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Overview
Klinkenberg recounts what it was like to grow up in pre-air conditioning Florida and how he became a newspaper reporter in mid-century Miami. He introduces us to the stout-hearted folks who have learned to live and even prosper among the insects, sharptoothed critters, and serious heat. We meet beekeeper Harold P. Curtis and his prized orange blossom honey; frog whisperer Avalon Theisen; Sheepshead George of St. Petersburg; and Miss Martha, the oyster-shucking queen of Apalachicola.
Klinkenberg also takes us to some of the most interesting, little-known places in the state. We travel to Solomon's Castle of reclaimed materials, the neighborhood of "Rattlesnake, Florida," and the smallest post office in the United States. Along the way, he stops to impart true Florida wisdom, from how to eat a Key lime pie to which writers and artists every Floridian should know.
In this heartfelt tribute, Klinkenberg portrays Florida's people, places, food, and culture with a deep understanding that does not relegate them to cliché. He writes with warmth and authenticity of a state he still sees as wondrous in its own ways. Though some may think the real Florida is a thing of the past, he says, "Do not tell me Florida is no longer a paradise."
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780813056739 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | University Press of Florida |
| Publication date: | 04/03/2018 |
| Pages: | 248 |
| Sales rank: | 1,111,748 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 16.80(h) x 1.00(d) |
About the Author
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
I My Roots
Dad and Liberace 5
Dad and the Crawlspace 7
The Beatles in Miami 10
Keith 15
Dad and Me 18
II Florida Living
The Last Beach Bum 24
The Cedar Key Taxi 29
The Problem with Rattlesnakes 35
Lions in the Backyard 40
A Swamp Wedding 45
III Special Florida People
Nathan Martin 49
Miss Martha 59
A Cowgirl 61
Sheepshead George 65
A Cowboy 68
IV Eating Florida
Key Lime Pie 73
Joe's Stone Crabs 74
The Orange Shop 77
Bee Man 81
Robert Is Here 85
Fixing Tomatoes 88
V Florida Places
The Coral Castle 101
Solomon's Castle 105
Mister Cook's Garden 108
The Fountain of Youth 112
Rattlesnake, Florida 122
VI Florida Writers and Artists
Patrick Smith 129
Clyde Butcher 132
Mary Ann Carroll 135
Harriet Beecher Stowe 140
Michael Gannon 143
The Photo Laureate of Silver Springs 149
Louis Armstrong on the Ferry 153
Billy the Kid Emerson 158
The Lion's Paw 167
VII Seasons of Real Florida
Fall 173
Winter 174
Spring 174
Summer 175
VIII Far South
The Smallest Post Office 177
John Tigertail in the Everglades 179
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 181
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park 184
The Seven Mile Bridge 188
Hemingway House 191
The Dry Tortugas 194
IX More Special Floridians
Frog Girl 199
Murf the Surf 204
Charley Morgan 214
Ferdie Pacheco 218
Roger Hammer among the Poisonous Plants 225
X A Long Look Back
A Newspaperman in Florida 230
Acknowledgments 237
What People are Saying About This
"Nobody writes about the real Florida with as much insight and affection as Jeff Klinkenberg. His essays—spanning the length and breadth of this intoxicating, infuriating state—are pure gems."—Carl Hiaasen, New York Times bestselling author of Razor Girl "An authentic take on the most mysterious, confounding, and beautiful state. Klinkenberg's gotten to the heart and soul of Florida, and the sincerity, love, and compassion that comes through in these stories kept me turning pages."—Michael Connelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Lincoln Lawyer "Too often this unique place finds itself the butt of a joke. In Son of Real Florida, Jeff Klinkenberg reminds us of its storied history and fascinating characters, its layers and natural wonder—and he does so with the glint of mischief in his eye. Deeply personal and often moving, rich in color and atmosphere, this collection is not just a love letter to the Sunshine State; it's a paean to family, memories good and bad, and a life lived well in a wild, gorgeous, often misunderstood place."—Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The Red Hunter "A time warp and a reflecting spring, reminding Floridians to appreciate what drew so many of us here. Klinkenberg takes you to places with exotic names and special identities to meet the most interesting cast of characters ever assembled."—Gary R. Mormino, author of Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida "This collection takes us to the heart of real Florida."—Janine Farver, former executive director, Florida Humanities Council