Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen

 

I know Carl Hiaasen is a best-selling author with a big following, but this is the first book of his that I've read. If his other books are as good as Fever Beach, I'll read many more. Filled with quirky characters and outlandish situations, this book sucked me into the world of white power, crooked politicians, and those fighting back.

Dale Figgo was washed out of the Proud Boys after his foolish actions on January 6, 2021, which made him a laughingstock in the white power movement. Determined to start his own white power group, he recruits other like-minded individuals in Florida. Wealthy right-wig philanthropists Claude and Electra Mink finance Figgo's group's first mission: helping reelect corrupt Congressman Clure Boyette. The group is infiltrated by Twilly Spree, a man who, comfortably well-off, makes it his mission to right wrongs and stop corruption. Twilly is aided by Figgo's roommate, Viva Morales, who works for the Minks. Together, the pair attempt to "monkey wrench" the plans of the white power group, the congressman, and the wealthy couple. What transpires is a romp through today's political climate with almost every stereotype represented.

I loved the humor, the writing, and especially the characters. The issues at the novel's heart are serious, but Hiaasen's light touch makes them palatable. This is a satirical look at many of today's problems, told with wit and a magnifying glass. It is both funny and thought-provoking. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 13, 2025.

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman is an accomplished storyteller whose characters leap off the page and become stuck in the reader's brain, never to leave. Such is the case with Louisa, Ted, Ali, Joar, and the artist, outcasts whose friendship binds them together.

When eighteen-year-old aspiring artist Louisa sees an exhibition containing her favorite painting by the artist C. Jat being held, she sneaks in, only to be chased into an alley by security guards. There, she collides with an apparent homeless man, and together, they spray-paint a wall with their art. Only then does she realize that the man is her idol, C. Jat. This is the start of a cross-country journey with the artist's friend Ted and her quest to find the meaning of the painting.

Told from the present day and twenty-five years earlier through the trials of a group of fourteen-year-old friends, the story of the painting and the friendships depicted in it emerges. Louisa, now serendipitously the owner of the painting, feels burdened by the enormity of the painting's value and its historic beginnings. Her life is now intertwined with those of the artist and his friends.

This story is about love, trust, and the powerful bonds of friendship. Told with wit and compassion, the novel is heartwarming and sometimes gut-wrenching but never dull. I read the book in record time, unable to part with the characters and their lives. It was only toward the end that I slowed down, not wanting the book to end. This is another out-of-the-park homerun from Backman. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 6, 2025.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

 Usually, I'm not fond of books where an animal's thoughts are part of the storyline, but I looked forward to Marcellus's octopus chapters. I'm also wary of popular books that have been getting rave reviews--I've been let down too many times, but just as Marcellus won over me, this story also won me over.

Tova is a widow whose son mysteriously disappeared over thirty years ago in Puget Sound, Washington. She should have retired long ago, but she likes to keep busy. Cleaning is Tova's specialty, so she is a good fit for cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She likes the fish and is especially fond of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus adept at escaping his tank.

Cameron, brought up by his aunt after his mother abandoned him, finds a clue to the father he never knew and moves to Sowell Bay to search for him. He gets a job at the aquarium, temporarily substituting for Tova when she is sidelined. Ever the busybody, Tova can't stay away from the aquarium, and the two strike up an unusual friendship. Tova mentors Cameron on proper cleaning techniques and introduces him to the remarkably bright Marcellus. Although he cannot communicate directly, Marcellus is adept at conveying information missing in Tova's and Cameron's lives.

This is a story about friendship and how it can take unusual paths. It cleverly walks that fine line between feeling good about the characters without getting sappy. The prose is light and witty, with an engaging plot and excellent characters. Although the ending is telegraphed well in advance, Van Pelt does a beautiful job of tying the pieces together. 

4.5/5 stars.

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On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down by James Fell

You'll like this book if you enjoy history, especially if it's told irreverently. Author James Fell does a great job of bringing little-known historical facts to light and fleshing out more well-known references. This is a breezy, conversationally written book with some speculation as well as facts that, fair warning, contains salty language with many f-bombs.

There are entries for each day with historical factoids spanning from B.C.E. to current times; it is both enlightening and informative. After reading this book, I'm rethinking my love of Coca-Cola (January 29), what happened to Sacagawea (April 9),  and whether Mother Teresa is as sainted as she is portrayed (October 7). There are some heart-warming entries and entries that will ruffle your feathers but no matter your take, they are all informative.

I read this book beginning with the January 1 entry and continuing sequentially to December 31. You can jump around however with no loss of continuity, but you risk missing some good entries. Again the warning: if you don't like swearing or if you believe what Fox News tells you, I recommend giving this book a pass. 4/5 Stars.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bantam