Lucky You

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: George Newbern

Grange, Florida, is famous for its miracles - the weeping fiberglass Madonna, the Road-Stain Jesus, the stigmata man. And now it has JoLayne Lucks, unlikely winner of the state lottery.

Unfortunately, JoLayne's winning ticket isn't the only one. The other belongs to Bodean Gazzer and his raunchy sidekick, Chub, who believe they're entitled to the whole $28 million jackpot. And they need it quickly, to start their own underground militia before NATO troops invade America.

But JoLayne Lucks has her own plans for the Lotto money - an Eden-like forest in Grange must be saved from strip-malling. When Bode and Chub brutally assault her and steal her ticket, JoLayne vows to track them down, take it back - and get revenge.

The only one who can help is Tom Krome, a big-city investigative journalist now bitterly consigned to writing frothy features for a midsized central Florida newspaper. With a persuasive nudge from JoLayne, Krome is about to become part of a story that's bigger and more bizarre than anything he's ever covered.

Chasing two heavily armed psychopaths down the coast of Florida is reckless enough, but Tom's got other problems - the murderous attention of a jealous judge; an actress wife who turns fugitive to avoid divorce court; an editor who speaks in tongues; and Tom's own growing fondness for the future millionairess with whom he's risking his neck.

The pursuit takes them from the surreal streets of Grange to a buzzard-infested island deep in Florida Bay, where they finally catch up with the fledgling militia - Chub, Bode Gazzer, a newly recruited convenience-store clerk, and their baffled hostage, a Hooters waitress.

The climax explodes with the hilarious mayhem that is Carl Hiaasen's hallmark. Lucky You is his funniest, most deliriously gripping novel yet.

©2013 Carl Hiaasen (P)2013 Random House Audio

Lucky? Who?

Would you try another book from Carl Hiaasen and/or George Newbern?

Yes, but with a different narrator. Loved the humor.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Amber - a voice of reason in an strained plot.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

It was painful. Only the content kept me going past the first chapter. Sounds like this was his first read and needs to listen to Scott Brick to see how a professional performer does it.

Could you see Lucky You being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

Any additional comments?

The Week book review moved me to listen to this book. I will stop taking views from The Week seriously. The producer of the Audible book should review his/her notes as to
why this narrator was hired....and learn from their mistake.

Hiassen is a delight

I try to alternate non-fiction with fiction. This book, and his others are a near perfect listen. Funny, almost goofy, with enough plot and characters to hold it together. It is not Moby Dick. But it is a lot more fun.

I’m easy, just like to be entertained

Very few books have I not liked so I may not be the best person to ask. Everything has its merits but I will say I’ve had a few I just couldn’t finish. So I am new to Carl Hiaasen and so far I like his work, I get entertained and he drags me into the story quickly. I enjoyed this book, some language is rough but the it wouldn’t work with out it. I loved the plot and all the characters, this is a good fun book to listen to...it had me rooting for certain things to happen. Thanks

Good fun undermined by poor narration

Exploring the absurdity of life in Florida, and by extension life in the USA, Lucky You is a good example of how Hiassen can slyly play with America's self-obsession and self-regard. The danger is that we only see ourselves in the heros and heroines. In reality all the characters represent parts of us, whether acknowledged or not. We may aspire to be as noble as JoLayne, but in reality we are probably better represented by the Hooter waitress, Amber, who is trying to be decent, but who is also willingly making a lot of compromises to achieve a life of ease. Doing the honourable thing is not automatic

Lucky You is a good example of Carl Hiaasen's style, although Native Tongue is still my personal favourite. It is not perfect, but it will make you smile, perhaps laugh, and probably think. You may want to consider the print rather than audible version. The narration is amateurish. Eventually the affected world-weary tone begins to annoy and distract.

Fun Book and Great Narrator

It’s always fun to experience the new characters and their antics. It is especially enjoyable because I am a native Floridian and can relate to the towns.

Literally had me laughing out loud!

Such a fun read/listen. Another great from Mr. Hiassen who so perfectly captures all the mundane and miraculous peculiarities of life in South Florida

Not sure

Disliked the stupid racism
Not sure when, ever, we will not suffer from overt hate for each other

He just gets better

Carl Hiaasen never disappoints this is the fourth or fifth book of his that I’ve read and they just keep getting better

Classic Hiaasen

I really enjoyed this Florida adventure. His books are unique and enjoyable - and always fun. Recommend

Dated Sexism and Racusm

Sexism and racism used casually for laughs. I guess it was ok in the 90’s. Not so much now.