Customer Reviews

Black Sunshine

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is it, folks. This is the one that puts Date in the big leagues of Hiaasen and Evanovich. As funny as Speed Week, as biting as Smokeout, better paced than Deep Water, Black Sunshine's got it all. A tip: don't read it while drinking a carbonated beverage. It hurts too much coming out your nose. I can't wait for the next one.

I had never heard of this author before I read the review in the Kansas City paper last week. Now I can't wait to read all his previous stuff. The reviewer called Black Sunshine a good political thriller, but she forgot to mention just how roll-on-the-floor funny it is! How can a good "thriller" also be hilarious? Darned if I know, but Date has managed to do it!

Florida, a rigged election, oil rigs in the Gulf, two politically competitive brothers. What more could you ask for? Democrats who hate the Bushes will love it. Republicans who love the Bushes will love it. Everyone who hates Katherine Harris will especially love it!

Loved this book. The thinly veiled Bush boys are an hilarious parody of political life in my great state of Florida. However, I am shocked that a Florida journalist would represent the secretary of state character (best character in the book) as running for an elected office. No way! Secretary of State in Florida is an appointment by our governor, ie. Katherine Harris was appointed by Jeb Bush (as is Glenda Hood now, heaven help us) to oversee Florida elections. Actually, this fact makes Florida politics almost as ridiculous as the book, doesn't it?

Date's been compared to Carl Hiaasen, with outlandish plots ripped from the headlines and a seriously cynical view of his subject. With every novel, the comparisons become more apt - though unlike Hiaasen, Date is clearly drawing his characters from life. The who's-who guessing games aren't terribly difficult in this tale of gubernatorial politics and greedy corruption. The story is built around the rivalry between a not-so-bright but politically gifted man - "Bub" - and his hardworking brother Percy. Bub's well on his way to replacing his father as Florida's next governor when he blurts out that he's opposed to oil drilling. Bub mysteriously disappears (just like his erstwhile opponent) and Percy steps in. You won't believe what happens next....

I must correct the reviewer who claimed an "inexcusable error": Katherine Harris was, indeed, Florida's last ELECTED Secretary of State, elected in 1998 before voter-mandated Cabinet reforms took effect in 2002. Besides which, we all know Clarissa Hightower is a fictional character ... right? Hmmm? (And I agree with her about everything else.)

I started out expecting to hate this book. Another liberal reporter, making fun of The President. How predictable. I'll say it right here: I was wrong. Bub, the character modeled after President George W. Bush, is likeable, funny and engaging, and maybe not so dumb as some people might think, after all. The more you learn about Bub, the more you root for him, and the next thing you know, it's 3 in the morning and you've got to be at work by 8 but you've got to finish it, so you stay up anyway. Well done, from start to finish. Highly recommended.

I was told Black Sunshine was set aboard a sailboat, and as a sailor, I had to run out to take a look. Boy, am I glad I did! S.V. Date knows his sailing stuff, from an easy, afternoon reach on a breezy afternoon to fighting monster, storm-driven waves in the Gulf Stream. Without giving anything away, the ending was absolutely spectacular! More sailing in your books, please, Mr. Date.

Finally, FINALLY, Katherine Harris gets what's coming to her! As a Sarasota County Republican tired of having her rammed down my throat, all I can say is: Mr. Date, I salute you!

And for the rest of the country, trying to figure out what in heck is going on down here, you need to read this book, too.

Oh please! Black Sunshine is the funniest, sharpest book to come down the pike since Christopher Buckley's last book. Only humorless right-wing wackos could possibly NOT love this book! Read it and see for yourself.