Carl Hiaasen CARL HIAASEN was born and raised in Florida, where he still lives. He is the author of many bestselling novels, including Squeeze Me and Nature Girl, as well as Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You'll Never Hear. His books for younger readers include the Newbery Honor winner Hoot, as well as Flush, Scat, Chomp, Skink--No Surrender, and Squirm.