Native Tongue

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 15 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Ex-reporter Joe Winder had been working in the public relations department of a sleazy family entertainment park, The Amazing Kingdom of Thrills, when he chanced upon a news-breaking story inspired by the disappearance of two blue-tongued voles and the bizarre death of Orky, the killer whale.

©1991 Carl Hiaasen (P)1992 Recorded Books

Hiaasen makes me laugh out loud

Having read or listened to many of Hiaasen's works, this one was about what I expected. Funny characters, funny situations, funny dialogue and funny outcomes. What I liked about this book is he made equal fun of developers and environmentalists. He even made me laugh at my own PR profession. If this were the only book that Hiaasen ever wrote, it probably would have earned five stars. But his books are like songs by the BeeGees; they're different but they sound the same. And if you like one, you'll probably like them all.

Makes the miles fly by.

Great listen when on a long trip. Typically strange Hiaasen characters. Great story. Lots of fun to hear. Wilson does a good job telling the story.

Hiaasen at his best!

So thrilled to find a “new” title from my favorite Florida author! So funny, so true!

Met expectations

Where does Native Tongue rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Compared to other audio books this was good - not great. The pacing felt a bit slow - although the narration suited the pace of the story so I can't blame the reader.

Any additional comments?

It was well read, and as it progressed the story became more engaging. Towards the end I laughed out loud at a few points. Overall, I'd recommend the book and urge patience as you wait for the story to kick into gear. The narrator did a great job.

What A Trip

A Florida fantasy worth reading. I laughed aloud. Unusual for an audio book. Hiassen is the perfect Florida satirist. Banned in Florida. A badge of merit.

Typical Hiaasen wryness throughout.

Great characters as per usual with Hiaasen. Maybe could have used a little editing to tighten up the flow of the story.

Dark humor

I like the main characters but a little over the top on the antagonists. Quirky tale with environmental overtones. Not a book for softhearted animal lovers though.

Another Winner

This is one of his earlier works but it stands the test of time and demonstrates true Hiassen genius. Well worth a credit (or even real money!)

Silly... If You Want That... This Is Your Book...

I'm torn, this story falls into one of two types... (1) It is was ordered up by the people who create Chelsea Grammar screenplays so that the star can sell his reputation for the most bucks quick until eventually everyone who might have attended decides, "Fool me once... shame on you.. But fool me twice and well, I feel gypped." or (2) It's one of those "Famous Writing Academy" classroom exercise where the manuscript is passed to another student after his predecessor wrote a chapter.

Okay, in both cases, some talented people might flack out the next scene or chapter, but their reward's going to come from a teacher or producer, not from anyone who actually pays money for the thing. No wonder that the longest chapter in Native Tongue is the epilogue which has to fill more holes than come woven into a Florida window-screen. I didn't hate this thing... But the word "disappoint" sparks to mind fast as a Bic's flame.

Once upon a time I reeeeeeely enjoyed Carl Hiaasen. I guess he got used to the income supplement from books and figures its also a way to wrap something around his nature rants. Hell, maybe the rants let him sleep at night? Certainly it can't be authorial pride anymore. Sigh... Skip this one, K?

poor quality recording

I absolutely love Carl Haissen and this book did not disappoint. I laughed out loud a number of times which is unusual for me. the recording is very old and had the background noise you get from the old books on tape when they were on cassette tapes. that was my only disappointment though it did bring back some memories of the old days.