Paradise Interrupted

September 17, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.
Paradise Interrupted
Paradise Interrupted
By Jill Williams

Wow! I can surely say I've never read anything quite like this book! The author has a unique style of writing, full of political and social commentary, tinged with sarcasm and wit, but truly chock full of humor. It takes a bit of getting used to, and sometimes you have to read the paragraph twice to get the full idea of what the author is trying to convey. However, you have to marvel at the way he gets his message across with sometimes-bitter amusement.

The book is fictional, but it is based on the rampant development of Florida and one set of friends' fight against a developer who plans to pave over yet another ecological treasure. In this case it's the Econlockhatchee River. The friends are spurred into action to save their beloved river, and in larger part, Florida in general. Their methods of madness include tampering with construction equipment, destroying property, and spray paint. The public even rallies behind the friends and tries to support the call to arms.

The author's bitter scorn for developers is more than apparent with his vilification of them by example of Vincent Barbarosa, who is evil personified in this novel. Showcasing destruction as a means of power, he seeks only to destroy everything he can. He is not a well-rounded character, but that's fine with me, as in this book he meets a horrible end, and I wouldn't want to care about him anyway.

Even giving unique commentary by some of the animals affected by all the development, the author's humor extends to the unique perspective of an alligator, a family of rabbits, and even some blue jays. Still, if you're a golfer, developer, or county commissioner, or you work for Disney, you will probably be offended by the author's take on you. Or, if you're wise, you'll simply laugh along and perhaps take a new look at what you're doing for and against your own home state.

In a rather poignant paragraph, the author's main character expresses the following sentiment:

"The catch phrase 'you can't stop progress'... [is] designed to make us believe the vandalism they call development is as inevitable as the future itself. Striving for clean air, good water and green fields is not longing for the past, and when it is, how lousy life will be."

The author lives in Orlando, Florida and writes for magazines including Florida Sportsman Magazine. The author has written a previous book entitled Bite Me: Tom Levine's Most Excellent Stories.

If you want to find out more about the author, including how to invite him to your party (seriously), check out the website: www.defiantworm.com. You'll also get to see other reviewer's opinions of his books, including those of his Mom. (Hilarious) This guy has got to be a lot of fun with a mind like this. Of course there is a lot of bodily function humor, so don't be offended ladies. It's just a fun ride with a serious message underneath.

Jill does laundry for a 7 year old who thinks he's too old for toys, a 5 year old gymnast, a 5 year old niece who has joined the family, and a 3 year old computer whiz. She also occasionally irons her husband's suits. In between loads, Jill loves to read.