Comments on: Hiaasen's BASKET CASE: hilarious mystery novel about the *last* newspaperpocalypse http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 20 Jun 2013 07:52:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Amcnarie http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686337 Amcnarie Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686337 Actually, I think conglomerate takeovers, not the Web, are still the leading cause of newspaper deaths. Too many papers are saddled with big corporate debts from takeovers, which their new absentee owners think they can make back by cutting jobs, consolidating operations, and using canned copy from wire services instead of community-specific reporting. They become less relevant, the community has less of a stake in them, and the new owner has less of a stake in keeping them going if they're not a cash cow. Newspapers, especially those with a hybrid online presence, still have a roll to play; bloggers are often amateurish and unreliable, and Web news services aren't usually local. If it weren't for the corporate Big Brother factor, I think a lot more papers could weather the Internet storm. Actually, I think conglomerate takeovers, not the Web, are still the leading cause of newspaper deaths. Too many papers are saddled with big corporate debts from takeovers, which their new absentee owners think they can make back by cutting jobs, consolidating operations, and using canned copy from wire services instead of community-specific reporting. They become less relevant, the community has less of a stake in them, and the new owner has less of a stake in keeping them going if they’re not a cash cow. Newspapers, especially those with a hybrid online presence, still have a roll to play; bloggers are often amateurish and unreliable, and Web news services aren’t usually local. If it weren’t for the corporate Big Brother factor, I think a lot more papers could weather the Internet storm.

]]> By: Otter http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686083 Otter Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686083 Basket Case was great (as are his other Florida capers like Sick Puppy, Stormy Weather, Double Whammy, etc.), but your headline mentions Nature Girl. Basket Case was great (as are his other Florida capers like Sick Puppy, Stormy Weather, Double Whammy, etc.), but your headline mentions Nature Girl.

]]> By: Laurel L. Russwurm http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686606 Laurel L. Russwurm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686606 I absolutely love Hiaasen's work. My favorite is probably <strong>Lucky You</strong> since it was the first I read. I've since read every scrap of fiction he's written, more than once. The books have a restorative power. The closest a description of Hiaasen's style is a cross between Donald E. Westlake and John D. McDonald. But funnier. Also I beg to differ with OldNelson. Hiaasen's writing is many things but formulaic isn't one of them. Yes, there are similar recurring elements, and he certainly has an agenda, but not a formula. Or maybe I'm just enjoying the story and the characters so much that I don't notice. The bad guys always get their just deserts. Does that count as formula? I too would prefer not to wait for some more of most demented plot points Hiaasen has come up with, but I think it will be a while. Having children makes some people see the world with fresh unjaundiced eyes. Odds are there will be no more seriously twisted adult Hiaasen books until his kids are old enough to grasp black comedy. Kid: Daddy, what are you writing. Dad: Well this Rotweiller latched onto the bad guy's arm and wouldn't let go, so the bad guy shot him. But the dog still wouldn't let go he sawed the... uh... hmmm... how 'bout we go watch Flipper... I absolutely love Hiaasen’s work. My favorite is probably Lucky You since it was the first I read. I’ve since read every scrap of fiction he’s written, more than once. The books have a restorative power.

The closest a description of Hiaasen’s style is a cross between Donald E. Westlake and John D. McDonald. But funnier.

Also I beg to differ with OldNelson. Hiaasen’s writing is many things but formulaic isn’t one of them. Yes, there are similar recurring elements, and he certainly has an agenda, but not a formula. Or maybe I’m just enjoying the story and the characters so much that I don’t notice. The bad guys always get their just deserts. Does that count as formula?

I too would prefer not to wait for some more of most demented plot points Hiaasen has come up with, but I think it will be a while. Having children makes some people see the world with fresh unjaundiced eyes. Odds are there will be no more seriously twisted adult Hiaasen books until his kids are old enough to grasp black comedy.

Kid:
Daddy, what are you writing.

Dad:
Well this Rotweiller latched onto the bad guy’s arm and wouldn’t let go, so the bad guy shot him. But the dog still wouldn’t let go he sawed the… uh… hmmm… how ’bout we go watch Flipper…

]]> By: johnny_action http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686099 johnny_action Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686099 His books are incredibly good! The longer I live in Florida, the less unusual Hiaasen's characters seem. I have met some really out there people here. His books are incredibly good!

The longer I live in Florida, the less unusual Hiaasen’s characters seem. I have met some really out there people here.

]]> By: jacques45 http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686102 jacques45 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686102 Is the title wrong? Thought Nature Girl was a different book... Is the title wrong? Thought Nature Girl was a different book…

]]> By: epo http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686113 epo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686113 The death of newspapers is greatly exaggerated. Outside of the US reading (and dare I say it, literacy) is still quite common and newspapers are still bought and read. The death of newspapers is greatly exaggerated. Outside of the US reading (and dare I say it, literacy) is still quite common and newspapers are still bought and read.

]]> By: jeligula http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686370 jeligula Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686370 Hmmm. My newspaper is still posting 63% advertising on a daily basis and sometimes higher, and is going to be in business as a dead tree edition until tiny, roll-up media readers transplant all printed media in every aspect of life. The internet has changed the way we do some things, such as taking the opportunity to make revenue from the internet, and that has only added to our customer base and prestige. Don't worry, though, you aren't the only one who makes such generalizations out of ignorance. Hmmm. My newspaper is still posting 63% advertising on a daily basis and sometimes higher, and is going to be in business as a dead tree edition until tiny, roll-up media readers transplant all printed media in every aspect of life. The internet has changed the way we do some things, such as taking the opportunity to make revenue from the internet, and that has only added to our customer base and prestige. Don’t worry, though, you aren’t the only one who makes such generalizations out of ignorance.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686884 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686884 Basket Case is my favourite novel. I've read 3 other Hiaasen books (Nature Girl, Tourist Season and Double Whammy). I didn't think much of Nature Girl. The characters were too formulaic, like a bad movie - all the "good guys" are rugged, tanned, kind and brave; all the others are selfish, either skinny or obese, either spineless or violent; all the girls apart from the main character are ditzy, fawning and feckless. On the other hand, his other books are defined by their weird, unique characters, awkward heroes, the occasional charming villian, the damsel in distress without the distress. Basket Case is my favourite novel. I’ve read 3 other Hiaasen books (Nature Girl, Tourist Season and Double Whammy).

I didn’t think much of Nature Girl. The characters were too formulaic, like a bad movie – all the “good guys” are rugged, tanned, kind and brave; all the others are selfish, either skinny or obese, either spineless or violent; all the girls apart from the main character are ditzy, fawning and feckless.

On the other hand, his other books are defined by their weird, unique characters, awkward heroes, the occasional charming villian, the damsel in distress without the distress.

]]> By: glory bee http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686629 glory bee Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686629 Sad to say I find that this, my favourite genre, is better written by women than men. I haven't read this book but I will. I think women do better because, due to the misconception held for so long that we had to behave in a certain way so as to be 'ladies', we observed situations more closely and seem to pick up unspoken intentions easily. Men tackle the genre with logic and less mystery.I haven't made myself clear I know but I look forward to a male writer who can top Elizabeth George. Sad to say I find that this, my favourite genre, is better written by women than men. I haven’t read this book but I will. I think women do better because, due to the misconception held for so long that we had to behave in a certain way so as to be ‘ladies’, we observed situations more closely and seem to pick up unspoken intentions easily. Men tackle the genre with logic and less mystery.I haven’t made myself clear I know but I look forward to a male writer who can top Elizabeth George.

]]> By: ROSSINDETROIT http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686130 ROSSINDETROIT Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686130 Also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-You-Carl-Hiaasen/dp/0446604658"> Lucky You </a>. It's really difficult to make humor work in a novel length story. Also Lucky You . It’s really difficult to make humor work in a novel length story.

]]> By: Cory Doctorow http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686136 Cory Doctorow Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686136 @4 Right you are. Boy, talk about a typo! @4 Right you are. Boy, talk about a typo!

]]> By: Mark Crummett http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686654 Mark Crummett Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686654 All I know about Florida I learned from Carl Hiaasen books and CSI: Miami. That's why I live in the opposite corner of the country. All I know about Florida I learned from Carl Hiaasen books and CSI: Miami. That’s why I live in the opposite corner of the country.

]]> By: Saskplanner http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686149 Saskplanner Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686149 All fun books. Once I discovered Hiaasen I devoured all his books in a matter of weeks and then regretted that I didn't ration them better. All fun books. Once I discovered Hiaasen I devoured all his books in a matter of weeks and then regretted that I didn’t ration them better.

]]> By: Duffong http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686153 Duffong Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686153 I'm just oveer half way through Nature Girl and I love it so far. Having read Lucky You, Strip Tease, and Skin Tight so far, he's quickly becoming a fave of mine. I love how everything takes place in Florida (though I'm not from there), and it's as though he makes the place magical with his insane characters. I’m just oveer half way through Nature Girl and I love it so far. Having read Lucky You, Strip Tease, and Skin Tight so far, he’s quickly becoming a fave of mine. I love how everything takes place in Florida (though I’m not from there), and it’s as though he makes the place magical with his insane characters.

]]> By: forgeweld http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686173 forgeweld Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686173 You forgot to mention that Hiaasen has been writing a weekly column for many, many years for the Miami Herald. He's one of the top chroniclers of the miasma that is Florida politics as well as the natural wonders of south Florida, but his column topics range widely and are always a fun, informative read. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/carl-hiaasen/index.html You forgot to mention that Hiaasen has been writing a weekly column for many, many years for the Miami Herald. He’s one of the top chroniclers of the miasma that is Florida politics as well as the natural wonders of south Florida, but his column topics range widely and are always a fun, informative read.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/carl-hiaasen/index.html

]]> By: ritholtz http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686693 ritholtz Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686693 I've read all of the Hiassen Florida books -- I leave the paperbacks out at my inlaws home by the beach. Whenever we have friends or family spend the weekend, someone invariably asks to borrow something to read. "Ever read Hiassen?" "No, never heard of him." The rest is history. No one we've ever given a book to does anything but rave about it! I’ve read all of the Hiassen Florida books — I leave the paperbacks out at my inlaws home by the beach.

Whenever we have friends or family spend the weekend, someone invariably asks to borrow something to read.

“Ever read Hiassen?”

“No, never heard of him.”

The rest is history. No one we’ve ever given a book to does anything but rave about it!

]]> By: OldNelson http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686193 OldNelson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686193 I love reading Hiaasen, and Native Tongue was my favorite. The stories are a little formulaic,and there's serious karma involved. Anybody who does bad things to animals or the environment typically meets a bad end, which is nice. These are often comical such as getting molested/drowned by a dolphin with a bad attitude. I live in Florida, and there is plenty of weirdness to serve as subject material. To see more check out an interview Hiaasen did on 60 minutes a few years back. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/15/60minutes/main688458.shtml I love reading Hiaasen, and Native Tongue was my favorite. The stories are a little formulaic,and there’s serious karma involved. Anybody who does bad things to animals or the environment typically meets a bad end, which is nice. These are often comical such as getting molested/drowned by a dolphin with a bad attitude. I live in Florida, and there is plenty of weirdness to serve as subject material. To see more check out an interview Hiaasen did on 60 minutes a few years back. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/15/60minutes/main688458.shtml

]]> By: Halloween Jack http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686961 Halloween Jack Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686961 I may revisit Hiaasen's books--I was a fan for a while, but stopped reading them (I don't know that I'd call them "formulaic", but I wasn't getting out of them what I'd previously gotten, if that makes any sense) a while ago. I may revisit Hiaasen’s books–I was a fan for a while, but stopped reading them (I don’t know that I’d call them “formulaic”, but I wasn’t getting out of them what I’d previously gotten, if that makes any sense) a while ago.

]]> By: Johnathan Fogg http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686709 Johnathan Fogg Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686709 I've been a huge fan of Hiaasen's work for years. Though he's not publishing new stuff lately for adults, try checking out Christopher Moore's books, or Bad Art by Eric Gideon! I’ve been a huge fan of Hiaasen’s work for years. Though he’s not publishing new stuff lately for adults, try checking out Christopher Moore’s books, or Bad Art by Eric Gideon!

]]> By: Vanwall http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686207 Vanwall Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686207 That fekkin' Skink, et my damn possum. That fekkin’ Skink, et my damn possum.

]]> By: Robert http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686740 Robert Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686740 So I wonder how many people will buy this book because there's a big snake and a lady looking like they're really enjoying eachother's company? Does it have anything to do with the book, is all I'm saying. So I wonder how many people will buy this book because there’s a big snake and a lady looking like they’re really enjoying eachother’s company?

Does it have anything to do with the book, is all I’m saying.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686235 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686235 I too like Hiassen, but after reading 4 of his novels have found his overall plot and character process to be formulaic. It's sad when you can guess what will be happening a few chapters ahead before you ever get to them. He's still a good read and a great writer. Just wish he'd throw some unknown pitches my way. I too like Hiassen, but after reading 4 of his novels have found his overall plot and character process to be formulaic. It’s sad when you can guess what will be happening a few chapters ahead before you ever get to them. He’s still a good read and a great writer. Just wish he’d throw some unknown pitches my way.

]]> By: adambowie http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686242 adambowie Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686242 I love reading Carl Hiaasen, but like others wish he'd get back to writing some adult books. And like others I love reading his Miami Herald pieces - even from across the Atlantic and despite having never visited Florida. I love reading Carl Hiaasen, but like others wish he’d get back to writing some adult books.

And like others I love reading his Miami Herald pieces – even from across the Atlantic and despite having never visited Florida.

]]> By: Narrowhouse http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686244 Narrowhouse Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686244 Actually I think Hiaasen's take is perfect. The reason we think newspapers are endangered by the internet is that large media congloms have ruined so many of them. If papers spent more time on local content, local issues and actual reporting instead of reformatting the AP and Reuters content and passing off press releases as news they would be a lot more relevant and a lot harder to replace. Take a lesson radio, one-size-fits-all formats (soft rock, country, etc.) that share the same music between 15 markets are profitable in the short term, but unique programming will endure over time. Actually I think Hiaasen’s take is perfect. The reason we think newspapers are endangered by the internet is that large media congloms have ruined so many of them. If papers spent more time on local content, local issues and actual reporting instead of reformatting the AP and Reuters content and passing off press releases as news they would be a lot more relevant and a lot harder to replace.

Take a lesson radio, one-size-fits-all formats (soft rock, country, etc.) that share the same music between 15 markets are profitable in the short term, but unique programming will endure over time.

]]> By: Kaleberg http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-687530 Kaleberg Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-687530 Another author to consider for that Florida feeling is Laurence Shames e.g. Scavenger Reef. The humor is more character driven and the scene is usually Key West, but his books are a lot of fun. Vanwall mentioned Ross Thomas. Wow, do I miss Ross Thomas. Oh well, bookfinder, here I come. Another author to consider for that Florida feeling is Laurence Shames e.g. Scavenger Reef. The humor is more character driven and the scene is usually Key West, but his books are a lot of fun.

Vanwall mentioned Ross Thomas. Wow, do I miss Ross Thomas. Oh well, bookfinder, here I come.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686254 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686254 I read this book a few years ago and as a young journalist found it hilarious and heartbreaking. There are so few fictional pieces that actually get newsrooms, newspapers and newspaper people right. And they're almost always by newspaper people. Also pitch perfect: The newspaper scenes from "The Wire" and the entirety of the 1994 Ron Howard film "The Paper" starring Michael Keaton. I read this book a few years ago and as a young journalist found it hilarious and heartbreaking.

There are so few fictional pieces that actually get newsrooms, newspapers and newspaper people right. And they’re almost always by newspaper people.

Also pitch perfect:

The newspaper scenes from “The Wire” and the entirety of the 1994 Ron Howard film “The Paper” starring Michael Keaton.

]]> By: maggiemaybe http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686767 maggiemaybe Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686767 @ Robert - I read this right after it came out, but if memory serves me, the cover art does have to do with the story. I want to say that's the tattoo the victim had. @ Robert – I read this right after it came out, but if memory serves me, the cover art does have to do with the story. I want to say that’s the tattoo the victim had.

]]> By: Joe Killian http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686256 Joe Killian Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686256 I read this book a few years ago and as a young journalist found it hilarious and heartbreaking. There are so few fictional pieces that actually get newsrooms, newspapers and newspaper people right. And they're almost always by newspaper people. Also pitch perfect: The newspaper scenes from "The Wire" and the entirety of the 1994 Ron Howard film "The Paper" starring Michael Keaton. I read this book a few years ago and as a young journalist found it hilarious and heartbreaking.

There are so few fictional pieces that actually get newsrooms, newspapers and newspaper people right. And they’re almost always by newspaper people.

Also pitch perfect:

The newspaper scenes from “The Wire” and the entirety of the 1994 Ron Howard film “The Paper” starring Michael Keaton.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-687289 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-687289 I had an English professor turn me on to Hiaasen many years ago with "Double Whammy". I loved it (still my favorite), passed it on to many others but after "Skin Tight" my enthusiasm waned. I continue to enjoy his work but not with the page-turning excitement I had at the beginning. Elmore Leonard is still my favorite of this genre, but give the late Charles Williford a try. I had an English professor turn me on to Hiaasen many years ago with “Double Whammy”. I loved it (still my favorite), passed it on to many others but after “Skin Tight” my enthusiasm waned. I continue to enjoy his work but not with the page-turning excitement I had at the beginning. Elmore Leonard is still my favorite of this genre, but give the late Charles Williford a try.

]]> By: Russell Letson http://boingboing.net/2010/01/13/hiaasens-nature-girl-1.html#comment-686279 Russell Letson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-686279 Just a terminological niggle: A McGuffin is the object pursued or sought in a thriller (e.g., a Maltese falcon). The newspaper- and record-biz elements of the book are background or setting. Speaking of newspapers--it could be argued that part of the current crisis is precisely the result of the Engulf & Devour consolidation of previously independent papers. Big-corp revenue expectations (often fueled by the debt load incurred by highly-leveraged financing schemes) distorted the whole enterprise, which left newsrooms ill-prepared to meet the challenges of Craigslist, the internet, and so on. The pathologies of consolidation and asset-stripping (however disguised by financial hand-waving) are pretty well documented. And yes, Hiaasen is a terrific writer with a finely tuned sense of the grotesque, the outrageous, and the slimey. Thanks to the urging of the late Charles Brown I've discovered the Scots near-equivalent, Christopher Brookmyre, who is a bit farther out there. (And we should not forget Gregory MacDonald, who is a kind of godfather to these writers.) Just a terminological niggle: A McGuffin is the object pursued or sought in a thriller (e.g., a Maltese falcon). The newspaper- and record-biz elements of the book are background or setting.

Speaking of newspapers–it could be argued that part of the current crisis is precisely the result of the Engulf & Devour consolidation of previously independent papers. Big-corp revenue expectations (often fueled by the debt load incurred by highly-leveraged financing schemes) distorted the whole enterprise, which left newsrooms ill-prepared to meet the challenges of Craigslist, the internet, and so on. The pathologies of consolidation and asset-stripping (however disguised by financial hand-waving) are pretty well documented.

And yes, Hiaasen is a terrific writer with a finely tuned sense of the grotesque, the outrageous, and the slimey. Thanks to the urging of the late Charles Brown I’ve discovered the Scots near-equivalent, Christopher Brookmyre, who is a bit farther out there. (And we should not forget Gregory MacDonald, who is a kind of godfather to these writers.)

]]>