As the summer season rolls in, Mitch Kaplan, owner of the renowned Miami bookstore Books & Books, has shared a list of must-read titles that spotlight local talent from South Florida.
Kaplan’s recommendations showcase a diverse range of narratives, all penned by Florida authors, emphasizing the unique voices emerging from the Sunshine State.
First on the list is ‘Fever Beach’ by Carl Hiaasen, hailed as his ‘wildest and most entertaining novel to date.’
Resurrecting the character Twilly Spree from his previous works, Hiaasen intertwines environmental themes with incisive satire as he introduces a motley crew of characters, including a far-right white supremacist and a deceptive charity director.
The novel holds a mirror to contemporary society, embodying the essence of Hiaasen’s signature style that blends humor with sharp social commentary.
In ‘The Namaste Club,’ Asha Elias explores the elite wellness culture in Florida through a storyline reminiscent of popular television series like ‘The White Lotus.’
Set at the fictional Namaste Club, the narrative follows a group of characters, each embodying facets of wealth, opulence, and the challenges of self-discovery.
With vibrant descriptions and characters like an Instagram influencer and a gun-loving homemaker, Elias provides a satirical take on the rituals of luxury, making for an engaging beach read that critiques upper-crust hypocrisy.
Another noteworthy title is ‘Old School Indian’ by Aaron John Curtis, a poignant memoir that delves into the protagonist Abe Jacobs’ journey back to his Mohawk Saint Regis tribal reservation.
Amidst facing a rare and serious illness, Abe reflects on his life choices, including his strained marriage and his hesitation to reconnect with his cultural roots.
Curtis, a member of the Mohawk Saint Regis tribe, combines wit and emotional depth, inviting readers to reflect on identity and healing.
Lastly, ‘Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass’ by the beloved humor columnist Dave Barry adds a light-hearted yet insightful touch to this summer reading list.
At 77, Barry recounts tales from his experiences over the decades, from his high school days as a class clown to his Pulitzer Prize-winning career at the Miami Herald.
With self-deprecating humor, he shares anecdotes that range from his brushes with celebrity to his confrontations with the telemarketer industry.
These selections from Kaplan provide a glimpse into the rich literary landscape of Florida, encouraging readers to not only enjoy these stories but also support local authors and businesses by purchasing exclusive signed copies from Books & Books.
In a time when literature offers solace and joy, these Florida-centric tales are sure to resonate with readers both near and far, bringing the unique essence of South Florida to the forefront of their summer reading lists.
image source from：https://bocamag.com/sunshine-state-reads-mitch-kaplans-all-florida-book-picks/
