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Carl Hiaasen: Sunshine State Satirist

Walter Simmons

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Carl Hiaasen is a master of satire, and his books are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Florida's unique brand of politics and culture. From his early days as a reporter for the Miami Herald to his current status as one of the nation's most popular novelists, Hiaasen has consistently used his wit and sharp eye to skewer the excesses and absurdities of the Sunshine State.

Hiaasen's novels are often set in Florida, and they feature a cast of characters that are as colorful and eccentric as the state itself. There are corrupt politicians, greedy developers, and environmental activists, all of whom are fair game for Hiaasen's satire.

One of Hiaasen's most famous novels is Tourist Season (1986),which tells the story of a group of tourists who are terrorized by a serial killer. The novel is a darkly comic send-up of Florida's tourism industry, and it features a memorable cast of characters, including a bumbling sheriff, a sleazy motel owner, and a group of eccentric tourists.

Carl Hiaasen: Sunshine State Satirist

by David Geherin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2146 KB
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Print length	:	210 pages

Another classic Hiaasen novel is Strip Tease (1993),which tells the story of a stripper who is murdered after she becomes involved in a political scandal. The novel is a sharp satire of Florida's political culture, and it features a cast of characters that includes a corrupt governor, a sleazy lawyer, and a group of ambitious strippers.

Hiaasen's novels are not only funny, but they are also thought-provoking. Hiaasen uses his satire to expose the dark side of Florida, but he also celebrates the state's unique spirit and culture.

In his latest novel, Squeeze Me (2020),Hiaasen takes on the issue of climate change. The novel tells the story of a group of environmental activists who are trying to stop a developer from building a luxury resort on a pristine island. The novel is a timely and important reminder of the dangers of climate change, and it features a cast of characters that are as memorable as they are flawed.

Carl Hiaasen is one of the most important and influential writers working today. His novels are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Florida's unique brand of politics and culture.

Carl Hiaasen has won numerous awards for his work, including:

The Pulitzer Prize for Commentary (1988)
The National Book Award for Fiction (1993)
The Florida Book Award for Fiction (1998, 2002, 2013, 2016, 2020)

Hiaasen has also been inducted into the Florida Writers Hall of Fame.

"Carl Hiaasen is a master satirist, and his books are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Florida's unique brand of politics and culture." - The New York Times

"Hiaasen is a gifted storyteller with a sharp eye for the absurd, and his novels are always a pleasure to read." - The Washington Post

"Hiaasen is one of the funniest writers in America today." - The Miami Herald

Carl Hiaasen: Sunshine State Satirist

by David Geherin

5 out of 5