May 29, 2025
The National Writers Series is pleased to present Carl Hiaasen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bad Monkey. He will talk about his writing life and his new novel, Fever Beach, which tackles the current chaotic and polarized American culture with two wonderful Hiaasen heroes.
Fever Beach begins with an errand that leads—in pure Hiaasen-style—into the depths of Florida at its most Floridian: a sun-soaked bastion of right-wing extremism, white power, greed, and corruption.
The novel begins with Dale Figgo, the only hate-monger ever to be kicked out of the Proud Boys for being too dumb and incompetent. On January 6, 2021, he thought he was defacing a statue of Ulysses S. Grant, but he wound up spreading feces all over a statue of a Civil War Confederate war leader.
Figgo picks up a hitchhiker who needs a ride to the interstate but needs to finish an errand first. His already messy life is about to get more complicated, thanks to two formidable adversaries: Viva Morales, a clever woman recently taken to the cleaners by her ex-husband, and Twilly Spree, who has an anger problem, especially when it comes to those who deface the environment, and way too many inherited millions of dollars.
Viva and Twilly are plunged into a mystery—involving dark money and darker motives—they are determined to solve. They become entangled in a world populated by a billionaire couple with way too much plastic surgery and a secret right-wing agenda and a Congressman who dreams of being America’s most important politician. The only things standing in his way are his love for hookers and young girls, and his total lack of intelligence. Add to the mix a Scandinavian agnostic injured when Figgo thinks he’s a Jewish threat to humanity and runs him over with his car. Hiaasen brilliantly ties them all together and delivers them to their appropriate destiny.
CARL HIAASEN was born and raised in Florida. He is the author of fourteen previous novels, including the bestsellers Squeeze Me, Razor Girl, Bad Monkey, Star Island, Nature Girl, Skinny Dip, Sick Puppy, Lucky You, and Assume the Worst. He also wrote six bestselling children’s books, Hoot, Flush, Scat, Chomp, Skink, and Squirm.
Guest host is Doug Stanton, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and NWS cofounder.
The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q&A and author signing. Each ticket comes with a trade hardcover copy of Fever Beach. Please note: signed books are only available at the live event. Early pick up of the book is NOT available.
About Our Book Sales
One of the most exciting parts of attending our events is getting a signed copy of the author's latest book along with the chance to meet the writer and have them personalize it after the show.
Each sale benefits our local partner Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The bundled price of National Writers Series books is always 20 percent below retail, so you also get a great deal.
If you already own the featured book, the one you receive with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or you can donate it back to us at the National Writers Series, and we'll distribute it to libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan. For those of you who don’t want a hardcover book, please use the code “BookChampion” and a donor will buy your copy.
We think a new book is one of the greatest joys of life, and we thank you for helping us make Traverse City one of the premiere destinations for authors through our book sales.
Virtual Option
Even if you can’t make it to the City Opera House, you can still enjoy National Writers Series events from the comfort of your own home on event night or later on-demand when it’s more convenient. Please go to www.nationalwritersseries.org for ticketing information.
Performances
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 7:00pmSustaining Sponsor: The Green Brick Foundation
Season Sponsors: NorthGuard Technology Group and Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings
Community Sponsor: Prout Financial Design
Event Sponsor: Pam and Harold Lassers
Arts Benefactor: Ward and Mary Bevans Gillett
Literary Sponsor: Karin and David Summers
Livestream Sponsor: Nancy Davy
Bookstore Partner: Horizon Books
Media Partner: Interlochen Public Radio
Media Sponsor: Traverse City Record-Eagle
Supporting Sponsors: Image 360, Cambria Suites
Official Airport: Cherry Capital Airport