leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up - a quick, easy read about rogue environmental justice. With a dog!
ec_tyche's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
4.0
Carl Hiaasen is a master of sentence, character and humor of the absurd.
Case in point, this little bit taken from Sick Puppy:
"The killer had a vain streak when it came to his physique. He was driven to take measures that artificially streamlined his midsection, which in recent years had shown signs of incipient tubbiness--an unnerving development that Mr. Gash bitterly blamed on the dull sedentary life of a a hit man. It was an occupation that neither required nor allowed much physical exercise; plane trips, car rides, endless stakeouts in motel rooms and bars. For Mr. Gash, already self-conscious about his short stature, the sight of a marbled, thickening belly was intolerable. A discreetly tailored corset seemed a good temporary solution, at least until he found time to join a spa."
Mr. Hiassen is the P.G. Wodehouse of the modern Floridian landscape.
Case in point, this little bit taken from Sick Puppy:
"The killer had a vain streak when it came to his physique. He was driven to take measures that artificially streamlined his midsection, which in recent years had shown signs of incipient tubbiness--an unnerving development that Mr. Gash bitterly blamed on the dull sedentary life of a a hit man. It was an occupation that neither required nor allowed much physical exercise; plane trips, car rides, endless stakeouts in motel rooms and bars. For Mr. Gash, already self-conscious about his short stature, the sight of a marbled, thickening belly was intolerable. A discreetly tailored corset seemed a good temporary solution, at least until he found time to join a spa."
Mr. Hiassen is the P.G. Wodehouse of the modern Floridian landscape.
elizakp's review against another edition
2.0
Meh - this one really dragged. Many parts were dreamlike in a way that just didn't work for me. I liked a lot of the deep dive into lobbying though.
rubys_bookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
foreverday's review against another edition
2.0
I'm a bit conflicted as to rating this book. On the one hand, the writing is entertaining, every character is a quirky oddball and the events are whacky and unpredictable.
Yet, there was a lot that was just plain unpleasant. The Barbie fetish, baby-rat-in-mouth torture scene, rhino horn viagra quest, crass sex scenes. The majority of the cast have virtually no redeemable features. Most things just weren't nice to read about. 'Sick' indeed, and not really my speed.
I also didn't find the plot particularly gripping, and it wasn't funny like I'd been hoping from a Hiaasen. Also, a more minor thing but it feels like Florida's environmental destruction and corruption being a Bad Thing is the underlying message of every single Hiaasen book I've read so far. Which is not bad in itself (I'm 100% behind that as a message) it just feels a bit same-y as a reader.
If the content doesn't bother you, it's entertaining, but I didn't find it wildly enjoyable.
Yet, there was a lot that was just plain unpleasant. The Barbie fetish, baby-rat-in-mouth torture scene, rhino horn viagra quest, crass sex scenes. The majority of the cast have virtually no redeemable features. Most things just weren't nice to read about. 'Sick' indeed, and not really my speed.
I also didn't find the plot particularly gripping, and it wasn't funny like I'd been hoping from a Hiaasen. Also, a more minor thing but it feels like Florida's environmental destruction and corruption being a Bad Thing is the underlying message of every single Hiaasen book I've read so far. Which is not bad in itself (I'm 100% behind that as a message) it just feels a bit same-y as a reader.
If the content doesn't bother you, it's entertaining, but I didn't find it wildly enjoyable.
skylaramoore's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
buffaloarms's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
andrewrmart's review against another edition
5.0
Hiaasen is a mad genius in a league of his own. Far and away my favorite adult author. A wild and patently ridiculous ride, just like all his others.
mojo_jojo's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0