Star Island by Carl Hiaasen09/01/2010 09:50:24 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
The emergency medical technicians have
been called to a hotel in South Beach, responding to call concerning a
twenty-two year old female who has swallowed a "mix of vodka, Red
Bull, hydrocodone, birdseed, and stool softener." A rather typical
call for South Beach with the exception of the appearance of Bang Abbott,
an overweight, intrusive paparazzo. He wants to have exclusive right to
the pictures of the woman on the stretcher. However, when the EMT's wheel
out the woman, he realizes that this is not the person he came to shoot.
His real target, Cherry Pye, a lip synching "singer" with serious
drug, alcohol, and sex issues, has been whisked out the back of the hotel
and is on her way to rehab (again). Bang has been tricked by Cherry's handlers,
who employ Ann DeLusia, an actress who is a spitting image of Cherry, and
is considered an "undercover stunt double." Cherry has no idea
that Ann exists, Ann is used any time Cherry is too wasted to make public
appearances or to cover for her when she is in rehab.
The use of Ann as a double is brilliant until she crashes her car on her way to Key West for some much deserved rest and relaxation. Rescued by a man known as "Skink," a former governor of Florida and who is now, for lack of a better term, an "eco terrorist," Ann connects with Skink, who then helps Ann get out of some very sticky situations and, ultimately, away from Cherry Pye and her entourage.
In Star Island, Carl Hiaasen turns his eye on what passes for celebrity in America, but adds his usual criticism of Florida real estate developers and certain types of people that inhabit the Sunshine State. Regular readers will enjoy the appearance of Skink, who has a very effective and hilarious method of dealing with one unscrupulous real estate developer, and two other characters. All should relish Ann, the small voice of reason and sanity in the insane circle of people that inhabit Cherry's world.
Hiaasen does an admirable job of skewering the music industry and "celebrity," but he seems to have lost a step. He should have pushed the boundaries farther. Also, other than Skink, who inhabits the novel but not to the extent of Hiassen's better works, Ann is the only character with whom the reader will connect. Hiassen should have spent more time with her, she is the perfect foil for the insanity and a joy to follow.
Star Island isn't one of Hiassen's best works, but it is better than most fiction. In fact, you will discover that he has grabbed your attention with a fun, entertaining novel.
Disclosure:
Obtained from: Library
Payment: Borrowed
Technorati tag: book review Carl Hiaasen Star Island
The use of Ann as a double is brilliant until she crashes her car on her way to Key West for some much deserved rest and relaxation. Rescued by a man known as "Skink," a former governor of Florida and who is now, for lack of a better term, an "eco terrorist," Ann connects with Skink, who then helps Ann get out of some very sticky situations and, ultimately, away from Cherry Pye and her entourage.
In Star Island, Carl Hiaasen turns his eye on what passes for celebrity in America, but adds his usual criticism of Florida real estate developers and certain types of people that inhabit the Sunshine State. Regular readers will enjoy the appearance of Skink, who has a very effective and hilarious method of dealing with one unscrupulous real estate developer, and two other characters. All should relish Ann, the small voice of reason and sanity in the insane circle of people that inhabit Cherry's world.
Hiaasen does an admirable job of skewering the music industry and "celebrity," but he seems to have lost a step. He should have pushed the boundaries farther. Also, other than Skink, who inhabits the novel but not to the extent of Hiassen's better works, Ann is the only character with whom the reader will connect. Hiassen should have spent more time with her, she is the perfect foil for the insanity and a joy to follow.
Star Island isn't one of Hiassen's best works, but it is better than most fiction. In fact, you will discover that he has grabbed your attention with a fun, entertaining novel.
Disclosure:
Obtained from: Library
Payment: Borrowed
Technorati tag: book review Carl Hiaasen Star Island
Comments
Comment posted by Curt Stone09/02/2010 09:58:21 AM
Homepage: http://www.onecheekgeek.com
I read the mixed reviews on Amazon and was a bit dissappointed. Even though I enjoy his books, I was thinking about passing on this one.
Star Island isn't one of Hiassen's best works, but it is better than most fiction. In fact, you will discover that he has grabbed your attention with a fun, entertaining novel.
With your last statement, I'm looking forward to borrowing this from library when it's available. Thanks Gregg
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