Wrecker

This is one of Hiaasen’s middle grade/young adult books; I will read anything by this author. I am way past “young adult”, yet I think this may be my favorite of his books. Maybe it was the Key West setting (one of our beloved places to get away to for a few days), or the iguana droppings I am constantly cleaning off our dock, or Hiiaasen’s ever present environmental messages, or the history infused into the story, but I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Set during the time of Covid, it features fifteen year old Valdez Jones VII, nicknamed “Wrecker” because he is the eighth generation descendent of a 19th century diver who sought salvage from sunken ships. When he and his friend, Mimi, discover criminal activity in Key West, he show more gets involuntarily involved with it. Together, they save themselves and help put some crooks behind bars.

This is a fun adventure story interspersed with interesting history and, of course, environmental concerns. Sometimes Hiaasen’s writing can be a bit over the top, but I thought this one wasn’t at all. Some non Floridans may think it a bit crazy at times, but believe me as a south Floridian, it’s all feasible.

Although I am familiar with Key West and have roamed through the cemetery there, I learned quite a bit from this book, especially about the early non tolerance and pervasive presence of the Ku Klux Klan in this laid back community. I also wasn’t aware, touched on in this story and through further research on my own, that because the water was so much cleaner during the Covid cruise ship ban, sixty two percent of the voters supported a local referendum to restrict the size and capacity of cruisers that visit its ports. The Florida Senate, in 2021, passed a bill that voided the referendum and it was signed by the governor. So much for the will of the people.

I’d love to see a series featuring these two beguiling teenagers. show less

I think it’s time I’m finished with Carl. So often he’s been great escapist fun. Still love the way he makes Florida the main character. I wish his women and girls could have character too.

Y/A-only-means-no-gratuitous-erotica, fiction, historical-places-events, historical-research, history, history-and-culture, conservation, ecology, Florida Keys, quarantine, covid, crime-fiction, disability, verbal-humor, mystery, smuggling, coercion, friendship, fast-pace*****

Wrecker is a young man with a fractured family and a family history that is encompassed by the sea.
The story moves along quickly and the characters are so very real, as are some awful pieces of history that are told. It grabbed me by the imagination and held me there til the end. Another win for an excellent writer!
I requested and received an EARC from Random House Children's/Knopf Books for Young Readers via NetGalley. Thank you!

Well written with a good plot, but I didn't personally get as much out of this Hiaasen young adult book as I have his others. Book states for 8 years and up. I'm way Up...LOL. The only difference I see in his young adult books and his adult books is that the characters are teens.

Adventure story set in Key West featuring a teenage protagonist who owns his own boat and gets caught up in a smuggling ring. The COVID-era details and a subplot about the ecological damage caused by cruise ships make this story feel very much of a (recent) time and place. This was my first Hiaasen, and I plan to read more with my children.

Wrecker is a 2024 Lone Star selection.

Wrecker (Valdez Jones VIII) lives on Key West and never plans on leaving. Wrecker can handle anything. He lives a pretty simple life of cleaning a grave after the graveyard closes, going to work, fishing, boating, and keeping up with his step-sister. It's when he's out on the water that he comes across a grounded speedboat. The guys ask for help and pay Wrecker a tidy sum even though Wrecker's boat doesn't have the power to help. The lead man ("silver mustache") ends up seeking Wrecker's help later. As Wrecker cleans a woman's grave, he could also keep his eye on the silver mustache's friend's grave. Now Wrecker has two graves that he cleans and watches over, but Wrecker isn't stupid. He knows these show more guys aren't up to any good. Unfortunately, they need Wrecker's skills. These skills earn Wrecker some really good money; but, if he gets caught, it'll be jail time.

Wrecker spars with Willi, a female friend from school, who hints that she and Wrecker should date. Willi is no damsel in distress. Willi's parents are mostly absent, allowing her to do as she pleases. She visits a grave after dark, singing and lighting candles in the dead man's honor. You find out why towards the end of the novel. Because she's in the graveyard, she sees the goons that show up guarding a tomb. She and Wrecker end up working together to eliminate the criminals from Key West. Wrecker also spars with his family. His dad, who left him and his mom years ago, returns to play his music, which he continually gets sued for copyright. His mom constantly gets cosmetic surgery and takes care of her husband who nearly dies from Covid. The novel takes place during Covid, so mask wearing and vaccines are part of the plot. Wrecker lives with his step-sister because he and his step-father get along well if they don't live in the same house. His step-sister gets around in a wheelchair after being hit by a drunk driver and advocates for the environment. She working especially hard to get the cruise ships to stop coming to Key West. The ocean started healing during Covid, but the ships want to return, which will hurt the ocean again.

I liked Wrecker--he's a survivor and he's clever. He is not a goody-goody by any means, but he isn't a bad guy either. He does his own thing and is quite good at many things. I listened to the audio and found it a book that I think many boys may enjoy. show less

Good tale! I think it would be a good one for boys. Not the usual hilarity of Carl Hiaasen, but an engaging page turner. Great to see the kids outwit the baddies!