Native Tongue

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.

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!)

How can anyone read a Carl Hiaasen book out loud without laughing insanely! Yet, inspite of the over the top hysterical attributes of his books, there is a serious underlying message about what is being done to damage our natural resources. A great read or listen.

I don't know why this ended up in my reading list - musta been on sale or something. It's not a bad story and does have some good parts, but there's a lot of "satire" in it that just missed the mark. And too much "aren't I funny" from the author. He isn't that funny. The story isn't that "biting" or insightful and there's WAY too much time spent harping on about environmental destruction... I got the point by the halfway mark.

Trimming out a couple hours would have made it more enjoyable. We could have skipped most of the story around Joe's porn girlfriend (still don't know what the point of her was), Skink's stupid panther shenanigans (oh-kay, what was that all about?), and the steroid-head's over-the-topness (maybe this guy was supposed to be funny? it was just dumb). I don't think I'll read any more of this author's stuff though... his writing just isn't as funny as he thinks he is.

The narration, however, was excellent.

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.

Carl Hiaasen's writing makes me think of Dave Barry, whose books I LOVE to read. This was a pretty funny book - although Barry's books are a bit funnier to me. Considering the location of the book and the location of the author, as well as the very similar writing style, I believe that Hiaasen and Barry MUST know each other, actually. Anyway - I digress - the plot was incredibly complicated, but it wasn't too hard to follow, and the multitude of characters were all well-developed. As a main character, I couldn't really decide if I liked Joe Winder or not; he was a person that I don't think I'd want to be friends with. Additionally, I can handle the crass language in this book, but would certainly prefer much cleaner dialogue. I did feel that the story dragged a little bit in places, and I HATED how Hiaasen refers to the main character as Joe Winder...every single time he says his name. As if the book was filled with 27 characters named Joe. He was the only one! I started thinking of his name as Joewinder. Overall, interesting and somewhat amusing. I may or may not read other books by this author.

This is one of the more memorable of Hiaasen’s books. George Wilson is a solid performer. I lived in Florida for a long time so I’m quite biased as I can relate to the people and places Carl describes. Most humor is based on truth and “Native Tongue” is real funny. If you’ve never lived in or visited Florida, then I can see how much of satire is wasted on the reader of this book.

Another of Hiaasen's whackos-running-around-Florida books. Usual cast of characters - evil developers, pristine wilderness, etc, etc. He found the right balance on this one. Apocalyptic ending. Devastatingly funny.

I had a little trouble getting into this book. But once I got going, enjoyed it a lot. Great and very funny dialogue. Great narration. Interesting plot. I hardly ever write a review but this was an unexpected delight. Give it a try.

It was okay, but I was kinda over it by the middle. so much of it was unrealistic, if you decide to read it yuou will probably agree. Very entertaining tongue in check detective work.