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While fishing off the central Florida coast, Phil Seibert and neighbor Kyle Walker come across a large bundle of marijuana. Assuming it to be an aborted overnight drug-smuggling operation, and with no one else in sight, they decide to haul in the contraband and consider looking into Florida laws to see how much they can keep without it being a felony to have the drug in their possession. By that evening, both men, a sister-in-law and wife, are all high. "Leisure Daze" by author Mike Mihalek is not only funny and full of adventure, but it offers social commentary and multiple viewpoints on such issues as legalization of marijuana, the cost of prescription drugs, environmental concerns, and current U.S. politics that threaten to limit American freedom. Engaging dialogue, memorable characters, and an original storyline with unlikely senior citizen heroes make "Leisure Daze" one of the most entertaining comedic novels of the year.
Leisure Daze
Mike Mihalek
RoseHeart Publishing
ISBN 9780980150452
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/08)
An octogenarian lawyer, his vivacious Russian emigrant wife, a younger retired widower, a registered nurse, and two teenagers are pitted against members of a Colombian Cartel drug ring and the president of the homeowners association of a Florida coastal community, in Mike Milhalek’s facetious new comedic novel “Leisure Daze.”
While fishing off the central coast of Florida Phil Seibert and his neighbor Kyle Walker came across a large bundle of marijuana. Assuming it to be from an aborted overnight drug-smuggling operation, and with no other boats in sight they made the decision to haul in the contraband.
Upon returning to their homes in their nearby retirement community Phil took possession of the large quantity of illegal drugs and apportioned a generous amount to Kyle. They made plans to research Florida laws to determine what amount of the substance was considered a felony to have in possession before deciding what to do with their find and headed to their respective homes. Phil and his wife and Kyle and his sister-in-law were all high on the marijuana before the evening was over.
Self-appointed leader of a crusade to get the community involved in a ballot measure to ban continued dumping of waste materials into the river Phil was attempting to get signatures from Homeowner Association members on his petition. Kyle came up with a plan to help get votes at the annual Memorial Day picnic by having Kim, his sister-in-law, bake a batch of marijuana-laced brownies for the pot luck dessert table.
Homeowner’s Association president, retired Army General, Stan Ross, stood in opposition the plan. The drugged brownies had a snowball effect and soon suspicions were confirmed that illegal drugs were being smuggled into the community on a regular basis.
Mihalek skillfully creates an incredulous plot as he adds new characters into the action. The story builds to a crescendo of fast-moving action leading up to a brilliant climax.
Mike’s writing is filled with insights into human nature and personal insecurity. Engaging dialog reveals a divergence of opinions and values on a broad spectrum of information which enhance and give credibility to a far-fetched plot on subjects ranging from art, world cultures, philosophy, religion, and politics, to classic cars.
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