1 option
The thing about Florida : exploring a misunderstood state / Tyler Gillespie.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Gillespie, Tyler, author.
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Florida.
- Florida--Humor.
- Florida--Social life and customs.
- Manners and customs.
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource (169 pages.)
- Place of Publication:
- Gainesville : University Press of Florida, [2021]
- [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], [2021]
- System Details:
- text file
- Summary:
- A journey beyond fears and stereotypes The memes. "Because Florida" jokes. "Florida Man" stories. Tyler Gillespie was once embarrassed to call Florida home, concocting fantasies he'd been born somewhere else. In The Thing about Florida, Gillespie faces his Florida denial and takes readers on an exuberant search for the state behind the caricatures, cutting through the media storm with curiosity and humor. Gillespie's journey leads him into unexpected places such as halfway houses, gator pits, venom rooms, and clothing-optional campgrounds, where he meets eclectic and unconventional Floridians who have been misrepresented in news stories. He interviews storm chasers, Civil War reenactors, cattle ranchers, drag queens, python hunters, and pet smugglers. His conversations delve into serious issues such as addiction, Florida's racist past, and care options for the state's LGBTQ senior citizens. With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. "It's dangerous to meet our fears with fear," he says as he confronts his own as well as the state's monsters-invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida's people and problems are vital parts of the nation's future. A fresh and engaging voice, Gillespie captivates with a snappy pace, sly wit, and crisp observations. As he weaves his childhood memories and personal experiences alongside the stories of the individuals he encounters, Gillespie reconciles with his home state. He finds Florida's humanity, a beautiful mix of hopes, dreams, and second chances.
- Contents:
- Because Florida
- Florida man theory
- Of the storm
- A confederacy of reenactors
- Landscape with crackers
- Young and beautiful forever
- Brief encounters with alligators
- Snake shadows
- Reptile people
- A revelation.
- Notes:
- Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI Available via World Wide Web.
- Description based on print version record.
- Local Notes:
- Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Maryann B. Sudo CW'63 and John B. Baxter, Jr., American History Fund.
- ISBN:
- 9780813065854
- 0813065852
- Publisher Number:
- 99988622538
- Access Restriction:
- Restricted for use by site license.
The Penn Libraries is committed to describing library materials using current, accurate, and responsible language. If you discover outdated or inaccurate language, please fill out this feedback form to report it and suggest alternative language.