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

silly but fun

story bounced from one implausible event to. next. enjoy the ride. the characters are rich,superficial, and delightful. recuires significant suspension of disbelief but if you do you are rewarded with fun and a twisted view of FL

horrible narration

the story was funny and I would have probably been better served reading instead of listening.

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.

Love Carl Hiaasen!

This was another funny and entertaining book about characters in South Florida. It's a good escape from the day to day and a great story.

I can always count on Carl Hiassen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, 100% yes. I've listened to a majority of Carl Hiassens books and I always enjoy them, this book is no exception.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Skink. He has a part in a lot of Hiassens books. He is tough, smart, funny, and way out there.

Any additional comments?

I can't say how much I love Carl Hiassens books.

Hiaasen Does it Again

Once again Hiaasen knocks it out of the park with a phenomenal tale of adventure, mystery, and nature. A must read for anyone interested in Florida ecology.

When Once You Practice to Deceive

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! it was funny and quirky while it highlighted the overdevelopment that took place in Florida. It was a great story.. I felt as if I were watching the action close up.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Native Tongue?

One of the most memorable moments took place in the whale pool. I can't say any more without ruining the story.

What about George Wilson’s performance did you like?

I was floored by George Wilson's ablity to protray each character so skillfully; it was as if there was an entire cast of performers. He made the story come alive with all of Hiaasen's wacky characters and hilarious action.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, If I had the time I would have loved to have listened to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Listening to Geroge Wilson bring the characters to life was great fun.

A Perfect Summer Listen!

This is the kind of book you read or listen to when you need a good laugh. In true Hiaasen fashion, the listener is introduced to a far out and crazy cast of characters who are put into truly absurd situations from beginning to end. Where else will you find a senior citizen group called the Mothers of Wilderness holding meetings at assisted living facilities to plot a scheme to steal the beloved Blue Tongued Mango Voles in an attempt to shut down the evil Amazing Kingdom?

Despite how improbable things get, try to be willing to take the ride all the way to the end. While laughing out loud you will get a lesson on environmentalism and come to love this crazy bunch of outcasts. To truly enjoy this, and any Hiaasen book, you have to just go with it. It’s a kind of a literary guilty pleasure, but it’s still more smart than trashy.