678 reviews for:

Hoot

Carl Hiaasen

3.69 AVERAGE

emotional funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really enjoyed this book. I've been reading some darker materials lately, and Hoot was a refreshing break.
So often I think that I am not able to make a real difference in the work, but this book showed me that every action matters and every person can make a difference. You should never stand by and watch something you believe is an injustice.
This book had a happy ending which is nice once in a while.
I love Hoot. I think while it is an appropriate book for older children, many adults would enjoy this book and maybe even learn a thing or two.

So I ADORED this book the first time I read it, and love it even more now that I've re-read it!

I had to read this book for an at-home reading project, and at first I was like "Mer... I'd rather write about Divergent or The Hunger Games or something like that," But then I remembered how much I loved this book the last time I read it, and I was like "Hey! This could work!" So I read it and I'm glad I did! Onward to Narnia my review!

Initial Reaction After Finishing This Book:


In all honesty, I didn't actually READ this book the second time around, since I knew the plot so well. I skimmed and scanned through it. I was pretty happy when I finished this, because I finished this as soon as I finished my project, since I was doing both simultaneously. So maybe I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time, yeah I lied. But it wasn't the books fault, it was mine, since I didn't really READ it, and didn't take time to enjoy it. Since it was my fault I won't bring my rating down.

The Good:

1. The Characters This is, I think the 3rd review I've brought up eccentricity in, but I don't care because it applies the most here. It's basically the entire reason WHY I love Carl Hiaasen's books so much: His characters are unlike any other I've read about. I love the flamboyant personalities, and the whole larger-than-life thing everybody has got going, it's just I love ORIGINALITY, this book was tearing apart from the seams with it!

2. The Plot This book is basically about three kids who bring down a major corporation to save a few burrowing owls who are protected. I love the whole eco-warrior thing this book has, and the message conveyed in it is simple, yet strong: Stand up for what you believe in, even if you stand alone. I know the idea of three kids beating a huge company sounds a tad unrealistic, but it's what the book is trying to say that matters, that it's the thought that counts. It's a very inspiring story, and throughout it is peppered Hiaasen's unforgettable humor and wit. I know some people have a problem with the fact that this book swears, but to that I say: GET OVER IT. There are a million great things about this book and you don't need to freak out about one tiny detail. Seriously.

3. The Humor I love Carl Hiaasen's sense of humor. To show you what I mean, I would have quoted some passages, but I no longer have the book. This is why I am starting to take notes when I read, so I can more accurately review the book, and quote passages that stood out to me easily. But yeah, kind of got side tracked there. My point is that Hiaasen has a unique brand of humor that stands out and makes me laugh. :)

The Bad:

Trick Question! :)


I had NO problems with this book. It tackles the important idea of environmental preservation in a light-hearted way, and I recommend it for young and old alike.

readerchloe_3's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 19%

I only ever read it at school and I was too distracted then so I won’t actually get it done, also not interested.

A fun book to read. A middle school boy, newly transplanted to Florida from Montana, attempts to find a way to fit in. In the process, discovers some protected owls that are about to be destroyed to make way for a pancake house. I'd seen the movie, and enjoyed it. And the book was enjoyable as well.
adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

This book is just so fun and feel good and full of Florida sunshine-y goodness. And an owl or two :)
adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

My teacher read aloud this in the first trimester of 4th grade. It brung some memories back for me. :) This book is pretty funny, and that made it very enjoyable to read. Right now, I am reading Scat, and the humor translates from Hoot to Scat, so that's a plus.

Personally, I couldn't connect with the characters that much. I felt a surface level connection, and I really do prefer books where it makes me feel like I am making choices like/with/inside the main character(s). This book didn't feel as ammersive for me. If I hadn't enjoyed Hiaasen's comedy, I most likely would have rated this book a 3.5 or 3.75. Although, I really do like the message it is presenting of preserving endangered species. Kids really do need to learn about that one way or another, and this is a fun way to. 👍

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Reading it again for Battle of the Books 2012!

The first Hiaasen book I've read, I will definetly be looking at his other juvenile and adult books. A great story about how one person can make a difference, how friends help each other out and plenty of humor in between.