Book: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

This is a Newberry Honor Book. I'm not sure what that even means. (Amber??? Amber???)

I have read a number of Hiaasen's books in the past...older ones. When this came out I figured I'd pick it up when it was in the used book shop. I've enjoyed most of the other's I've read by him--Native Tongue, Strip Tease.

I think it's safe to say this will be the last Hiaasen book I read.

I may re-read some of the older ones...someday.

This book is rather typical for the author: a mystery type story set around some sort of social issue. This time, the environment. All in all, not a horrible thing. My issue is this: the book is sort of a switch and bait...it draws you in with promises of reading about the new kid in town and his adventures and then inundates the reader with an eco-terrorism/corporate cover up subplot which sort of overruns the original story.

I didn't hate this book...but I also wouldn't say it is good. It is very simplistic compared to other books I've read geared for this age group. If asked...I wouldn't recommend it.

If the style sounds intriguing to you, pick up one of his older novels...greater character development, a little more intrigue.

Bottom Line: Going back to the book shoppe along with the last adult Hiaasen I read, Sick Puppy.