Similes:
* "The wind sounded like a thousand paper airplanes circling the room." (This compares the sound of the wind to the swish of paper airplanes.)
* "His voice was like a rusty hinge that hadn't been oiled in years." (This compares the sound of the voice to the creaking of a rusty hinge.)
* "The bus driver had eyes like two blue marbles." (This compares the driver's eyes to the color and shape of marbles.)
* "He moved like a shadow, silent and swift." (This compares the character's movements to the ghostly nature of a shadow.)
* "Her laughter was like the sound of wind chimes in a gentle breeze." (This compares the sound of laughter to the delicate clinking of chimes.)
Metaphors:
* "His anger was a storm brewing inside him." (This compares the character's anger to a powerful, destructive storm.)
* "The air hung heavy with the scent of swamp water and decay." (This gives the air a tangible quality by comparing it to the heavy feeling of decay.)
* "The construction site was a wasteland of broken dreams." (This compares the construction site to a place of desolation and unfulfilled potential.)
* "He was a lone wolf, a creature of the night." (This compares the character to a lone wolf, emphasizing his independence and solitary nature.)
* "Her words were a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty." (This compares the character's words to a lifeline, emphasizing their ability to provide comfort and guidance.)
Important Note: Hiaasen's writing style uses many figurative language techniques, but sometimes it's difficult to categorize them as purely a simile or metaphor. He often uses creative descriptions that blur the lines between these two literary devices.
Let me know if you have other questions about "Hoot" or need more examples!