I am a big fan of Carl Hiaasen, and this is his latest novel.
Like all of his novels, this one is set in Florida and has, of course, the authors commentary on Floridian environmental issues, rampant real estate development, and quirky characters. The main character of Nature Girl is Honey Santana. She is somewhat "passionate" in her beliefs. Some would probably use a stronger word to describe it. She was once married and has a 12 year-old boy from the union. Her ex-husband is still active in the raising of their son, and does his best to keep her out of trouble. And trouble is what happens when a Texan telemarketer calls her during dinner one evening. He hasn't been having a very good day (or a very good life, for that matter) and tees off on her. Honey takes it upon herself to get him, and his mistress, to Florida for a little talk about his attitude. Add in to this mix, Honey's ex-boss, a lecherous, vile individual, a half-Seminole Indian looking for some peace and quiet, a very attractive co-ed, and some religious fanatics, and you have a "normal" Hiaasen novel.
I don't think that this is Hiaasen's best novel, it seemed to be missing his biting commentary on Florida, its environment, and citizens. Other than Piejack, Honey's stalker ex-boss, there really wasn't a "bad" character in the novel. Sure, we all wish that we could torment a telemarketer, and Boyd Shreave makes an easy target, it seemed too "contrived." Especially with the current "Do Not Call" lists and caller ID. The other problem I had with this book was the sheer number of characters packed into 320 pages. At one point, there is so much going on, that I had to re-read some passages so that I understood who was doing what to whom and why. But it did have its moments, as I found myself laughing out loud several times. Honey, her son, her ex-husband, and Sammy Tigertail (the half Seminole) were all very good characters, and very well developed.
It pains me to say that this isn't Hiaasen's best novel, it seemed as though he lost some of his edge and focus. I just wish that this one was on par with Skinny Dip, his prior novel.
Technorati tag: books Reading
Comment posted by Duffbert02/01/2007 07:31:13 AM
Homepage: http://www.twduff.com
I have this one waiting for me at the library... I'll be interested to see my reaction to it. :)
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred02/01/2007 11:23:18 AM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Tom - I hate to say it, but getting the book from the library is a much better choice than buying it (which is what I did).
Comment posted by Duffbert02/01/2007 06:24:08 PM
Homepage: http://www.twduff.com
:)... I can't imagine under what conditions I'd buy a fiction work from a bookstore. Even prior to my OC reviewing syndrome, I'd think long and hard about buying a tech book. But at least with that purchase, I'd know I'd spend more than three or four hours with the book...
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred02/01/2007 09:59:52 PM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Tom - Fair enough. I find that I pass the good ones around, friends, neighbors, family. I also relish the whole book purchase experience. I don't think that there are many things much better than selecting a book, purchasing it, and leaving the store with a new destination/experience in the bag. Some I will read more than once (the Harry Potter novels, come to mind). I also seem to store them up, like a squirrel, and "find" them when I need a break. I have a couple that I have bought, thanks to your recommendations, that I have yet to read. They sit there, tormenting me, reminding me that I have much left to read. And I like that.
Comment posted by Duffbert02/02/2007 08:23:23 AM
Homepage: http://www.twduff.com
The bookstore experience *is* one that I miss since I've started reviewing. I used to feel my pulse start to climb when I entered one. Now it's "read that, read that, reviewed that, I'll ask for that one..." :)
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