Shopaholic Book Club: "Star Island" by Carl Hiaasen
Earlier this year, I made myself a promise that I would read one or two books each month - just for fun! And then I promised you guys that I would share my finds and review them for you here. The good news? I've been reading my two books a month, and most of them were checked out at the library. The bad news? I've been doing an awful job of blogging about this! Must do better, starting today! :-)
A few weeks ago, I finished reading "Star Island" by Carl Hiaasen. This is my fourth or fifth Carl Hiaasen book, and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. (I am currently reading an older Hiaasen that I picked up at the library). I love his sense of humor, the entertaining tales set in Florida, and his way of weaving together a plot with an interesting group of characters.
I almost didn't purchase this book, based on the Amazon reviews, but I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, this is not literary genius - it is pure guilty pleasure, mindless entertainment. The main character (Cherry Pye) is a hot mess - her story was quite possibly ripped directly from the headlines. She could be Lindsey Lohan or Britney Spears; although I believe Britney is a fantastic musical talent and Cherry's character doesn't appear to have much talent! The antics, the paparazzi, the tangled web that is woven - it all makes a fun read.
Below is the review from Publisher's Weekly:
The career of singer Cheryl Bunterman (aka Cherry Pye), who debuted with Jailbait Records at age 15, is foundering due to her lack of talent and indiscriminate appetite for drugs, booze, and sex in this outrageous, offbeat novel from Hiaasen (Nature Girl). Among those struggling to keep Cherry's career afloat are her mother, Janet Bunterman; producer Maury Lykes; and "undercover stunt double" Ann DeLusia, who will, say, mislead the press into thinking Cherry is out and about when she's really in rehab. Hiaasen has easy targets in misbehaving celebrity sightings, tabloid stalkings, and spin control experts, and he makes the most of them. Crooked real estate developer Jackie Sebago and paparazzo Bang Abbott, who plans to hitch his wagon to Cherry's star, add to the madcap fun. Mayhem follows after Bang kidnaps Ann instead of Cherry by mistake, and ex-Florida governor and eco-vigilante Clinton "Skink" Tyree, who was smitten with Ann after a chance encounter, rushes to her rescue. The torrent of pop culture barbs are bound to please Hiaasen's ardent fans. 500,000 first printing; 12-city author tour.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Good news, readers! I am giving way my copy of this book - I'm finished with it and would love to pay it forward by passing along to another Carl Hiassen fan! :-)
How do you qualify? Easy! You must be a blog follower, and comment on this post. Just tell me if you've read Hiassen, or about your favorite Hiassen book. Or - give me recommendations for another book you think I'd like - it could be from any author! Be sure to include your email address in the comment so I can reach you!
I'll select a winner on Monday, August 29 and notify them via email as well as announce here on the blog.
Happy Reading, and enjoy your Thursday!
p.s. I fell off the Lilly sale wagon yesterday and placed another sale order, I'm sure no one is surprised to hear it. Hangs head in shame...
I have read several of Hiaasen's books and, like you, enjoy his interesting Florida characters and his avid environmentalism. My favorite Hiassen book is "Hoot." Another book you might enjoy is "Saving Cee-Cee Honeycutt" by Beth Hoffman. I loved how the wise and eccentric Southern characters guided Cee-Cee's coming-of-age. You can reach me at doverbj57@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteThere's no shame in a guilty pleasure book! I've never read Carl Hiaasen, but would love to start! You can reach me at the_preppy_vegan@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteIt was Jimmy Buffet who introduced me to Hiaasen. His song "The Ballad of Skip Wiley" is based on Hiaasen's novel "Tourist Season". I have read all of his books and am working on "Star Island". Recently I discovered Tim Dorsey. He writes in the same style with the adventures taking place in Florida too. His main character is hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to download some of his books to my ipad! Thanks for the heads up Lori!
ReplyDeleteI read this when I was in middle school, great book!
ReplyDeletexx Emily @ laughliveandshop.blogspot.com
I love a good mindless beach read especially in the summer. Have you read Emily Giffens books? or Mary Kay Andrews? I love all their books.
ReplyDeleteThinking about ordering the Shayna dress in black for two winter weddings. Think that would be OK for weddings?
I love that book - its a great read.I just finished Tina Feys book - it was hillarious - I think you would like that as well!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to pay it forward!! I ALMOST picked this book up from the library last week. I have never read any of his books before but am currently reading "Anyone Worth Knowing" by Lauren Weisberger. pinkriss4 @ gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the wonderful suggestions! I will have to check them out - although I have several books lined up in the "cue" here...including another favorite, Jen Lancaster! :-)
ReplyDelete@ Madras, I didn't know that about Buffet! Very cool! I read Tourist Season not long ago and loved it.
@ Sally, Shayna would be perfect for a fall or winter wedding. You might want to look at the Shere coats or some of the wraps to top it with, just in case the weather is really cold!
Hope you're all having a great day, and to everyone on the East Coast: please take IRENE seriously! Safety first. XOXO
This is great! I always read books too fast and then have to search around for a new one. I love fluffy girly books, I read them exclusively. I will have to give this book a try. Right now I am reading The Help. I know everyones read it already, but I wanted read it before I saw the movie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I just ordered the Shayna. Hope it fits!!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah Sally, I know you will love the Shayna! Let me know what you think when she arrives! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmanda, you are not the only one who hasn't read "The Help" - I'm also guilty! I haven't seen the movie yet either, as I want to read the book first. Again, I'm hanging my head in shame.
XOXO
I love Hiaasen! I enjoyed this book and Scat. Scat is a kids book he wrote. I learned that he writes kids books this summer. I don't need to win because I already read it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Mary Kay Andrews too. Just finished, "Fixed Upper".