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Summary: I have told all my friends about this book
Review: As a long time fan of Dave Barry's non-fiction and newspaper columns: I looked forward to his first foray into fiction. I was very pleased by his mastery of yet another medium. I found the characters endearing;even the villians were more real than cartoonish. I enjoyed his trenchant comments about South Florida and Miami. I found myself laughing out loud at practically every page.I am not a usual fan of the South Florida Crazies genre but this was an exception. I look forward to Dave's next foray into fiction.I was especially touched by the teen romance in the book.As the mother of an ex-teenager: I found those characters humorous,tender and real.Mr Barry has a gift for characterization which I hope will be developed further.Keep up the good work Mr.Barry.
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Summary: a must for all Dave Barry fans
Review: Mr Barry has once again succeeded in amusing me with his writing, now don't get me wrong, I mean I really enjoy everything and anything he writes and this book is certainly no exception!!! For his first attempt at a Novel I really think he hit the mark with "Big Trouble" and hope he continues writing novels for his adoring public
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Summary: What a nice surprise!
Review: While I'm a big fan of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen, I'm also very into more "serious" fiction. So, I was somewhat sceptical about Mr. Barry's first work of fiction. How likely is it that a columnist could successfuly transfer his talents to a novel? Not likely, I'd say. Sometimes it's great to be wrong! While Barry's prose is certainly on the wacky side, the characters were a hoot and the plot was a wild & fun ride. This is no "Brothers Karamazov" but, it was well worth reading.
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Summary: Funny/crazy first novel from Dave, the Man
Review: Dave Barry's first novel has its faults, as many of my fellow reviewers have pointed out. However, I'd have to disagree strongly with those who said it has NO humor?!?! Yes, it's cartoonish in a way, but so is "Lucky You", Carl Hiaasen's latest, which is a hoot. I liked the characters, I liked the crazy story, it was entertaining, and the humor - when it was there - was vintage Dave. I'd probably have given it 3 1/2 stars if we could specify half-stars. Meanwhile, I'm hoping he does another, as this was pretty good for a first novel, Dave! (Some of you strong detractors may be forgetting the fact that this is his first novel).
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Summary: insane, wacky, zany, hilarious!
Review: the similarities to Carl Hiaasen's work might be strong, but if you're a big fan of Hiaasen, you won't mind a bit. Dave Barry's first novel is a perfect lightweight read, bursting with great dialogue, crazy characters, wry (yet affectionate) observations about Miami and its people, and wild situations so vividly written you'll wonder if any movie adaptation will be able to get it right. i finished the book in two days and would have been done in one if i didn't need to work and sleep. highly recommended.
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Summary: Great Barry -- but...
Review: All us DB fans will very much enjoy Dave's first foray into fiction, and Dave proves he can do Hiassen as well as Carl himself. But after half a book of truly great character set-up and wildly fun craziness, the book goes dark with some bad-karma sexual wierdness that doesn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. That aside, it's still great Dave, a fast, fun, laugh-out-loud read.
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Summary: Stick to writing humor columns, Dave
Review: I've been a fan of Dave Barry for many years, so was excited to hear of his first novel. What a profound disappointment. The story is dull, the people are dull and, worst of all, the only funny character is the dog. If you want to buy my copy of this book cheap, send me an email--it's stinking up my house
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Summary: loved it!
Review: I have never read anything Dave Barry has written so had no idea what to expect. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. I found myself reading parts of the book to my husband. It was great fun.
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Summary: Pretty cool first book
Review: I'd definitely go for it, although I must say, there were parts of the book where i knew Mr. Barry was trying to be funny, but i just didnt get the joke.It's a wonderfully delightful light read. I say go for it.
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Summary: A fast-moving plot and great characters with Barry's humor
Review: I truly enjoyed this book - I finished it in 2 days where a week would be more normal. I expected the humor, which was certainly there - I laughed all the way through - but was surprised at the cleverness of the plot and the strength of the characters - Dave has a real gift for fiction. I would be stunned if this isn't the basis for a movie within the year.
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