Carl Hiaasen has been known for years for his comedic novels in which the villains are complete greedheads with no respect for Florida's ecosystem. And that's why this non-fiction offering comes as no surprise as he analyzes the corporate entity that could be a composite of all his antagonists worst traits. At least, that is Hiaasen's portrayal of Disney as it goes beyond Orlando and even threatens the skin trade in Times Square.
He makes the case that Disney is able to grow with impunity because it takes so many people with it as it prospers. Land values skyrocket and support businesses flourish, so everyone is excited when Disney is involved in a project. And its values are just as usurping as its lust for property. The level of trust that consumers have in Disney gives it a leg up in evry negotiation and the benefit of every doubt.
But Carl Hiaasen doesn't believe it. And even though he is a bit of an extremist on the other side, he does humorously make the case that Disney is a company that should be watched and held to account by the rest of us. And he does so in such an appealing way, that he gets you nodding and smiling and agreeing with him, just as he believes Disney does with its wholesome image.
It was a rather short book, but informative and funny, and left me wanting more. If that doesn't get you 4 stars, I don't know what does.
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