I’m on about my seventh or eighth Carl Hiaasen novel. If you have no idea who Carl Hiaasen is, I highly suggest you check him out. He is said to be the greatest satirist in Florida, or even in the U.S. All I can say is satire or no satire, Hiaasen knows how to write a book full of dark humor that provides many laughs. His great twists and awkward situations keep me highly entertained, but it’s his unbalanced characters and environmental message that make me love his books so.

I’m often surprised with how much I relate to the lead characters, often times environmentalists who are fed up with the destruction of Florida. Although that may not seem farfetched, if you knew his characters you’d know what I mean.

Take for instance one of the lead characters from one of his most popular books.This is a person whom most people would probably not think twice about throwing in jail. Someone whose actions go way past extreme. Though I don’t agree with the way he chooses to fight for his beliefs, I did relate a little. I could understand his viewpoints on wildlife habitats being diminished and his frustration with the whole situation. Seeing this displacement of wildlife and road kill just breaks my heart. I can’t help but feel compassionately towards these fellow critters and that passion isn’t always understandable by others.

What it comes down to is this: I love Carl Hiaasen’s characters and their courageous acts. I love that they live boldly and stick up for what they believe in, whether it’s conservation or love, without reservations. I love that these characters (the ones I like) seek out a different way of life. And I love that I learn a little about how Florida government really operates in the process. Not to mention the beautiful imagery I have when reading about the different parks and waters that are characters in themselves.

I promise I don’t work for Carl Hiaasen’s publishing company, I just figured a fellow reader may get as much of a kick out of his books as I do. And I think for the Florida residents, it’s a must. If you do decide to pick up one of his novels my favorites would have to be: Nature Girl, Skinny Dip, and Lucky You. That should be enough to get you started. And of course, let me know what you think if you do decide to pick one up!

Here’s a link to the books he has written and their descriptions. Another one of my missions is to read all of them, so I don’t think thiswill be the last you’ll hear of him from me. Besides, how can I talk about Carl Hiaasen without mentioning Skink??