SCAT by Carl Hiasson
by Nancy J. Miller
Told through the eyes of a 12 year old boy, the plot revolves around his biology teacher that goes missing after a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp that hastily ends when a grass fire threatens them. Hiasson delivers moral commentary in a totally neutral manner, from the disappearance of wildlife, classmates with different families and beliefs, unethical businessmen, to the Iraq War’s toll on loved ones. He always has an anti-hero type in his books, be it the retired road- kill eating former Florida governor Skink to the eco environmental avenger Twilly in this tale. Hiasson manages to drive home an ethical and socially pertinent point without making you uncomfortably take sides on the issue; just as it should be taught to youngsters. From an accused pyromaniac classmate with a Father who has taught his pet Macaw to speak in three languages, to the woefully inept Texas oil driller working a scam for his employer, to the narrator’s father who loses his arm in the Anwar Province and then binds his own right arm to his body to become a lefty like his dad, Hiasson delivers rich and laughter evoking dialogue. You will gain an appreciation for the endangered Florida panther, and also for the wisdom of a 12 year old in his innocence and desire to emulate his father. Scat is a sweet diversion in summer reading, I can’t wait to read Hiasson’s next novel, be it for kids of for adults who act like kids! |
