Stormy Weather

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Carl Hiaasen, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author, has earned a reputation for perceptive, sharp-edged suspense that also cuts to the bone of environmental issues. His novels have been translated into many languages and are touted worldwide for their quirky characters and surreal adventures set in the ravaged cultural wasteland of southern Florida.

Stormy Weather centers on the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The devastation of the storm has attracted crowds of voyeurs and impostors to Florida. Drawn by the chance to prey on Andrew's victims, misfits like the murderous ex-con Snapper and the dangerously seductive Edie find easy targets for their insurance scams. They're not prepared, though, when they meet their opposition, led by a hoary ex-governor who smokes toads.

Both hilariously funny and deadly accurate, Carl Hiaasen's novel will take you into a Florida that is far from the frilly palms and pink flamingos of its post cards. Strap on your seatbelt. Stormy Weather is an unforgettable, turbulent ride.

©1995 Carl Hiaasen (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Biting wit, wacky characters, and a profound fury." (USA Today)
"These strange characters maneuver through a broken landscape as if born to it, and the author's control of both style and narrative keeps the novel from slipping into silliness....A fiction that explores the intersection of the grotesque and the human." Library Journal)
"Combining slapstick nightmare, black comedy, and moral outrage in just the right proportions." (Booklist)

Great book but not my favorite

I didn't think this narrator was the right fit for this book. Some of his pronunciations were off and I wasn't as excited about his Skink voice and enunciation as I have been in others.

I'm a Florida native, who lived in Broward during Hurricane Andrew, so I do appreciate the real world aspects that were brought in. Animals really did escape from the zoo!

All in all a good book.

I laughed until I cried.

I grew up in Miami and I feel like I'm transported back in time. The characters in all of Hiaasen's books are spot on, and so funny. I can't get enough. I'm pretty sure I've dated one of Hiaasen's shady characters.

Very entertaining!

Excellent story and great character development. it was entertaining from begging til end, never a full moment.

Favorite Skink Book So Far

Favorite Skink Book So Far. Feels like this is where Tim Dorsey got a big inspiration to create his Serge A Storms Character.

Mispronunciation

I enjoy all of Hiaasens satire based stories, it’s just when a narrator mispronounces a well known location is likened to chalk on a blackboard. Any one who’s lived in the FL Keys or S FL knows “Islamoada” is pronounced as an extension of “Island”, not “Eesslamorada”
Otherwise, it’s typical enjoyable Hiaasen!

Wonderful Characters

This book has wonderful offbeat characters. The book keeps your interest and it makes you laugh. Carl Hiaasin books while they are fiction are based on real events and people which makes them even more interesting. I will get another Carl Hiaasin book.

It's amazing how he ties everything together

Kept me in stitches, as usual. Another madcap zany tale from Carl Hiaasen brought to life superbly by George Wilson. There's no way to tell all the antics in this story, other than there's been a major hurricane in Florida, and everyone is either suffering from the effects or out to make a quick buck from residents suffering. Somehow Carl Hiaasen makes tragedy humorous with everyone getting their just due in the end. A favorite character of mine is back in this tale, Skink (the ex-governor) with the help of Trooper Jim straighten out the criminals and help to play match maker in the process. If you enjoy 'off the wall' humor, then give this one a listen.

Classic Hiaasen. Great book.

Crazy characters and situations. Books like this are the reason I love Hiaasen's work. I laughed out loud at some parts of the story. I'm glad I purchased this book.

ITS SKINK

Many years ago, on a road trip with my mother, she refused to atop on the Card Sound Bridge to pay homage to the former Governor. Thank you Mr. Hiaasen for inventing Skink.

Hits the funny bone, repeatitly!

Would you listen to Stormy Weather again? Why?

Yes, complex wierd funny plot, great charicters, go skink!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

More twists and turns than a mountain highway.

What does George Wilson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ouch, stop it, my stomache hurts! Great narration, felt like I was there.

If you could take any character from Stormy Weather out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Has to be Clinton Tyree aka Skink, he is impossible and querky, whats not to like!

Any additional comments?

I think this is Carl Hiaasen best most complex yet, well worth the listen, if only for the laughs!