Helpful Score: 2
3.0 out of 5 stars Mildly amusing, got old fast..., September 16, 2010
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This review is from: Star Island (Hardcover)
This latest novel read like an issue of one of the more lurid entertainment magazines -- however in this case, fiction is a bit stranger than truth although some of the current stars do manage to create a lot of mayhem and mischief. Hiaasen has taken a page or two from the tabloids and churned out another trademark romp -- this time focusing on Cherry Pye, a young singer who is poised between rehab and a comeback tour. Unfortunately, she's so out of control that even her handlers can't seem to slow the skid.
The other characters in this sometimes funny story include a familiar face -- Skink, formerly known as Clinton Tyree, who had a short-lived term as governor of Florida before he went "green" and bonkers. He's been in several previous novels and hasn't changed a bit. In addition, Hiaasen has given somewhat clever names to the players in this novel including the giant bodyguard Chemo (and his weed-whacker arm), Bang Abbott (one of the paparazzi) who hatches a scheme that goes horribly wrong, the slimy promoter Maury Lykes, and the rest of the cast fill out a bizarre tale that amuses at times but ultimately the joke goes on too long. I really had no empathy for any of the characters, not even the stand in Ann who is supposed to be the one we root for, rose much beyond a stereotype. I think there was just too much going on -- definitely this was tongue in cheek, over-the-top satire of the world of celebrities and the folks who feed off them. Basically the novel was a cliche of all that and although I found it mildly amusing, I wasn't unhappy when I turned the last page and closed the book.
I've read all of Carl Hiaasen's novels and probably will read the next one, so I expect other fans of this author and this genre will do so as well.
)
This review is from: Star Island (Hardcover)
This latest novel read like an issue of one of the more lurid entertainment magazines -- however in this case, fiction is a bit stranger than truth although some of the current stars do manage to create a lot of mayhem and mischief. Hiaasen has taken a page or two from the tabloids and churned out another trademark romp -- this time focusing on Cherry Pye, a young singer who is poised between rehab and a comeback tour. Unfortunately, she's so out of control that even her handlers can't seem to slow the skid.
The other characters in this sometimes funny story include a familiar face -- Skink, formerly known as Clinton Tyree, who had a short-lived term as governor of Florida before he went "green" and bonkers. He's been in several previous novels and hasn't changed a bit. In addition, Hiaasen has given somewhat clever names to the players in this novel including the giant bodyguard Chemo (and his weed-whacker arm), Bang Abbott (one of the paparazzi) who hatches a scheme that goes horribly wrong, the slimy promoter Maury Lykes, and the rest of the cast fill out a bizarre tale that amuses at times but ultimately the joke goes on too long. I really had no empathy for any of the characters, not even the stand in Ann who is supposed to be the one we root for, rose much beyond a stereotype. I think there was just too much going on -- definitely this was tongue in cheek, over-the-top satire of the world of celebrities and the folks who feed off them. Basically the novel was a cliche of all that and although I found it mildly amusing, I wasn't unhappy when I turned the last page and closed the book.
I've read all of Carl Hiaasen's novels and probably will read the next one, so I expect other fans of this author and this genre will do so as well.
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book - I just love Hiaasen's mix of humor, extreme characters, mystery, and especially his unrestrained indictment of those who continue to destroy the most diverse eco-system in this country.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Hiassen novel! It was an intriguing, fast paced book which I enjoyed reading.
Always fun to read, this new book by Hiaasen is not his best and a bit raunchier than the others. It is about the drug culture of the rich and famous; of course my favorite, Skink is there to help straighten things out. Would love to meet this guy. Genny
Entertaining read. However the ending was disappointing.
Typical Hiaasen, which is to say, there's a credible story there, though a bit weak in this book, but told with some of the most interesting and humorous dialogue possible. Chemo's back, as is Skink, though I think Chemo's a bit "over the top", much like Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms. But hey, it's only fiction, and if you're not entertained by this fiction, then turn your brain back on! I consider myself fortunate to have been born & raised in Miami Beach so Hiaasen's story references mean even more! I actually went trick-or-treating on Star Island in the 60's! If you like Hiaasen, this book will not disappoint!
Not Hiaasen's best effort, but not a total flop, either. Reintroducing the character Chemo was a good move and made for some interesting (and funny) scenes. The overall plot line was a little weak, but was also a change from Hiaasen's usual eco-crusader theme, so points for a change of pace. Having Skink appear in the story was most of the reason I got the book - as a longtime fan, Skink is easily my favorite Hiaasen character. Sadly, however, his role was very limited and seemed like more of a hook to draw in readers than an integral part of the story. A fun quick read, but not good enough to add to my permanent collection.
So so read.
It's been a while since I've read a Hiaasen novel. This one is full of his usual wacky characters and full of lol humor. The novel includes a couple of my favorite characters from prior novels: Chemo, the disfigured criminal from Skin Tight with the weed-whacker prosthesis; and Skink, the ex-governor of Florida who lives in the wild and is fighting to try to preserve Florida's natural habitat. In the novel, Ann DeLusia, a "stunt double" for habitually intoxicated and drug-addicted pop star "Cherry Pye", is mistakenly kidnapped by an obsessed paparazzo, Bang Abbott. Now, the star's entourage must find a way to rescue Ann, and do it without revealing her identity to the star herself, or the world at large. Chemo is a bodyguard for Cherry who is on the verge of releasing a comeback album and going on tour.
The novel includes some very funny scenes including when Skink hijacks a bus full of real estate investors and ties the main developer to a tree and attaches a spiny sea urchin to his scrotal area. Overall I enjoyed this outing from Hiaasen but not quite as much as some of his other novels including Skin Tight, Lucky You, and Native Tongue.
The novel includes some very funny scenes including when Skink hijacks a bus full of real estate investors and ties the main developer to a tree and attaches a spiny sea urchin to his scrotal area. Overall I enjoyed this outing from Hiaasen but not quite as much as some of his other novels including Skin Tight, Lucky You, and Native Tongue.
Read about the first 100 pages and could go no further. Terrible book!!
I read through this book fairly quick. I rooted for the stand-in double and Skink. The rest of the characters - OK, maybe I liked the weird body guard for Cherry Pye, as well, because he knew she was impossible,too.
A good read with some fun moments and a peek at the Hollywood lifestyle.
A good read with some fun moments and a peek at the Hollywood lifestyle.
I have just started this book but so far it is very good. As soon as I am finished I will post it.
I enjoyed reading this book. A bit of a different story line than I'm used to, but enjoyable. Funny, great characters, interesting and intricate story. It was fast reading for me. I liked it, but I didn't love it:-). I'm glad I read it, but I'm not going right out and look for another from the same author.
This is a easy to listen to, laugh out loud and wonder what the heck are these people doing kinda book. Love the biting humor, stupid girl and the over the top body guard and who is that Skink guy characters. Great book anytime you need something fun.
This book was horrible. I couldn't get past chapter 15 and then I read too many chapters. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Edward Abbey meets Dominic Dunne
