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deecue2 's review for:
The Orchid Thief
by Susan Orlean
Overall this is a very good book which I would recommend to others. When the author is quoting John Laroche or describing his thought process and appearance or highlighting his absurdity the book is 5+ star material.
I thought the book was less successful when it introduced other obsessive orchid people. They were okay enough but they suffered in comparison to the material about Laroche (which was significant early on). Laroche was described vividly and hilariously. I'm certain I will skim this book several times in the future to re-read the Laroche material. You really got a sense of who this guy was. All of the other people were less dimensional and less interesting.
The book was least successful when it provided historical information about Florida and the hunt for exotic orchids and plants. While the historical information was interesting enough and provided a good background to the present day orchid culture it seemed to fit awkwardly into the story.
I thought the book was less successful when it introduced other obsessive orchid people. They were okay enough but they suffered in comparison to the material about Laroche (which was significant early on). Laroche was described vividly and hilariously. I'm certain I will skim this book several times in the future to re-read the Laroche material. You really got a sense of who this guy was. All of the other people were less dimensional and less interesting.
The book was least successful when it provided historical information about Florida and the hunt for exotic orchids and plants. While the historical information was interesting enough and provided a good background to the present day orchid culture it seemed to fit awkwardly into the story.