Finished 9-10-10, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 1997
Bode rapped his knuckles on the dinette. “Here’s my prediction: The shitweasel holding the other Lotto ticket, he’s either a Negro, Jew or Cuban type.”
“Go on!”
“That’s how they do it, Chub. To fuck over decent Americans such as you and me. You think they’re gonna let two white boys take the whole jackpot? Not these days, no way!” Bode’s nose angled back toward the newspaper. “Where’s Grange? Over near Tampa?”
Chub was stunned at his friend’s theory. He didn’t understand how the lottery could be rigged. If it was, how had he and Bode managed to win even half?
Chapter 2
Bode and Chub have just won the Florida lottery and hope to get their racist militia, White Clarion Aryans, started. When they find out there was another winning ticket and they would have to split the $28 million they decide to find the ticket and steal it so they could have all of the winnings to themselves. JoLayne Lucks is a single woman who plans to use her $14 million to rescue swampland from commercial development. When she is attacked by Bode and Chub all hell breaks loose.
The premise is fun as is the wackiness of Hiaasen’s writing. No one gets a pass in this one. The horrible and awful Bode & Chub would have been more funny only if you didn’t realize that there were plenty of idiots like them out there. And the religious zealots and the people who take advantage of them provide plenty of zaniness. The two heroes of the novel are JoLayne and reporter Tom Krome provide the common sense and the common good of the novel.
I liked this one, but my distaste for Bode and Chub probably stopped me from liking it more. I thought the end was maybe a bit too easy for me, but not really bad. With such a crazy cast of characters I was expecting more of a crazy ending. But, Hiaasen always pushes the envelope and is always funny, so you really can’t go wrong with his books.
This is from my personal library and chosen by Kristie, Jessica, Sharon, Sue, and Jason. Here’s what they had to say…
“I’ve read all of Hiaasan’s books and love the humor in them.” Sharon
“Love his books!” Kristie
Stacy's Books 
Sounds pretty good. Thanks for reviewing it.
Wacky is the perfect description for Hiaasen’s writing! I’ve read a few of books and enjoyed them, but they didn’t stick with me long.
This is my third and I agree, but they are fun while they last.
I have Skinny Dip with me, I will get to reading it someday 🙂
I liked Skinny Dip 🙂
I’ve seen his books around but have never “heard” anything about it so thanks for posting this review. Migh try and read one of his books, sounds like you quite like him as an author.
You should try one someday. I’ve only read 3 so don’t know which one is his best.
I love Carl Hiassen! He’s one author guaranteed to make me LOL. I listened to this one on a trip. My favorite is Stormy Weather.
I haven’t read that one yet. He would be great to listen to on a road trip with the hubby.
One of my best friends loves Hiassen and I’ve never read him but one of these days I really should!
Give him a try. He has a very unique style.
My theory is that the 1st book you read by an author remains your favourite and so it is with me and this Hiaasen one! Although the rednecks are pretty slimy, that’s for sure.
I’ve never thought about it before but that’s probably true about the first book by an author.
I read a lot of his books a few years ago and pretty much enjoyed them all. I remember this one vaguely. Glad you were able to cross another book off of your list! 😀
Another challenge book, Check 🙂
Uh, might have to try one of his books in audio. I’ll skip this one because it might make me too mad. Imagine me driving down the road arguing with an audio book. ;0
While this one was funny, it also made me uncomfortable in some places, so I don’t think this would be the best one for you to start with!
I could use a LOL just about now.
Me too 🙂
I have “Sick Puppy” by him to try out … sounds like a writer I need to have on hand for when I need a lighter type of book.