And since real life in South Florida is sometimes stranger than fiction, none of these subjects are spared in his novels. Hiaasen's books skewer the greedy and corrupt with intelligence and humor, combining mystery plotlines, wicked satire, sharp observations, and a bizarre cast of characters. With his insight, humor and a killer instinct for stories, Hiaasen has certainly earned the respect of his contemporaries. Dave Barry, his colleague at The Miami Herald, calls him "one of South Florida's most vital natural resources, a relentlessly sane voice in a howling hurricane of hypocrisy, hokum and hype''.

His most recent books are Basket Case, published in January 2002; and HOOT, a novel for young readers which won a Newberry Honor, published in September 2002.

Carl Hiaasen is one of the most interesting writers of the century. His knowledge of the elements of sleaze and quirkiness underlying life in Florida make for hilarious and unbelievable stories. On a more serious level, his insights into human nature and the state of America at the dawn of the 21st century are unique and perceptive. Tying it all together through a constant interplay of fact and fiction, Carl gives his audience unique insight into the creative process. Carl will show you an America you've never seen before. And in spite of his scathingly funny critiques of the seedy side of American business and politics, his belief in good shines through. Carl inspires his audience to appreciate beauty, critique seediness and corruption, and laugh at the absurdity of all of it.