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Baked
Miro Basinas is an experimental botanist who sells his rarefied product to a discerning clientele. Only Miro’s not growing heirloom tomatoes or making organic wine—he’s growing weed. And when Miro hits the big time by winning Amsterdam’s famed Cannabis Cup, cannasseurs and ganjaficionados aren’t the only people who want a piece of him and his mind-blowing pot that tastes like mangoes.
A wickedly funny novel, Baked opens with a bang as Miro is cut down by a bullet. A mild-mannered hipster who doesn’t know the first thing about revenge—or even who shot him—Miro is soon on a quest to recover his prize invention and to secure his place as the Floyd Zaiger (creator of the pluot) of weed. It’s a journey packed with a delicious cast of characters, including a string-theory obsessed cop, a kinky paramedic, a Mormon missionary struggling to keep his “sap” under control in a city that is the personification of sex, a half-Irish-half-Salvadoran drug dealer and his dim-witted associates, a cougar starlet, and an entrepreneur who wants to turn his medical marijuana Compassion Centers into the Starbucks of pot. Baked is a hilarious, rip-roaring romp from a talented, utterly original novelist.
A wickedly funny novel, Baked opens with a bang as Miro is cut down by a bullet. A mild-mannered hipster who doesn’t know the first thing about revenge—or even who shot him—Miro is soon on a quest to recover his prize invention and to secure his place as the Floyd Zaiger (creator of the pluot) of weed. It’s a journey packed with a delicious cast of characters, including a string-theory obsessed cop, a kinky paramedic, a Mormon missionary struggling to keep his “sap” under control in a city that is the personification of sex, a half-Irish-half-Salvadoran drug dealer and his dim-witted associates, a cougar starlet, and an entrepreneur who wants to turn his medical marijuana Compassion Centers into the Starbucks of pot. Baked is a hilarious, rip-roaring romp from a talented, utterly original novelist.
325 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2010
27 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Mark Haskell Smith
19 books196 followersMark Haskell Smith is the author of seven novels with one word titles, most recently Blown and Memoires, and three nonfiction books including Rude Talk in Athens and Naked at Lunch.
He lives in Los Angeles. He likes Mexican food.
He lives in Los Angeles. He likes Mexican food.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 29, 2010
I once heard that Chuck Palahniuk was worried about meeting one of his writing heroes, Amy Hemple, that she would not be the person he imagined her to be. If you're wondering what Mark Haskell Smith is like, you'll find a good indication here. A dark humorist, laid back guy, who likes to keep the action moving and the violence in his life restricted to his novels.
While I admit that MOIST is still my favorite of his, I enjoyed BAKED. I'll say it here and now that not everyone will enjoy this book--there is plenty to offend--but, again, it just goes to show how much Smith doesn't care about pleasing the general populace. He writes what entertains him, and the rest of us can take it or leave it.
I'll take it. Any day.
While I admit that MOIST is still my favorite of his, I enjoyed BAKED. I'll say it here and now that not everyone will enjoy this book--there is plenty to offend--but, again, it just goes to show how much Smith doesn't care about pleasing the general populace. He writes what entertains him, and the rest of us can take it or leave it.
I'll take it. Any day.
August 31, 2010
Fun, fun, fun!
Marijuana, taco trucks, strap-ons, murders, Amsterdam, Eagle Rock, bondage. What more could a reader want in a summer read? This was a rollicking good crime novel.
My only complaint is that twice the book had "parent's" when it should have been "parents'"...that is just inexcusable! Where is the copy editor?
Marijuana, taco trucks, strap-ons, murders, Amsterdam, Eagle Rock, bondage. What more could a reader want in a summer read? This was a rollicking good crime novel.
My only complaint is that twice the book had "parent's" when it should have been "parents'"...that is just inexcusable! Where is the copy editor?
September 4, 2011
Not a pothead, Mormon missionary, Irish-Hispanic gangster, or an unscrupulous owner of cannibas-for-medicinal-purposes centers.
I did, however, laugh out loud and devour the novel in just a few sittings. It is one more in a delicious string of books from this author whose lovable, fallibile and, at times, downright dispicably hilarious characters aren't afraid to dispose of their adversaries in the desert.
Loved it!
I did, however, laugh out loud and devour the novel in just a few sittings. It is one more in a delicious string of books from this author whose lovable, fallibile and, at times, downright dispicably hilarious characters aren't afraid to dispose of their adversaries in the desert.
Loved it!
August 25, 2010
Lots of fun! I want to be a character in this book - they all live in my neighborhood!
January 25, 2023
It made me laugh sometimes, and it was a decent story.
Perhaps there are too many characters.
Despite the plot involving weed, sex, murder, and more debauchery, it wasn’t all that exciting.
Perhaps there are too many characters.
Despite the plot involving weed, sex, murder, and more debauchery, it wasn’t all that exciting.
October 26, 2011
Okay, I admit it, the cover of Mark Haskell Smith's Baked is what caught my attention at first. However, it was the back cover description and critical praise that put Smith on par as being "as riotous as Carl Hiaasen on really good dope" that piqued my literary curiosity for terrific satire.
Meet Miro. He's a part-time botonist and "gentleman farmer" in Los Angeles. Okay, let's be blunt (pun intended) — he grows some seriously awesome weed. After Miro wins Amsterdam's Cannibis Cup everyone wants his product. Which might be the reason he's gunned down back in Los Angeles and has his weed stolen. Miro, ever the pacifist, sets out to uncover whose behind the attack/theft; along the way Smith introduces us to quite the sorted cast of characters and gut-busting situations (Flo!).
I can say this without a doubt: as much as I enjoy Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen, both authors combined couldn't make me laugh as hard as I did reading Baked. The product, er, I mean the book is that good.
Meet Miro. He's a part-time botonist and "gentleman farmer" in Los Angeles. Okay, let's be blunt (pun intended) — he grows some seriously awesome weed. After Miro wins Amsterdam's Cannibis Cup everyone wants his product. Which might be the reason he's gunned down back in Los Angeles and has his weed stolen. Miro, ever the pacifist, sets out to uncover whose behind the attack/theft; along the way Smith introduces us to quite the sorted cast of characters and gut-busting situations (Flo!).
I can say this without a doubt: as much as I enjoy Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen, both authors combined couldn't make me laugh as hard as I did reading Baked. The product, er, I mean the book is that good.
August 18, 2012
Baked, as with all of Mark Haskell Smith's other work, did not disappoint. This story was just as unique and interesting as his other fiction. Set in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, Baked draws on Smith's personal experience researching the annual Cannabis Cup competition for his reporting for the Los Angeles Times and his excellent non-fiction book on the same subject, Heart of Dankness. My only disappointment is that I have now read all of Smith's books and that I must now wait for his next work to be published. To anyone who has considered reading Mark Haskell Smith, take my statement as a resounding endorsement of his writing. It's really that good. Thanks are owed, by the way, to Madelyn, who encouraged me to finish reading Smith's books, despite her raised eyebrow and my description of "chapter thirteen". Madelyn knows what I mean...
September 14, 2015
Think I found another favorite author.
Cannabis cup winning ganja, a "gangbanger" named Shamus, Amsterdam, Mormon's speaking the good word and all of this leading up to weird heinous crimes.
"But would God fart like a donkey? Did Jesus cut the cheese?
Exactly at page one, I was reeled into the life of a award winning ganja grower. Before and after he was shot for the power of pot. His life takes on some serious turns as he try's to find who shot him and stole all of his seeds. He befriends a Mormon named Daniel and sets him free into the world of dangerous/odd love and drugs, while also becoming the best Burrito roller in town.
I really wanted to jump into this book and live in it for awhile. It was one of the best books that I have read this year. If you like crazy off the wall crime, then pick this up. You will not be disappointed.
Cannabis cup winning ganja, a "gangbanger" named Shamus, Amsterdam, Mormon's speaking the good word and all of this leading up to weird heinous crimes.
"But would God fart like a donkey? Did Jesus cut the cheese?
Exactly at page one, I was reeled into the life of a award winning ganja grower. Before and after he was shot for the power of pot. His life takes on some serious turns as he try's to find who shot him and stole all of his seeds. He befriends a Mormon named Daniel and sets him free into the world of dangerous/odd love and drugs, while also becoming the best Burrito roller in town.
I really wanted to jump into this book and live in it for awhile. It was one of the best books that I have read this year. If you like crazy off the wall crime, then pick this up. You will not be disappointed.
August 10, 2010
"Baked" has got to be Mark's best work yet. It is completely wild and funny and at the same time the writing is very tight and clean. He has incredible characters in unimaginable circumstances and he pulls it all off like it is completely natural. A lesser writer might try to use Mark's type of material to flash and awe the reader, distract them from the actual writing. Mark doesn't do that, though. The insane aspects are fully integrated with all the necessary components of a good story. They contribute to the whole rather than distract or prop up. Mark really roars on all cylinders in this book. Anyone who doesn't read it is seriously missing out.
March 13, 2011
One of the best books that I have read in a very long time. For once i have found an author that can keep me entertained throughout an entire book. I started on this book and never wanted to put it down, finished it in three days (which is good for me considering my work schedule). I'm not very good at giving explanations and details so sorry for the lack of graphic description but trust me you will not be sorry you picked up this book, it makes me wish I would have learned of him sooner because now I'm having to start from the beginning of his books but it is well worth it.
December 8, 2013
Oh so tempted to give this five stars. Easily the best and most enjoyable book I've read in the last few months. I wish I had read this book when I first got it so I could have spent the last year reading everything else by Mark Haskell Smith. Great subject matter and pacing. The author did a fantastic job giving a distinct voice to each of the major characters, from the timid little Mormon, Daniel to Shamus, the gun toting pot dealer. Laughed out loud and loved every single page. Can't wait to dig in to the rest of the author's books.
April 13, 2011
The botany and business behind marijuana provide the perfect subject for Mark Haskell Smith's wily, subversive voice. The book teems with sex, drugs, and violence, but it's all so hilariously cheerful. There's no question the book is coming from a good place.
I tried recently to explain a scene in which a near-assassination is unraveled by a sex toy, but I kept laughing too much at the awesome of audacity of it.
I tried recently to explain a scene in which a near-assassination is unraveled by a sex toy, but I kept laughing too much at the awesome of audacity of it.
August 19, 2010
I loved this book. The only disappointment was coming to the end, and maybe losing sleep when I couldn’t put it down. Subtly layered under the hilarious and suspenseful plot, are moving and thought provoking questions about life and spirituality. When lesser writers try to get too deep, I find myself groaning. Haskell Smith was spot on.
Even if you’re turned off by drug use, as I am, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this read.
Even if you’re turned off by drug use, as I am, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this read.
March 30, 2015
Absolute fun. If you're not upset by smoking and growing pot, not taking religion too seriously (the discovery of heavenly pleasure by some Mormon missionaries is LOL) or the antics of some very nasty people, you'll by tickled by nearly every page of this novel. Smith feels like an original hybrid of Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard and Dave Barry. And this may be his best.
June 4, 2011
This can only be described as "dude lit." fast action, guns, drugs, a little kinky sex for good measure. Excellent beach or plane reading, easily read in a day.
May 22, 2012
BEST BOOK EVER
July 18, 2012
Super enlightening. It truly reflects how the drug war is completely pointless and causes more violence. Decriminalize drugs and put drug gangs to an end, America.
December 8, 2019
The review said that it was a funny book but I didn't find it funny. It was outrageous of course. The different twists made me keep reading but I didn't crack a laugh or anything.
February 10, 2020
This was an odd book. At times while reading it I wanted to like it more and other times I felt that I liked it less. It is filled with humor and fatal mayhem and witticisms that I totally agree with. I heartily agree with Smith's opinion of the overuse of the word 'awesome' as one example.
This is a story of a man who creates the best marijuana strain in the world. This promotes his being shot by those that want to steal that strain. And this is when hilarity and horror ensues.
The prose in and of itself is very well done. There was; however, an over abundance of switching from venue to venue, person to person, event to event. This made it hard to follow at times as it moved from The Netherlands to Southern California to the Bay area multiple times and even in those geographical moves there were changes from the perspective of multiple persons.
Interesting, quirky, certainly a proponent for legalized marijuana. I liked the book but not enough for me to look for more by this author.
This is a story of a man who creates the best marijuana strain in the world. This promotes his being shot by those that want to steal that strain. And this is when hilarity and horror ensues.
The prose in and of itself is very well done. There was; however, an over abundance of switching from venue to venue, person to person, event to event. This made it hard to follow at times as it moved from The Netherlands to Southern California to the Bay area multiple times and even in those geographical moves there were changes from the perspective of multiple persons.
Interesting, quirky, certainly a proponent for legalized marijuana. I liked the book but not enough for me to look for more by this author.
September 18, 2017
This author is a favorite of one of my favorite authors, so I decided to give him a try. Baked appealed to me particularly because someone I know is in the cannabis industry, which is about to boom in this state come the new year.
This book slingshotted me into the setting of the ganja business, albeit set 7 years ago, but nevertheless relevant. A unique plot with twists and turns, Baked has a cast of characters that delight the reader. You have a genius pot agronomist driving a vegetable-powered car, a Mormon missionary wrapping taco-truck burritos, an over-stressed woe-is-me detective, an art-collecting homicidal drug dealer, and a sophisticated Amsterdam marijuana business owner befuddled by the wild west of LA.
Thrills, quirk, and humor permeate this engaging read.
This book slingshotted me into the setting of the ganja business, albeit set 7 years ago, but nevertheless relevant. A unique plot with twists and turns, Baked has a cast of characters that delight the reader. You have a genius pot agronomist driving a vegetable-powered car, a Mormon missionary wrapping taco-truck burritos, an over-stressed woe-is-me detective, an art-collecting homicidal drug dealer, and a sophisticated Amsterdam marijuana business owner befuddled by the wild west of LA.
Thrills, quirk, and humor permeate this engaging read.
March 29, 2019
For the most part, Baked was an enjoyable read. The problem was that there were entirely too many characters who were incidental (at best) to the plot. I enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with cannabis cultivation and breeding, but the sexual hijinx felt tacked on and completely unnecessary. I suppose they were included as a commentary on Mormonism, but I'm not sure about that; they seemed out-of-place and detracted from the flow of the story. I would've appreciated either a shorter book without the sex or a stronger focus on cannabis breeding.
February 12, 2018
This was certainly something different but in a good way. It definitely isn't a book I'd pick up in a bookstore but as judge a book by its cover randomly skimming the library shelves it panned out nice. Not a book for everyone but if you don't mind drugs, sex and a whole lot of shenanigans it is worth a go.
April 20, 2020
So it’s not like this is really a great groundbreaking piece of literature or anything but it definitely holds your rapt attention and it deserves 4 stars just on the pure enjoyment and entertainment value it gave me for a couple nights if nothing else. The book is only 10 years old but it seems like it’s about another lifetime to me during these strange times we live in.
October 3, 2022
"High"-larious!
One of my favorites! Mark Haskell Smith has a twisted & very funny mind. His writing is "stream of consciousness" cackle worthy. This could be on the big screen...easily. I'm old enough to remember "Af-Kansas-stani" ditch weed, which was hot, nasty & mildly effective...butt...don't think I'd be ready for Elephant Crush. Love the pun in that one!
One of my favorites! Mark Haskell Smith has a twisted & very funny mind. His writing is "stream of consciousness" cackle worthy. This could be on the big screen...easily. I'm old enough to remember "Af-Kansas-stani" ditch weed, which was hot, nasty & mildly effective...butt...don't think I'd be ready for Elephant Crush. Love the pun in that one!
May 18, 2023
Baked is my second book by Mark Haskell Smith and definitely won’t be my last. Smith’s books thus far have been a little in the vein of Carl Hiaasen as far as humor, mystery and slightly quirky characters especially in sexual situations. Smith’s inclusion and handling of young Mormons on admission was especially funny. This is a light 4 star and truly a fun and entertaining story.
September 2, 2019
This is the first of M. H. Smith’s novels I have read. A comment somewhere mentioned Carl Hiaasen, so I bit. This guy writes like Hiaasen: multiple, interlocking storylines and character threads of pleasing goofiness, a cast of hundreds, and enough slapstick to make this a very fun read.
Read
March 15, 2023This is a funny story for an old hippie like me. The characters are interesting, if not seriously deep, and there's a great look into what the pot industry might be like. Honest, I wouldn't know anything about that!
January 18, 2024
Not a favorite.
Interesting concept. I enjoyed some of the humor, but overall, I really struggled to finish this book. Not sure why, but this book just could not keep my interest.
Interesting concept. I enjoyed some of the humor, but overall, I really struggled to finish this book. Not sure why, but this book just could not keep my interest.
September 13, 2024
I was gonna read this book until I got high (ooh, ooh, ooh)
I was gonna return it to the LFL but then I got high (la da da da da da)
This book is all fucked up and I know why (why man?)
The author got high
The author got high
The author got high
(la da da da da da da)
I was gonna return it to the LFL but then I got high (la da da da da da)
This book is all fucked up and I know why (why man?)
The author got high
The author got high
The author got high
(la da da da da da da)
January 21, 2019
Baked is exactly what it aspires to be, but it doesn't aspire to all that much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews