A journalist who follows her instincts, Susan Orlean, does just that in The Orchid Thief. Once she enters John Laroche's (the orchid thief's) world she quickly develops as much of an obsession with the story as the orchid people do for their flowers. As she delves deeper into Laroche's life and passion she discovers strange worlds including the lush, deceptive, and colorful swamps of Florida; the tightly woven and always suspect Seminole reservation; and the eccentric, complex world that Laroache inhabitis.
For a book with almost no plot, it kept me thoroughly entertained. Orlean's "ramblings" are fascinating, funny and informative, and Laroche's philosophies and ethics are so twisted and creative that I couldn't help admiring the eccentric.
Great read for when you are tired of your regular "stuff", thoroughly enjoyable.
