Rating: Summary: Absolutely hysterical, yet lacking Review: I really love Dave Barry's humor, and was somewhat disappointed to realize that he's not quite ready for the fictional novel genre. Though _Big Trouble_ is laugh-out-loud-tears-streamingly funny in many places, the plot is relatively weak and bumpy.Still, readers who enjoy Barry's style will likely enjoy this book, which is a quick and light read, and may even roll themselves out of bed from laughing so hard. There were times, when I tried to read a passage aloud to my boyfriend, when I was totally unable to speak from laughter, and had to hand it over to him to read for himself. There are some seriously inspired moments of comedy here that wouldn't fit into his usual essay format, simply because he wouldn't have the character development to capitalize on the humor. I really hope to see more novels from Barry, perhaps after he polishes his technique just a bit. Reading a future book that was this funny, but smoother in technique, would truly be a pleasure.
Rating: Summary: Even if you hate Dave Barry Review: I never enjoyed Dave Barry's columns. That being said, however, I LOVED this book. I got a bad case of bronchitis at the beginning of this winter - and found myself locked in with this book. Once I started it - I couldn't put it down - and found myself laughing my head off (despite the occasional coughing fits). This is an excellent and incredibly enjoyable read - a simple story with simple (but hilarious) characters - and a writing style that flows so smoothly the book is over before you knew you started it.
Rating: Summary: A Really Long Dave Barry Column Review: If you like Dave Barry's style of humor, there's a very, very good chance you'll like this book. You'll recognize a lot of humor techniques he uses from his columns. I don't read a lot of humor books that are actual novels, so I don't have a lot to compare this book to. Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is perhaps the closest comparison I can think of, with Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash being second. Unlike Barry's columns, this ain't family reading, as the warning in the first few pages indicates. Just FYI. Unfortunately, the humor wears thin towards the end of the book, making room for an absurd (but funny in its own right) plot. I always found the book entertaining though, unable to put it down. Hopefully the movie will do it justice.
Rating: Summary: Vintage Barry Review: For those of us who love Dave Barry, this is a great find. It's hardly the most original plot or the most well-spun story, but the characters, situations and overall bizarreness is classic Barry - he's even recycled some of his best column ideas for parts of the story. It's a fast read that leaves you nicely giggled out, but don't expect anything more than a fun read. I want a sequel where Roger finally comes up with a way to trick the toad...
Rating: Summary: Silly but funny Review: Typical Dave Barry. If you like his style, you'll like this book. He's dark, but still has a way to go to get to Hiaasen. He's funny, but still has a way to go to get to Dan Jenkins. If you're on an airplane and have five hours to kill, go for it.
Rating: Summary: Funniest book I've ever listened to Review: I first listened to the audiotape of this book and absolutely loved it. Instead of just listening to it in the car I listened in the kitchen while I was making dinner and just kept laughing and laughing. I played the part about the toad who keeps the dog at bay to my teenager who laughed too. Then I read the book again and still laughed. I really recommend it to anyone who loves Dave Barry. The story line filled with perfectly plotted coincidences was brilliant.
Rating: Summary: A Great Comedy Book Review: This book might disturb some after the 911 attacks but i found it a good novel anyway. The characters are hilarious and lovable. I can't wait until the movie comes out. The only flaw is a rushed ending.
Rating: Summary: Outrageously Funny Review: Dave Barry has a screw loose somewhere and it makes him one of the funniest writers on the scene today. The storyline of 'Big Trouble' features a bearded drifter who lives up a tree, a couple of Russian arms dealers, a pair of losers who hustle tourists for dimes but are headed for the big time, a sexy illegal immigrant, a vodka-soaked embezzler, a poisonous toad, two very fed up New Jersey hit men and a dog who looks like Elizabeth Dole... oh, not to mention a giant python called Daphne and a nuclear bomb! Want to know more? ... Read the book! I chuckled my way through the first half of Big Trouble, and laughed my way through the second half. What else could I do with a story that fell somewhere between Tom Sharpe and Tom Wolfe but was better than the sum of both? Dave Barry is more like Elmore Leonard than Elmore Leonard and has created that rare literary beast, the genuinely funny mystery/thriller novel. If I could give six stars, I'd want to give this book seven. It's a real killer. Can't wait to see the movie.
Rating: Summary: Hysterical - A must for any personal library Review: Dave Barry has given the world another example of his comic genius. This novel has been passed to all friends, family, and anyone else likes to laugh. Top, top recommendation!!
Rating: Summary: Couldn't Stop Laughing Review: This book was the funniest book I have ever read. I was so happy when Dave BArry came out with his first novel. I could not put the book down. Every page had something new to laugh about. A great combination of characters. A bum who lives in a tree, two dull witted crooks who hustle torist, a pretty mom, a used up advertiser, two New Jersey hit men and a dog named Roger. This book had a awsome plot with a great ending.
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