I'm going to Florida in March, and I've always had a great interest in reading about the culture of the places I travel to.

I'm truly excited about the various aspects I might encounter during my travels, such as the den of thieves, Mafiosos, and illegal immigrants. Oh, and let's not forget the gun-toting grandmas!

Carl Hiassen is an extremely hilarious author, and pretty much everything he writes is well worth reading. His works offer a unique and entertaining perspective on the culture and society of Florida, which I'm sure will enhance my understanding and enjoyment of my upcoming trip.

I can't wait to immerse myself in the stories and characters he creates, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse culture of this fascinating state.

Carl Hiassen made an important announcement on January 29, 2021. After an impressive 45 years with the Miami Herald, he was retiring, and this also meant the end of his column which had been running for 35 years.

Back in May 2001, I penned a review of his first collection of columns. This collection had come out in paperback for Lit, the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s monthly book review (though the ending is now outdated).

The book is titled "Kick Ass: Selected Columns of Carl Hiaasen", edited by Diane Stevenson, published by Berkley, consisting of 447 pages, and priced at $13.95.

Written by Steve Rhodes, the review points out that before the events of Elián and the Florida election, readers might have suspected that Carl Hiaasen was exaggerating in his satiric novels like "Tourist Season" and "Sick Puppy". However, this 1999 collection of his columns for the Miami Herald, now available in paperback, makes it abundantly clear that a significant portion of his fiction is firmly rooted in fact (alongside a sharp wit and moral indignation over what was happening to his state).

By reading these columns, which were written between 1985 and 1999, you'll gain a much better understanding of why things went so awry in Florida than by reading any of the hasty books on the previous fall's election debacle. As Hiaasen noted in 1997, "But in Miami the term 'tainted elections' is a whimsical redundancy." And when a man was electrocuted in Old Sparky that year, he wrote, "But, once again, the state of Florida looks like it's being run by a bunch of dumb-ass rednecks who couldn't fix a toaster, much less an electric chair."

Although Hiaasen focuses on local issues, his passionate columns about developers (whom he calls "greedheads") destroying the Everglades have a resonance here. It's a pity there isn't someone like him at one of our daily papers. Fortunately, even after you've completed the book, you can visit www.herald.com, click on "Opinion", and continue to enjoy his columns every Wednesday and Sunday.

Another hilarious and thought-provoking collection of essays by Carl Hiaasen.

Carl Hiaasen has once again delivered a remarkable set of essays that are not only highly entertaining but also make you stop and think. His unique writing style combines humor and satire to shed light on various aspects of society.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the absurdities of modern life to environmental issues and political shenanigans. Hiaasen's wit and keen观察力allow him to present these subjects in a way that is both engaging and accessible.

Whether you're looking for a good laugh or a deeper understanding of the world around you, this collection of essays is sure to satisfy. It's a must-read for fans of Hiaasen's work and anyone who enjoys intelligent and humorous writing.

So, pick up a copy of Carl Hiaasen's latest collection of essays and prepare to be entertained and enlightened.

The author has amassed a truly remarkable collection of newspaper columns penned over the years.

These columns serve as a powerful indictment, meticulously outlining the greed and corruption that has plagued the authorities in Florida.

With each article, the author shines a light on the sordid practices and unethical behavior that have unfortunately become all too common within the corridors of power.

The collection provides a comprehensive and damning account of the state of affairs, leaving no stone unturned in its exploration of the issue.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of the problems facing Florida's authorities and the urgent need for reform.

Good selection of early Hiaasen columns.

These columns offer a unique perspective on various topics. They are filled with vivid descriptions and engaging stories that capture the reader's attention from the very beginning.

Hiaasen's writing style is both humorous and thought-provoking, making his columns a joy to read.

Whether it's about politics, society, or the environment, Hiaasen has a way of presenting his ideas in a way that is accessible to everyone.

The early columns in this selection provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented writer and journalist.

They offer valuable insights into the issues of the day and are sure to spark interesting discussions among readers.

Overall, this is a great collection of early Hiaasen columns that is well worth reading.

I have always been a great admirer of his columns in the Miami Herald. They were a source of great interest and knowledge for me. However, when I relocated to Boston, I unfortunately had to give up reading them regularly.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go through some of his columns. It was more of a combination of skimming and reading. But it was enough to bring me up to speed on what had been happening in Florida after I left in 1987.

The situation in Florida is truly disheartening. The state has experienced astronomical growth, which seems to be completely unmanageable. The environment has been left in a shambles. The water quality is deteriorating, the Everglades are facing numerous challenges, and the wildlife is on the verge of extinction, all due to the unbridled greed for growth.

It is truly a sad state of affairs, and it makes me wonder what can be done to reverse this trend and protect the beautiful state of Florida for future generations.

Most reviews of this book, including the cover blurbs, highlight the direct link between the characters in Hiaasen's novels and the crazy "only in Florida" true stories that abound, especially in the first section of this book. There is indeed an abundance of kookiness. However, the aspect that truly captivated me was the environmentalism and Hiaasen's passion for Florida's wild places. These themes also shine through in his novels, stemming from his experience and the (mostly tragic) history of southern Florida development.

The stories are fascinating, and the writing is as brilliant as his fiction - witty, sharp, and profound without being overly forceful. If you desire a taste of his passion and ecological argument, read this piece.

I also appreciate the effort put into compiling this collection. A University of Florida professor assembled about 15 years of his columns into thematic chapters, often uncovering columns published months or years apart to continue a story or theme.

I only give this four stars because it is now somewhat outdated. The environmental concerns may be even more valid, but these are columns from a daily newspaper, sometimes dating back 20 or 30 years. So, it's not particularly timely, yet it is still worth a read, especially for fans of Hiaasen's fiction.

Corruption is indeed rampant everywhere in our society.

It serves as a harsh reminder that human nature often remains unchanged, and this holds true for politicians as well.

Hiaasen's works are a source of great joy to read. His unique writing style and incisive insights into various social issues make his books a captivating read.

However, I can't help but think that it would have been even better had I read this particular piece when it was first published, rather than years later.

Perhaps reading it at the right time would have allowed me to have a more immediate and profound understanding of the issues it addressed.

Nevertheless, even after all these years, Hiaasen's words still hold great value and relevance, and they continue to shed light on the darker aspects of our world.

If you don't understand how Miami works, this will certainly enlighten!

Miami is a vibrant and diverse city with a unique charm. It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and exciting nightlife. However, there is much more to Miami than just these surface attractions.

The city has a complex economic and social structure, with a variety of industries contributing to its growth and development. From tourism and hospitality to finance and technology, Miami offers a wide range of opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

In addition, Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world calling it home. This diversity is reflected in the city's art, music, cuisine, and architecture, making it a truly unique and exciting place to live and visit.

Whether you are interested in exploring the city's beaches and nightlife or delving into its rich history and culture, Miami has something for everyone. So, if you don't understand how Miami works, take the time to explore and discover all that this amazing city has to offer. You won't be disappointed!

Hilarious!

Have you ever experienced something so funny that it made you laugh out loud uncontrollably? Well, I have! Recently, I witnessed a truly hilarious incident that had me in stitches.

It was a sunny day, and I was at the park with my friends. We were just sitting there, chatting and enjoying the nice weather when suddenly, a group of pigeons flew over. One of my friends, who is a bit of a scaredy-cat, freaked out and started running away. But in his haste, he tripped over a bench and landed flat on his face.

The look on his face was priceless! He was so shocked and embarrassed that he didn't know what to do. Meanwhile, the rest of us were laughing so hard that our stomachs hurt.

It was one of those moments that you just can't forget. Every time I think about it, I still can't help but laugh.

Hilarious indeed!

Might just be me, but I was bored silly. I am a big fan of Carl's fiction, particularly the young adult books like "Hoot".

However, the columns in this work were hard to get into. The rants seemed to go on and on and got old very quickly. What made it even worse was that there was no follow-up, so you had no idea how things ended.

As a result, I skipped about half of the book. I just couldn't bring myself to read the stuff about politics. Instead, I ended up reading mostly the articles about wildlife and the destruction of the environment.

These were the parts that really interested me and held my attention. It's a shame that the rest of the book didn't have the same appeal. Maybe Carl should consider focusing more on his strengths and less on the things that don't work as well.

Carl tells it like it is.

He is a great source of some Florida history. His accounts provide valuable insights into the past of this vibrant state.

I especially liked the later sections on the Everglades and Florida growth in general. The description of the Everglades was vivid and detailed, painting a picture of the unique ecosystem that exists there.

It made me appreciate the importance of protecting this natural wonder. The section on Florida growth was also very interesting. It showed how the state has developed over the years, from a relatively small and rural area to a large and diverse metropolis.

Overall, Carl's work is a must-read for anyone interested in Florida history. It is engaging, informative, and well-written.

I would highly recommend it to others.