Fluke | A Whale (or Whale's Tail) of a Tale

Fluke | great

Fluke

	Fluke HarperCollins e-books, 2006 average customer review:based on 124 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Whale (or Whale's Tail) of a Tale

When you get a book from a favorite author, you typically expect two things that are almost contradictory. You want something new and different, but not a radical change, because what you enjoyed about the author may disappear. You want the special something that made you like him or her, but not so much of it that it feels like you're just reading the same story with different character names. A good author will walk that fine line well, and Christopher Moore is one such writer.

Fluke (or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings) is typical Moore with its easy-going narration, off-beat characters and an element that is in some way either supernatural or science fictionish. On the other hand, it also is a whole different story than his other books. In this one, Nate Quinn, marine biologist who observes whales in the ocean around Hawaii, makes a strange discovery: a whale with the words "Bite Me" clearly written on its tail. His ability to investigate this phenomenon is hampered when his lab is trashed and his photographic evidence disappears.

There are plenty of potential villains, including the military (who is doing some mysterious experiments in the area, a marine foundation (that is actually just a front for a jet ski concession) and a dour scientist who is willing to sell out to the highest bidder. These folks, however, are actually mere distractions from the real cause. Nate's research, however, goes off in a different direction when he is swallowed by the whale, an act that should be impossible for that species. What's more surprising is that Nate survives ingestion.

I don't want to spoil any of what happens next, but it is sufficient to say that once again, Moore has created (in a phrase that is appropriate even if it's rather cliched) a wonderfully wacky adventure. Whether you're new to Moore or a veteran, this book will be a great read.

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great

I liked this book so much I've now read several more of his. This one is still the best so far. Clever, fun, fast paced, unpredictable! I recommend it highly.

Fluke

My husband and I listened to this on vacation in San Diego. We spent alot of time on the freeways. Fluke kept us laughing and entertained the whole time!

Laugh and learn about sea mammals

Christopher Moore cracks me up.
His absurd humor is addicting.
Get the audio book and you can laugh while driving.

3 1/2 stars would be more accurate

For anyone looking for a break from the mundane, cliche novels that are out there, then Christopher Moore will certainly fit the bill; and Fluke is no exception. The story is of a whale biologist and his eventful (and unbelievable) research in Hawaii. Of course, Moore's insane and inane plot devolves from there.

Although this book delivered a few laughs, I did not find it nearly as funny as "A Dirty Job" (although Moore's comments on "advanced poop-chute technology" should not be missed).

The plot overall is as crazy and unexpected as you would expect from Moore, but seems to drag a little toward the end. Also, I was not terribly happy with the resolution of everything.

The characters are very likeable, but do not seem to do much growing over the course of the novel.

Fluke is worth checking out if you are a fan of Moore's, or if you have some free time on your hands, but you may be better off getting it at the library.

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