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I was in the mood for something light, funny, and not emotionally scarring. Just maybe physically scarring – like a missing finger from an alligator bite. Enter: Chomp by Carl Hiaasen. I found the audiobook (narrated by James Van Der Beek!) through my library. Hooray for free stuff! I hit play and was immediately pulled into Hiaasen’s signature mix of Florida weirdness, animal chaos, and entertaining characters. If you like your YA with a bite (see what I did there?), keep reading.
My Chomp by Carl Hiaasen Book Review
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Chomp by Carl Hiaasen Book Summary
Wahoo Cray (yes, that’s his real name, although he is a fictional character) lives in the wilds of Florida with his dad, Mickey Cray. Mickey is a professional animal wrangler who’s recovering from a concussion courtesy of a frozen iguana. Their backyard is basically a zoo: snakes, alligators, parrots, and a very unimpressed snapping turtle named Alice. When a reality TV survival show called Expedition Survival! comes knocking, desperate for some “authentic wilderness,” Wahoo and his dad agree to help wrangle the wildlife. Sr. Cray finds the TV crew (and the star, Derek Badger) almost unbearable to work with. But they are in desperate need for cash.
Things spiral quickly from staged TV nonsense to actual danger as Wahoo’s classmate Tuna joins the adventure, fleeing her abusive father. Derek Badger decides he wants to go fully feral (and possibly vampire.) What starts as a gig for easy money turns into a chaotic rescue mission in the Everglades. Helicopters, airboats, and a whole lot of biting (or…CHOMPING.) It’s a funny, fast-paced ride with just enough wild animals and wild(er) people to keep things interesting.
Who is Carl Hiaasen?
Carl Hiaasen is an American author and journalist, best known for his novels set in Florida. His works often blend humor, mystery, and environmental themes. He began his career as a reporter for The Miami Herald.
In addition to his bestselling adult novels, Hiaasen has written several popular books for younger readers, including Hoot (turned movie with Brie Larson and Luke Wilson!), Flush, Scat, and Chomp (this one.) His young adult and middle-grade novels typically feature smart, resourceful kids who find themselves in unusual situations, often involving wildlife, conservation, and/or corrupt adults. Hiaasen’s work is known for its fast-paced plots, memorable characters, and strong sense of place rooted in the wild and unpredictable landscape of Florida.
Find Carl Hiaasen here: Home – Carl Hiaasen
Now onto the rating! Chomp by Carl Hiaasen Book Review:
My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here
Wholesomeness Score: 5/5
Yes, Chomp touches on some heavier topics: child abuse, alcohol abuse, and animal abuse, and you know what actually this doesn’t sound very wholesome after all! But Hiaasen handles these themes with a light, thoughtful touch that’s appropriate for younger readers. Chomp has no foul language and no graphic content despite the dramatic potential from the themes. His story ultimately leans toward kindness, courage, and doing the right thing. It’s a solid choice for middle grade readers or 50-year-old dads who manage book blogs.
Hilarity Score: 3/5
The story kicks off with a very silly premise: Mickey Cray recovering from a concussion after getting hit in the head by a frozen iguana falling out of a tree. That was enough of a humor signal for me to commit.
Chomp isn’t a full-on comedy, but it definitely has its funny moments. Most of the laughs come courtesy of Derek Badger, the pampered, clueless star of a survival reality show who believes he’s turning into a vampire after a run-in with a bat. His absurdity adds a fun layer of comic relief to a story that’s otherwise grounded in real-world stakes (revengeful, alcoholic father on the loose!) The humor is mild, silly, and perfectly timed to keep things from getting too heavy.
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4/5
Chomp balances a fast-moving plot with a great mix of humor and drama. The environmental and animal advocacy themes are woven in naturally. The satire of reality TV, especially through the pompous character of Derek Badger, is a funny and unique premise. Chomp is not life-changing, but it’s solid and satisfying.
Things I liked:
- Environmental and animal advocacy themes
- A fun take on reality TV culture (especially the “survivalists” shows!)
- Smart, witty, capable young characters
- No foul language (safe for younger readers)
- Entertaining audiobook narration – James Van Der Beek!
Things I didn’t like:
- Florida seems unbearable
- Mosquitoes, bats, snakes, and gators: hard pass in real life. But fiction novel, I guess OK.
Conclusion: Chomp Book Review
In the end, Chomp was exactly what I needed: a fun, fast read (or technically, listen) with a few surprises, laughs, and no emotional devastation. I liked the message, I liked the pacing, and I liked that no one got mauled by an alligator (close calls only). It won’t change your life, but it might make you appreciate animals more and reality TV stars less.
Ever survived a Florida summer? Enjoyed a book with way too many reptiles? Share your experience below. Or just say hi. I’ll take that too.
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
