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

Funny satire that forgot to be funny

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.

Only in Florida

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.

Sorry when it ended.

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.

Great Listen!

Terrific, fabulous Carl Hiaasen story. Fabulous narration by George Wilson.. A must read for Hiaasen fans. I laughed all the way through.

Great Hiaasen entertainment

I listen to the book while in the car and I am sure some people wonder why I am driving along laughing. Carl Hiaasen is a great story crafter and there is action, mystery, interesting good guys and horrible bad guys! Best of all, humor. Love it.

To long

Love C H but max 10 Hours is enough. George Wilson should narrate all his books.

Not his best book but still a great listen

Pretty much what you expect from Hiassen, crazy situations, crazy characters and a whole lot of fun. Reading was near perfect.

Not his best book

Usually I love Carl Hiaasan's books but this one fell flat for me. The characters weren't as crazy and entertaining as they usually are. I also didn't like George Wilson's narration in this recording. He changed Skink's voice from "Double Wammy" and I didn't think it fit the character as well. I would save this book until you've listened to his others, then decide if you want to finish them all.

Blue-tongued mango voles and randy dolphins!

Florida is a dangerous place! With gun-packing grandmas and mafia mobsters seeking vengeance, a tourist theme park is beset with difficulties. However, I would hold back any tears. The owner is not a nice person. But not to worry, the mysterious Skink makes his second appearance in this rollicking farce. Hopefully, he can help save the few good guys who want to stop the park's owner from building another golf course.

Great fun, if you don't mind a little graphic, if brief, violence.

Too many pauses

There are way too many long pauses in this performance. Sometimes I thought it had shut off bc the break was so long!