From Library JournalJoLayne Lucks has one of two winning lottery tickets each worth a cool $14 million. She plans to spend it rescuing a local plot of swampland from a strip mall developer. The holders of the other winning ticket, however, are Bode Gazzer and his sidekick, Chubb, who want the whole $28 million. Afire with paramilitary fervor, Bode and Chubb need the cash to bankroll the start-up of the White Clarion Aryans before NATO takes over America with a handicapped parking sticker scam. They steal JoLayne's ticket, but before they can cash it she mounts a hot pursuit with the help of local journalist Tom Krome. As they chase Bode and Chubb through the swamps and sleazy dives, dodging bullets and local religious fanatics, Tom and JoLayne leave a wake of mayhem and hilarity. This is Hiaasen (Naked Came the Manatee, LJ 1/97) at his wacky best?a steamy amalgam of raunch, righteousness, and riotous laughs. Highly recommended.-?Susan Gene Clifford, Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, Cal.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.From Kirkus sAs soon as an informative headnote warns that ``there is no approved dental use for WD-40,'' you can relax, knowing that you're in for several blissful hours in the hands of a master farceur whose subject this time is what passes in South Florida for providence. Even though she's confirmed the winning numbers on her Lotto ticket, placid veterinary assistant JoLayne Lucks refuses to give an interview to rolling-stone Register features writer Tom Krome. Hoping to rescue the turtles of Simmons Wood from mob-backed development by buying the parcel out of her half of the $28 million jackpot, she doesn't see any point in telling the world she's rich. Then, suddenly, she isn't, because the holder of the other winning ticket, halfwit white supremacist Bodean Gazzer, decides to double his own payout by heisting her ticket. Bode and his sidekick Chub have their own public-spirited vision for the prize: arming the White Rebel Brotherhood (membership 2 and growing) in preparation for the UN-sponsored invasion of the US via all those unused handicapped-parking spaces. Along with the obligatory romantic complications, Hiaasen provides an alarmingly comical parade of spiritual counterparts to the providential nostrum of the Florida lottery: the weeping fiberglass Madonna, the Road-Stain Jesus, the miraculous apostolic turtles who bring nirvana to the features editor sent to retrieve Krome after he takes off with JoLayne in pursuit of the Lotto thieves. Not even Hiaasen (Stormy Weather, 1995, etc.) can sustain this balancing act forever, and eventually it collapses like a house of cards. But for an impossibly long time, the whole wild sideshow seethes and boils with all the grinning vitality of a ``Have a Nice Day'' poster reimagined by Hieronymous Bosch. Just when you think Hiaasen can't outdo himself, he finds more lunatics who just happen to tap into your deepest fears about America. Makes you wonder. (First printing of 200,000; Book-of-the-Month Club alternate selection/Quality Paperback Book Club selection) -- Copyright 1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Everything from survivalist folly to religious fanaticism is lampooned with gusto; so are marriage, divorce, race relations, and Hooters restaurants. The sledgehammer wackiness never flags, but Lucky You is finally fatiguing. It's too obvious, too long, too smart-alecky, and way too desperate to please. -- Entertainment Weekly, Tom De HavenHiaasen writes witty dialogue that crackles, and his characters are eccentrically colorful. For the most part, he is able to keep all his balls in the air, though occasionally one drops and the plot flags.... But never mind. The trip is entertaining and worrisome enough to make you think twice before making that next trip down to Florida. -- The New York Times Book , Charles Salzberg who is an author of a book Lucky You
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. LUCKY YOU not as lucky for readers as most of Hiaasen's other booksBy all4mysteriesAlthough this book has quirky characters and the usual satirical look at things in the state of Florida it is not as engaging as many of Hiaasen's other books. It seemed to be a rather "slow read" when compared to many of his other books. Although superior to most satirical writing from current authors this is not one of Hiaasen's best. As "Hiaasen's best" is outstanding, this means the book is entertaining if one is not familiar with his other offerings. Books like SICK PUPPY are "laugh out loud" funny. This one is amusing but has a bit of a bite.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Quick ReadBy vickiI have loved reading all of Carl Hiassen's books. This one is more of a teaser. Very short story can be read quickly. Still a bunch of funny stuff but not like some of his longer more complex stuff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Lucky MEBy QuilteralAnother Carl Hiaasen winner! As usual, the back drop is Florida, with a cast of characters one can really only find there. This man is an incredibly gifted writer--this time, he was able to make me laugh out loud at a story about white supremacists, interracial romance, and environmental protection. No light reading fare, but he does it brilliantly. If you already know Hiaasen, you will not be disappointed. If you're new to his work and like to laugh, you can't miss with Lucky You.