Another example is 'Tampa' by Alissa Nutting. This book tells a rather wild story set in Florida. It's a darkly comedic exploration of a female teacher's inappropriate relationship, and while it's controversial, it gives a very different view of Florida and its fictional inhabitants.
You can find them at local bookstores. Big chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble usually have a section for regional fiction, where you might find Florida - set books. They often categorize them by genre too, so you can look in the mystery, romance, or general fiction sections.
One crazy Florida man story is about a man who tried to ride an alligator. He thought it would be a fun and unique experience but ended up getting chased by the angry gator. Another one is a man who built a makeshift rocket in his backyard to try and reach the moon. And there was also a Florida man who painted his whole house bright pink just because he lost a bet.
One of the best Florida fiction books is 'To Have and Have Not' by Ernest Hemingway. It captures the essence of Florida's Key West with its vivid descriptions of the locale and the complex characters living there.
Many Florida fiction books often feature the unique environment like the swamps, beaches, and tropical climate. For example, in 'Swamplandia!', the Everglades are almost a character themselves.
One popular Florida Keys - based fiction is 'Tourist Season' by Carl Hiaasen. It combines mystery and humor, set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys.
Florida historical fiction books often feature the unique landscapes of Florida like the Everglades, beaches, and swamps. They may also deal with the state's multicultural history, including Native American, Spanish, African - American and Anglo - Saxon influences. For example, in books like 'Shadow Country', the interaction between different ethnic groups in the historical Florida setting is explored.
These books typically incorporate the historical events that shaped Florida. For instance, the development of the citrus industry might be a backdrop in some stories. They might also focus on the unique architecture of Florida, from the old Spanish forts to the plantation houses. The characters in Florida history fiction are often influenced by the state's climate, like how the heat and humidity can affect people's lives and decisions. And the books may also touch on the history of Florida's coastal areas, including fishing, piracy, and trade.
One Florida crazy funny story is about the alligator in the swimming pool. A family in Florida woke up one morning to find an alligator casually taking a dip in their pool. They were so shocked but also found it hilarious later when they shared the story with neighbors.
One more Florida fiction book is 'Tampa' by Alissa Nutting. It's a rather dark and satirical look at the life of a female teacher in Tampa, Florida, exploring themes of lust, power, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic place.
One great fiction book set in the Florida Keys is 'The Rum Diary' by Hunter S. Thompson. It offers a vivid and somewhat chaotic look at the area through the eyes of a journalist. Another could be 'A Land Remembered' which also has parts that touch on the unique environment and culture of the Florida Keys. There are also many self - published or lesser - known works that are set there, which you can often find in local bookstores in the Keys.