The Sunshine State

Florida has distinct differences between north and south. How are its people and places captured in books? Read some of the below and see for yourself!

If you think one of the books below doesn’t belong here, let me know your thoughts. Or if you’d like to add a book of your own, submit your suggestion. The book doesn’t need to be explicitly about the state, only clearly set in it and written by someone who actually lived there — ideally someone still living so we get a feel for the contemporary state of things. Note that thanks to a good explanation for why it should be included, Marjorie Kennan Rawlings’ memoir is on the list even though she died in 1953.

Books are in no order of preference. That they are on this list is not a reflection of my personal taste or even that I’ve read them — I want you to find what works for you.