Reviews

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

throwback682's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

The fatphobia throughout was disappointing and distracting. 

Aside from that I really liked this book (the very first I’ve read by Carl Hiaasen). Wahoo and Tuna were incredibly lovable, with Mickey close behind. This book was exciting and charming, while also dealing with some pretty heavy topics. I also loved the animal facts sprinkled throughout (yes, alligators go through 3000 teeth in a lifetime, really). 

I thought James Van Der Beek did a nice job narrating. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fatphobia, Gun violence, Child abuse, and Alcoholism

Fatphobia:

Repeated mentions of Derek’s weight, descriptors like “flabby”, constant reminders of his love of food especially desserts, gaining weight is given as a reason he can’t get a certain job, etc.

librarydosebykristy's review against another edition

3.5 stars.

Listened to this one on audio with Leo and Lucia on day trips. We all liked this a lot. I thought the narration from James Van der Beek was great. The story went off the rails a little bit at the end... but otherwise, a funny story with great characters.

teresaalice's review against another edition

4.0

Listened to this book on audio with the kids. It was fun and engaging, and really made my seven year old think about how real "reality" shows are.

mandtastic's review against another edition

adventurous funny informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Such a cute adventure story. Perfect for any young reader, 

kingbookdragon's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An absolute favorite from my childhood, and I am glad to have seen it holds up still. 

christiana's review against another edition

3.0

I think I just expected too much from this one. And it was my first Hiaasen, so I have no idea whether this is up to par with his other stuff. There was just a lot of (too much?) suspending disbelief for me

Spoiler

Wahoo is able to learn how to experly drive an airboat within 15 minutes of learning? Really?

. The writing is really good as is the characterization but I feel like Hiaasen was telling me what these characters were like a lot. Fun, but (for me) nothing special.

hayleybeale's review against another edition

4.0

We listened to this while on a road trip and it was absolutely hilarious and very enjoyable. On a less positive note, I found the mix of absurd farce with the darker story about child abuse to be a slightly uncomfortable mix.

geisttull's review against another edition

4.0

always fun to read. Hoot is still my favorite but this is a close second.

leilakrzyzewski's review against another edition

3.0

His house is a zoo, literally.

heidisreads's review against another edition

4.0

A humorous adventure story! A great listen, too!