Author: Carl Hiaasen
Publisher: Knopf
Release Date: September 10, 2002
Goodreads Synopsis:
Unfortunately, Roy’s first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn’t been sinking his thumbs into Roy’s temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is intriguing: he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and–here’s the odd part–wore no shoes. Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy’s trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.
Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen’s Florida.
My Review:
Complete with unexpected friendships, pancake houses, enemies, port-a-potties, alligators, boys without shoes, soccer players, bullies, a police officer much like mall-cop, sparkly-tailed moccasins, a skate-board king, mullets (the fish), men with names like Chuck Muckles, and most importantly; owls, Hoot is a highly entertaining and thought provoking book.
If you are sick of melodramatic novels that star lovesick teenaged girls, read Hoot. I loved the main character, Roy Eberhardt. Roy was laid back and non-judgmental, but he took a stand when justice needed to be made. Roy was humble and likable.
I've never been to Florida, but after reading this novel I feel like I have been there. Hoot is rich with imagery and voice. Another element I liked about Hoot were the two stories going on at the same time that eventually collided at the end.
You may look at the cover of Hoot and think that only people under the age of nine should read it--stop--any person, any age could enjoy this novel. The overall moral of the story (as cliche as this sounds) is that no matter how old you are or your status in society, you can change the world if you strongly believe in your cause. Read Hoot if you're looking for a fresh and intriguing novel!
I love Hoot! It is such a fantastic book. Hiassen can create the most unique, hilarious characters!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a fun book! I definitely need to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this one for a while, but after your review Erin, I know I need to check it out! Thanks! :D P.S Your Blog rocks! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this book! The whole feel of the novel, from the characters to the setting to the plot, are amazingly inventive and fun to read.
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