990s was a place filled with both excitement and turmoil. The author offers a vivid reminder of that era through a series of satirical and biting columns. These columns take aim at the corrupt politicians, lobbyists, commissioners, and contractors who seemed to provide an endless supply of material for criticism.

In addition to skewering the political and business establishment, the author also comments on the drug wars, FBI shootouts, and street riots that were a result of accusations of police brutality. However, it is when discussing the environmental dangers facing South Florida that the author's personal and strongest commitment shines through.

The overgrowth, disappearing public parklands, wildlife, and waters are all areas of concern that the author highlights. These issues are mostly caused by greedy developers and dishonest politicians and bureaucrats, whom the author does not hesitate to call out by name. Through his writing, the author hopes to bring attention to these important issues and inspire others to take action to protect the environment and the future of South Florida.
July 15,2025
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Hiaasen is an extremely beloved and highly accomplished Florida writer, renowned for his ability to skewer the stupidity and absurdities that abound in South Florida. His works have earned him a significant following and acclaim. So, it came as a great surprise to me when this collection of his newspaper columns left me thoroughly bored.


This was perhaps my very first in-depth encounter with Hiassen's writing. I might have perused his column on a few occasions previously, but I had definitely never delved into any of his novels. Much like my experience with the film "In Bruges," I had the impression that this was something I ought to enjoy, yet it completely missed the mark.


Some of the articles in this collection did bear a resemblance to those of The Onion (though, of course, Hiassen's columns predate that website). The Onion is also a beloved source of satire and lampoonery, yet it has always failed to tickle my funny bone or engage my interest. It seems that despite the high regard in which Hiassen is held and the popularity of his style, his writing simply didn't resonate with me on this particular occasion.

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