|
I thought this book had an enticing story. Despite the fact that there were some holes in the story line and some of the characters including Lice and Grandpa Bobby, weren't fully developed and were somewhat confusing to keep track of, I would recommend this book to anyone that would enjoy reading a heart-felt, short, and funny story. Flush by Carl Haaisen is about a courageous teenage boy named Noah Underwood that takes place in the Florida Keys. Despite the fact that everyone in the community thinks his dad is crazy, Noah sets out to save him by proving the casino boat owner, Dusty Muleman, is guilty just as his father thought. Haaisen's unique and humorous writing style really brought the characters to life and made them relatable. Sneaking around in the middle of the night, encountering many dangerous men including Dusty, and stealing private property is just the least of their problems. Noah gains all this plus greater independence and learns that he has a voice and that his actions can make a difference in the world.
It shows its young readers that even they can make a difference in the environment. The environmental theme of the book is very inspiring and current.
Together, they face dangerous men and risky moves to help Noah's father, but they always find a way out of their problems. The plot was exciting and full of many twists and turns.
Noah's father, a fisherman and environmentalist, has been arrested for sinking a local casino boat because he believes the owner is dumping waste from the boat into the local sea water. I read it for a school project and couldn't put it down.
With the help of Abbey, Noah's curious and brave younger sister who can do anything her minds put her to, and Shelly, the casino boat's tattooed bartender who dislikes Dusty, Noah devises a plan to catch Dusty Muleman.
While trying to save his father by proving Dusty guilty, Noah's adventures gain him friendship, strengthen his family, and help the local environment.
I think children that are maybe 9 or 10 years old would enjoy this book. I think Flush was a big disappointment. After reading Hoot another book by Carl Hiaasen I had very high expectations for this book.
Flush by Carl Hiaasen is a story about a boy named Noah whose father sinks a casino boat called the Coral Queen because he believes that it is dumping sewage in the water. The book also had a very weak plot that was not very complex. M.E.
I usually enjoy realistic fiction booksBut I didn't really enjoy this book. I would not recommend this book to older kids, young adults and adults. Noah needs to prove that his father is not crazy and correct about the sewage being dumped in the water.
I gave this book 3 out of 5 because I thought the book was a little cheesy and the characters personalities aren't very complex.
This was a awesome book.I loved it.I could not put it down.It is exciting,fun,and eco-friendly.This is a great book for 9-12 year olds.Try it.
As a point of principle, Noah's dad decides to stay in jail. When a mysterious stranger shows up, the Carmichaels become invincible.Before the book ends, there's an unexpected adventure that shows just why you need to be prepared for whatever comes you way.The book's ending nicely resolves all the plot conflicts and deals justice as poetically as it should be dealt. Hiaasen's "adult" books and this one shows up in his gentle way of describing everything. In the best tradition of Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, the youngsters hatch up and execute a hilarious scheme to catch Dusty "red-handed" with dyed evidence that tracks back to the casino boat. If I hadn't known that Flush was aimed at younger readers, I would have read the book just as happily as an adult reader who enjoys rooting for heroic youngsters who straighten out their elders.
In between the various comings and goings of the heroes and villains, Noah and Abbey find themselves fighting off Dusty's bully son and his henchman. As a result, I heartily recommend this book for young readers "of all ages."The book opens with a "glug" as Noah Carmichael visits his dad in the local jail on Father's Day. Abbey's sharp teeth are more than a match for the two. You'll be cheering after many close calls where the authorities seem to be siding with the wrong people. This creates certain tensions in the family as Noah's mom is overhead to mention the "d" word that no youngster wants to hear parents use. and swears off tackling Dusty Muleman and his casino while agreeing to pay damages and take anger management classes.
The book has the trademark Hiaasen humor, concern about the environment, an ability to turn a plot upside down on a dime, and reverence for what makes youngsters laugh. No, Noah's dad didn't get drunk: He got even by sinking a floating casino that he believes has been dumping its sewage into the water. At that point, Noah and his sister Abbey decide that they will have to get to the bottom of the toilet bowl. It's great fun.The main difference between Mr. Eventually, a fully calmed down dad arrives home. His dad has a heart of gold, but he acts a little impulsively sometimes (how about all the time).
He's much harsher in the adult books, but I think the gentle style is actually more appealing. There's just one little problem: Noah's dad has no proof.
The focus was definitely on the story. One of the best stories I've read lately, but I do feel I have an obligation to be choosy about the books I "assign" children to read. Rich, entertaining characters (not your one dimensional boring stereotypes). Paine, Noah, Abbey, Grandpa Bobby, Shelly. Honestly, I'm on the fence about using this book again in the classroom just because of that. But I wasn't disappointed. It was an entertaining read, great plot, funny, suspenseful, and informative (in a subtle way thankfully, because this IS fiction.).
Do wish he'd leave off on those cuss words though, since it's targeted toward children. I felt the book was good enough to overlook those.
I'm sometimes wary of environmentalist overtones, and began reading with trepidation. Note for teachers/parents: a few of my students (4th grade) didn't care for the cuss words sprinkled here and there.
In fact, probably the thing I love best about this book is the characters. One of the coolest brother and sister teams to boot.
Though I think I'm tilting toward the "will do this book again" side of the fence. Hats off to Hiaasen on that.
No shoving of "save the environment" down my throat.
|
