Carl Hiaasen is Back! Your Must Read of the Week: Star Island

Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a huge Carl Hiaasen fan.  He's one of my favorite writers working today.  And, while I find his Young Adult fiction good, I really missed his crime fiction.  His books capitalize on the gonzo innerworkings (or underbellies) of Florida, the state that's officiallly in need of anti-psychotics.  Star Island is a return to glory in many different ways.

First, it's great to see Carl back doing what, I always felt, he does best.  Star Island is Hiaasen's sarcastic, satiristic Florida at its very best.  Rather than playing politics this time around, he turns his attention to celebrity.  Think of an amalgam of Lindsey Lohan, Britney Spears, and Miley Cyrus would be like.  Okay, now purge that thought from your head so as not to grow dumber.  Star Island focuses on Cherry Pye, a 22 year old, talentless pop-star (she's been on the scene since signing with Jailbait Records at the age of 15) who has an unhealthy relatioship with booze, pills, and the spotlight.

In the mix is Bang Abbott - a paparazzi photographer who is just chomping at the bit to get Chery Pye.  He's practically stalking her to death, and this affords Hiaasen to offer a much needed indictment on the industry of sleeze journalism.

Taking the action up a notch is a kidnapping plot (of course).  Someone wants to nab Cherry Pye, and when they do, they get more than they bargained for because...

...they unwittingly nab Ann DeLusia!  See, Ann is Cherry's stand-in when the booze and drugs have her addled brain on the fritz.  Thus ensues the chase - Cherry's handlers are out to find Ann, while keeping the existence of a double a secret (from everyone, including Cherry Pye); Also, on the trail is one former governor of Florida, Clinton Tyree, aka Skink.

Yes, Skink is back!  And, he's never been more fun.  Trust me.

What's Good: The pacing, solid dialogue, vintage Hiaasen flair for the overly dramatic.  Actually, this novel paces better than previous ones.  It's like Carl Hiaasen let his batteries recharge and came back stronger than ever.  Are there steroids for writers?

The indictment on what celebrity has become is excellent.  There's a strong satire that runs the course of the text.  And, it never grows stale or overly used.  It never once sounds like Hiaasen is whining about the Kardashians or the Heidi Montags of the world.

Skink, of course.

Some quick nods to previous works ignite a sense of nostalgia to Hiaasen fans.  It's a token gesture that says: I know I've been gone a bit, but I'm back and trying to give you all what you want.  And, as is the case, this novel has the quintessential overlapping storylines that we've grown to love and adore...

What's Not So Good: ...and that's a slight problem here.  At times the storylines happening seem a little convoluted.  It all plays well to the end, but there's some confusion amongst the pacing.  When you're moving at a brisk clip, it's aggravating to lose focus while multiple stories are being set up (or superfluous characters are intorduced in order to introduce more prominent characters).  Hiaasen has always done this, but here it's a little more present than normal.

Verdict: Purchase it!  It's only $14 and change from Amazon right now.  Just click the link and you're on your way.  And, it's the perfect addition to your summer reading list.  If you've ever wanted to punch Britney Spears in the face (an act the Authors Speak does not condone) then it could be a satisfactory read.

The Florida Summer continues this week as we welcome Ridley Pearson.  Ridley will chat about Dave Barry and Disney (as well as his latest Walt Fleming novel).  Join us then...and until then, keep reading.