fromsarahsbooknook's review against another edition
2.0
I usually love Hiaasen, but for whatever reason, this one didn’t land for me. Although I loved the shout out to my Alma Mater, Rollins College. ;)
elizakp's review against another edition
3.0
i enjoyed the mafia tie-in but i didn't love the theme park aspects as much as i expected to. joe's backstory reveal also could have been more dramatic and drawn out.
emilykathleenwrites's review against another edition
3.0
Full of cheap, vulgar humor, sometimes I laugh out loud, sometimes I cringe, and sometimes I do both. Native Tongue is way backlist (1991), and some of the jokes don't hold up.
When one of the characters walks around with an IV of steroids and chews off his own leg, then dies when he is shoved into a dolphin tank and the dolphin then "fu*cks him to death," you know you're reading a Hiaasen book. Male gaze and anit-PC humor aside, I enjoyed this fast-moving thriller.
Social commentary: environmental conservation, the perils of capitalism, normalizing sex work.
When one of the characters walks around with an IV of steroids and chews off his own leg, then dies when he is shoved into a dolphin tank and the dolphin then "fu*cks him to death," you know you're reading a Hiaasen book. Male gaze and anit-PC humor aside, I enjoyed this fast-moving thriller.
Social commentary: environmental conservation, the perils of capitalism, normalizing sex work.
felixroe's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fantastic. Was smiling all the way through, and the chaos was consistent through the whole book. Really thrilling and satisfying happy ending. Can’t wait for the next one
aj_humphreys's review against another edition
5.0
It's just irreverent and delightful.
Hiaasen includes every Florida native from Florida man himself to snow birds and all those in between as they confront their rolls in the preservation of South Florida wildlife and keeping their heads above water from an infinitely expanding mountain of lies and spin.
Hiaasen includes every Florida native from Florida man himself to snow birds and all those in between as they confront their rolls in the preservation of South Florida wildlife and keeping their heads above water from an infinitely expanding mountain of lies and spin.
wynnz's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Well, it's all in here isn’t it! Murder, virtual geronticide, kidnapping, burglary, shootings, maiming, drug abuse, extortion, scams, environmental issues, corporate greed, animal cruelty and last but not least bestiality. Characters aplenty in all shapes and sizes. A lot to cram in but it's done well. Amusing and very entertaining.
sharppointysticks's review against another edition
3.0
Dark humor, animal rights, environmental activists... of course I liked it.
csifbi23's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first foray into the world of Carl Hiaasen and Skink/The Governor, but will not be my last. I was not sure what to expect given everything I'd heard, and Hiaasen's emphasis on protecting the environment. His novel delivered lots of enjoyment, and it was easy to get absorbed into the book and lose lots of time. You will definitely not be able to miss Hiaasen's views on the environment, but the zany Florida backdrop provides enough color for anyone to enjoy the book. Also, the random phone sex hotline scenes are a riot that break up the beginning into entertaining tidbits.
kelseak96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Infertility, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Ableism, Animal cruelty, Dysphoria, Rape, Sexual content, Addiction, Animal death, Cursing, Misogyny, and Murder
wagmore's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
Excellent characterization, but the creepiness of some of the characters wears thin sometimes.
Excellent characterization, but the creepiness of some of the characters wears thin sometimes.