Goodies for Adventurers - http://snradventure.com

Editor's picks

• 

  Weird Florida: Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets

  Book (Sterling)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  A Real Insight To The Sunshine State

  For a state that started out as retirement-ville, Florida has become a boomland for tourists and families alike. This book gives an exponential view into the boot of America. I have lived in FL for 24 years and this work of art was one of best reads and information revealers into my home. The places and people leave the reader craving more and more. An incredible read for anyone. 5/5 Nicolette R. Fraioli "Nicolette, MBS" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews, October 14, 2009

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  All you didn't (or did) want to know about Florida

  I first discoverded this book in Sarasota Fl. This book contains many strange facts from many different parts of the state. Hauntings, weird geology, strange architecture, unexplaned occurrences, its all here in one book. If you are a fan of "Ripleys believe it or not" you will love this book. (You Tube BobWebbmusic) 5/5 R. Webb "rbw2001" (Brooksville, Fl. United States) - See all my reviews, September 3, 2009

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  Amazing, and Weird

  I am an 8th generation Floridian and this book has opened my eyes to MANY places I have never heard of. If you enjoy weekend trips out to find new and strange things, this is your book. My wife and I love it! 5/5 Richard S. Barber "Richard Barber" (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews, May 13, 2010

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  List Price: $14.95
  

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• 

  Finding Florida

  Book (Atlantic Monthly Press)
  

  Rating (71 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  A Native Responds

  I was born in a little town on the West Coast of Florida, New Port Richie, in 1944 and grew up in the famous Tri-Cities Area of Micanopy, MacIntosh and Reddick before moving to Ocala and later Lakeland. No doubt much of what Mr. Allman has written about Florida is true. And as my good friend Canter Brown said in reviewing this book, perhaps it's time for a critical review of Florida history and an uncovering of the hidden truths of past misdeeds. But Mr. Allman's agenda and bias is too obviously exposed and one wonders why that is so. It is certain that many of the characters described in Mr. Allman's "Finding Florida" were venal, greedy, and ready to sell you out for a couple of bucks. His description of the misdeeds of Andrew Jackson, for example, add little if anything to the historiography of that man's presidency or his mistreatment of the Florida Indians, or slaves in general. While I don't dispute the value of the work done by Mr. Allman, it seems that he has given short... 4/5 Arthur J Wacaster (WARNER ROBINS, GA, US) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Finding Florida (Hardcover) I was born in a little town on the West Coast of Florida, New Port Richie, in 1944 and grew up in the famous Tri-Cities Area of Micanopy, MacIntosh and Reddick before moving to Ocala and later Lakeland. No doubt much of what Mr. Allman has written about Florida is true. And as my good friend Canter Brown said in reviewing this book, perhaps it's time for a critical review of Florida history and an uncovering of the hidden truths of past misdeeds. But Mr. Allman's agenda and bias is too obviously exposed and one wonders why that is so. It is certain that many of the characters described in Mr. Allman's "Finding Florida" were venal, greedy, and ready to sell you out for a couple of bucks. His description of the misdeeds of Andrew Jackson, for example, add little if anything to the historiography of that man's presidency or his mistreatment of the Florida Indians, or slaves in general. While I don't dispute the value of the work done by Mr. Allman, it seems that he has given short... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 1, 2013

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  Flim Flam Florida

  OMG! In this fast-paced and highly-enjoyable book, Allman labels as myths all manner of facts (?) that I learned about Florida in my childhood days. For example, I was always told that Florida was dicovered by Ponce de Leon searching for the Fountain of Youth (Actually, old Ponce did not discover Florida and he was looking for gold.), or that Saint Augustine is the oldest city in North America. I was also told of the happy life that always existed in Florida (even before Disney). Instead, Allman describes bloody forays by gold-seeking Spanish, French, and English explorers. He notes the slaughter of peaceful Seminoles by Floridians. He describes mistreatment and killing of black people before and after the Civil War. Throughout Florida's history, the two constants were violence and sleazy politicians. Today, the violence is largely gone, but we still have the politicians. On the other hand, I woke up this morning to news of blizzards in northern states, while I viewed palm trees and... 5/5 George Webster, Ph.D., (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews, February 8, 2013

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  A Tirade Masquerading as History

  Here we go again, now that another anniversary means there's money to be made. Here, the event is the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida in 1513.In the finest of Floridian entrepreneurial traditions the author seems otherwise to despise, TD Allman's Finding Florida seeks to cash in on all the hoopla. The book does so in a OMG style that owes more to cable TV than to traditional narrative history, another topic he expends enormous energy denigrating. Some may find it riveting; others, headsplitting.In any case, much of the story was better told in a self-published book that appeared in 2009, A People's History of Florida 1513-1876, by Sarasotan Adam Wasserman, whose choice of title honors the influence of Howard Zinn. If you really want the full story on the Negro Fort, its aftermath in Angola, and the Florida War that ensued, pull out Wasserman's text. It's a labor of time and love, rather than a well-timed tirade puffed by all the... 2/5 Crews Lake "Tallahassee Watching" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Finding Florida (Hardcover) Here we go again, now that another anniversary means there's money to be made. Here, the event is the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida in 1513.In the finest of Floridian entrepreneurial traditions the author seems otherwise to despise, TD Allman's Finding Florida seeks to cash in on all the hoopla. The book does so in a OMG style that owes more to cable TV than to traditional narrative history, another topic he expends enormous energy denigrating. Some may find it riveting; others, headsplitting.In any case, much of the story was better told in a self-published book that appeared in 2009, A People's History of Florida 1513-1876, by Sarasotan Adam Wasserman, whose choice of title honors the influence of Howard Zinn. If you really want the full story on the Negro Fort, its aftermath in Angola, and the Florida War that ensued, pull out Wasserman's text. It's a labor of time and love, rather than a well-timed tirade puffed by all the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 27, 2013

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  List Price: $27.50
  

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  Florida Authentica: Your field guide to the unique, eccentric, and natural marvels of the real Sunshine State

  Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
  

  Rating (7 reviews):

  (4.9/5)

  

  Enjoy all of Florida!!!!

  Ron Wiggins has done a fabulous job at acquainting both the Florida native and non-native reader with an enjoyable review of a diverse number of great places to visit in Florida besides the Big Name Attractions that most folks are aware of. His humorous and informative style makes for an easy read that might even elicit a grin or laugh here and there. Florida Authentica is a must for those that want to know more of the "Other Florida". 5/5 sylodus nudem - See all my reviews This review is from: Florida Authentica: Your field guide to the unique, eccentric, and natural marvels of the real Sunshine State (Paperback) Ron Wiggins has done a fabulous job at acquainting both the Florida native and non-native reader with an enjoyable review of a diverse number of great places to visit in Florida besides the Big Name Attractions that most folks are aware of. His humorous and informative style makes for an easy read that might even elicit a grin or laugh here and there. Florida Authentica is a must for those that want to know more of the "Other Florida". Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 29, 2012

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  Ron Wiggins Has Done It Again!

  Another quirky subject from Florida writer, Ron Wiggins. This book is a fun look at some interesting, but often overlooked, sites in Florida. Very cool book. 5/5 Stephanie Alexander "Mother of Two" (Fort Lauderdale, FL United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Florida Authentica: Your field guide to the unique, eccentric, and natural marvels of the real Sunshine State (Paperback) Another quirky subject from Florida writer, Ron Wiggins. This book is a fun look at some interesting, but often overlooked, sites in Florida. Very cool book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 28, 2012

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  Another excellent read from this author.

  Mr. Wiggins books are always enjoyable and informative. I recommend his work to all of my family and friends... the material is excellent for fun, lively discussion! :0) 5/5 Cooper_Designs - See all my reviews This review is from: Florida Authentica: Your field guide to the unique, eccentric, and natural marvels of the real Sunshine State (Paperback) Mr. Wiggins books are always enjoyable and informative. I recommend his work to all of my family and friends... the material is excellent for fun, lively discussion! :0) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 1, 2012

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  List Price: $14.95
  

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• 

  Florida

  Book (Mariner Books)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  A rite of passage

  In blissful prose that demands attention, Schutt is ruthless, brutal and passionate, as she tells the story of a motherless daughter. From the beginning I am in tears, so deeply does this small novel reach into the hidden places of my heart. Even while the author's transcendent words fill me, my mind reaches to my own mother, in her final days railing against a world she refused to relinquish.Alice, namesake daughter, is a child born to survive her environment, with a mother who seeks emotional safety in confinement to a sanatorium. There follows a series of homes, but never one of her own and a need to find comfort in a world bereft of comfort, after her father's death and mother's virtual abandonment.In her ensuing sleep-over life, little Alice must always ask, "may I...?", remain unobtrusive, be pliant, flattering. Moving from her Uncle Billy and Aunt Frances' possession-filled, strict-ruled, child-proofed home to her Nonna's luxurious estate, Alice spills her heart out to an... 5/5 Luan Gaines "luansos" (Dana Point, CA USA) - See all my reviews, May 26, 2004

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  "Mother had used overcooked bacon for a bookmark..."

  Nominated for the National Book Award for this debut novel, Christine Schutt creates an impressionistic and moving picture of young Alice Fivey's difficult life from age five, when she is left fatherless, until she is in her thirties. When her mother's mental problems lead to her stay in "the San" within a year of her father's death, Alice is shuttled among family members, living at various times with her Uncle Billy and Aunt Frances, who systematically appropriate her mother's belongings, and for several years with Nonna, her grandmother, who is bedridden and unable to talk.Schutt presents short, jewel-like memories of the past as they come unbidden to the growing Alice, filling them with the kind of descriptive detail which children remember so vividly. As Alice tries to reconcile the present with the past, she confronts and tries to understand life's big issues--acts of fate, illness, death, and love and their effects on families and one's dreams. Her peripatetic... 4/5 Mary Whipple (New England) - See all my reviews, October 24, 2005

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  poetic prose, character/narrative not as strong

  Florida was the last of the five National Book Award nominees that I came to read, and while it broke the trend of the books getting worse as I read, I have to say, as I've said of the others, that I'm not quite sure why it received such high honor. But if the five as a whole were weak, Florida at least is one of the two best in that weak group. Like the other decent nominee, Madeleine is Sleeping, Florida is more a collection of vignettes than a single run of novelistic narrative. Though less surreal and playful than Madeleine, the two also share a highly poetic prose, and both display a strong talent for language, if not story or character. The vignettes are the first-person narrative of Alice Fivey, who loses first her father when she is quite small, then her mother (to a treatment facility known as the Sans) when she is about ten. She is first shuttled off to her Uncle Billy's and Aunt Frances relatively strict home, then to the rich estate of her... 3/5 B. Capossere (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews, April 4, 2005

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  List Price: $12.95
  

  ISBN13: 9780156030540

  Condition: New

  Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

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• 

  Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber

  Book (Pineapple Press)
  

  Rating (79 reviews):

  (4.9/5)

  

  Super informative guide, broad and deep at the same time.

  I am astounded at the quality and quantity of information in this book. Every page has three or four color photos of the items being covered. These items range from beach foam, through shells, plants, rocks, seabeans, floats, coins, fossils, birds and more. I was about to say it didn't have mammals - but checked and they are there too. Each item has the scientific name, the area in Florida and season it might be found, scale information on the photo, and a "Did You Know" section with fun facts. I have seen many nature guides - Sibleys, Audubon, Peterson etc - and this ranks near or at the top - yes it's that good. See you at the beach! 5/5 Jay Wherley (Central FL USA) - See all my reviews, July 11, 2007

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  The Only Field Guide you will need when you go to the beach

  This is a comprehensive identification guide, but it is much more. Unlike most identification guides, it is possible to sit down and read this book for pleasure.There are wonderful photographic illustrations, often with more than one picture to illustrate a subject. The text is clear and concise but not too concise. On every topic they have a feature called " Did you Know". This is a paragraph about some odd fact about the subject. For example, "Laughing Gulls are the beach bird most likely to steal food from your hand..."This may be the only field guide I will bring with me on future trips to the beaches in Florida. 5/5 H. Domke (New Bloomfield, MO USA) - See all my reviews, December 6, 2007

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  Best resource for the Beach

  I purchased this book for our trip to the beach as a resource for the family. Each person who looked and used this book LOVED it. In the few weeks we have had it, our daughter has gone back to this book time and time again. Also several asked where we got the book --- this book will be their next birthday or Christmas book! Great photographs and detailed explanation about everything BEACH. 5/5 C. Stevens "Cathy Knits" (Bainbridge, GA USA) - See all my reviews, July 27, 2007

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  List Price: $21.95
  

  Condition: New

  ISBN13: 9781561643868

  Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

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  The Florida Move Guide: The Unofficial Moving to Florida Warning, Decision and Help Guide

  Book (Zeus Press Incorporated)
  

  Rating (29 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Real Insight From A Florida Insider.

  Most books of this nature reflect a rose-colored tone usually with a hidden marketing campaign or sales pitch between the lines. This book is different, in a good way. The author provides a realistic presentation of Florida living. Bugs and all. Romantic ideals are balanced with true insight.I have vacationed in Florida for many years and have some direct experience with the beautiful side of Florida (palm trees, porpoises, gulf views) and the ugly side (seedy transients, obscene traffic, overcrowding). The author drives home the concept that vacationing and living there are two different worlds. Sometimes the author voices a personal opinion that may be unpopular or politically incorrect. It's these opinions sprinkled throughout that make this book better. It also helps people like me, who are considering a move to Florida, make more informed choices.My only complaint is that the book didn't contain enough information. Understandably, writing about such a... 5/5 BigCityChicken (Citizen Of The World) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Florida Move Guide (Paperback) Most books of this nature reflect a rose-colored tone usually with a hidden marketing campaign or sales pitch between the lines. This book is different, in a good way. The author provides a realistic presentation of Florida living. Bugs and all. Romantic ideals are balanced with true insight.I have vacationed in Florida for many years and have some direct experience with the beautiful side of Florida (palm trees, porpoises, gulf views) and the ugly side (seedy transients, obscene traffic, overcrowding). The author drives home the concept that vacationing and living there are two different worlds. Sometimes the author voices a personal opinion that may be unpopular or politically incorrect. It's these opinions sprinkled throughout that make this book better. It also helps people like me, who are considering a move to Florida, make more informed choices.My only complaint is that the book didn't contain enough information. Understandably, writing about such a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 24, 2012

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  Florida Move Guide

  A very honest and critical look at all the things you need consider before making that big move to Florida. Thanks to author Ron Stack this book will save people much grief if and when they decide to move. 5/5 RTZ (MI) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Florida Move Guide (Paperback) A very honest and critical look at all the things you need consider before making that big move to Florida. Thanks to author Ron Stack this book will save people much grief if and when they decide to move. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 27, 2011

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  Very useful and objective

  Bought this for my parents who regularly go on vacation to Florida and were considering it one of a couple of places they thought they might like to retire too. They found it very useful and objective. They still haven't made up their mind but they did say it answered a lot of questions and has assisted them with their considerations. 5/5 Oliver Franklin - See all my reviews This review is from: Florida Move Guide (Paperback) Bought this for my parents who regularly go on vacation to Florida and were considering it one of a couple of places they thought they might like to retire too. They found it very useful and objective. They still haven't made up their mind but they did say it answered a lot of questions and has assisted them with their considerations. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 9, 2012

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  List Price: $21.95
  

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  Backroads of Florida: Your Guide to Great Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

  Book (Voyageur Press)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A Unique Florida Guidebook

  Certainly, you have been to Florida and the major attractions in and around Orlando. You have visited the beaches on the east and west coasts of that state. You might have been to Key West. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Florida, if you simply get off of the highway and travel through the state with Paul Franklin and Nancy Mikula, using their wonderful book, Backroads of Florida: Your Guide to Great Day Trips & Weekend Getaways as your guide.Contents:AcknowledgementsIntroductionPart I: Southern FloridaPart II: Central FloridaPart III: Northeast FloridaPart IV: North Central FloridaPart V: The PanhandleIndexAbout the Authors and PhotographerA beautiful and well written guide, Franklin and Mikula divide the state of Florida into regions and then provide the reader with some short roadtrips within the region. Beginning each chapter with a map of the area and detail of the specific... 5/5 Gregg Eldred (Avon Lake, OH USA) - See all my reviews, July 16, 2009

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  More narrative style

  This book is fine, and is lovely for what it is, but it is written in a more narrative style that is not as useful (for me, personally) as a travel guide. It does have some beautiful accompanying photographs, but the suggested routes are only typed out as directions and are not shown in a more convenient map-form. Plus the routes do not go into as much suggested detail as I would want--they feel more like short overviews with nice photos that could inspire drives to interesting places but which would ultimately require more research--or, at least, an attitude of just driving down the road and letting oneself be surprised. Perhaps this, then, is really the book's intent--to suggest and inspire but to leave the real discovery for the actual traveler? 3/5 Bronx Rox! (Bronx, NY, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Backroads of Florida: Your Guide to Great Day Trips & Weekend Getaways (Paperback) This book is fine, and is lovely for what it is, but it is written in a more narrative style that is not as useful (for me, personally) as a travel guide. It does have some beautiful accompanying photographs, but the suggested routes are only typed out as directions and are not shown in a more convenient map-form. Plus the routes do not go into as much suggested detail as I would want--they feel more like short overviews with nice photos that could inspire drives to interesting places but which would ultimately require more research--or, at least, an attitude of just driving down the road and letting oneself be surprised. Perhaps this, then, is really the book's intent--to suggest and inspire but to leave the real discovery for the actual traveler? Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 11, 2010

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  Not enough info

  This book was okay but reminded me more of a coffeetable book than a genuine trip planner (which is what i wanted). The pictures were nice, but I was left looking for real maps, mileage and time information. Plus, there were too many great places left out of the book. I returned mine and am on the hunt for something more. 2/5 L. Lee (Lakeland, FL) - See all my reviews, February 5, 2011

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  List Price: $21.99
  

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  Moon Florida Gulf Coast (Moon Handbooks)

  Book (Avalon Travel Publishing)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  This guidebook made our Florida Vacation Fabulous!

  If your planning on vacationing in Florida, I would highly recommend getting this book and traveling through the incredible gulf coast of Florida. I never knew how beautiful this part of the world is, it is truly amazing! The book is obviously written by a native Floridian who is familiar with the areas and highlights many truly amazing places!!! This is a great Travel guidebook! 5/5 travelbug2000 - See all my reviews This review is from: Moon Florida Gulf Coast (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback) If your planning on vacationing in Florida, I would highly recommend getting this book and traveling through the incredible gulf coast of Florida. I never knew how beautiful this part of the world is, it is truly amazing! The book is obviously written by a native Floridian who is familiar with the areas and highlights many truly amazing places!!! This is a great Travel guidebook! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 19, 2011

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  Beaches galore

  I don't want to go to Disney world. Nothing against Walt or Mickey, but I want information on the beaches. Most Fl guide books have at least half the book dedicated to Disney. The Moon Fl. gulf coast book is exactly what it says, information on the coast line. From the forgotten Coast to busy Pensacola and more well known beaches this book covers it all. No slick pictures or fancy graphics, but full of great information on where to go and what do to along the Fl gulf coast. It was exactly what we wanted, and not a mouse in sight. 5/5 beckygardens (new orleans, LA, United States) - See all my reviews, August 6, 2012

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  Must have for the Gulf Coast..

  This guidebook offers a perfect balance between practical what to do, where to eat information and fun tidbits of local history and unique sites in a compact package. It contains info on dining at every price, where the attractions are, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and where to take the kids. There is something in here for everyone! The author also notes peak and off-peak seasons and "little-known" spots to see. Being a native Pensacolian myself, I learned about a couple place to check out where I live.The part I enjoyed most about this book is its readability. It comes across more like chatting with a friend who's "in the know", than a tourist-y destination book. I suggest that everyone buy this book, and come visit Florida! 5/5 alh_77 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Moon Florida Gulf Coast (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback) This guidebook offers a perfect balance between practical what to do, where to eat information and fun tidbits of local history and unique sites in a compact package. It contains info on dining at every price, where the attractions are, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and where to take the kids. There is something in here for everyone! The author also notes peak and off-peak seasons and "little-known" spots to see. Being a native Pensacolian myself, I learned about a couple place to check out where I live.The part I enjoyed most about this book is its readability. It comes across more like chatting with a friend who's "in the know", than a tourist-y destination book. I suggest that everyone buy this book, and come visit Florida! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 8, 2011

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  List Price: $18.99
  

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  Finding Florida

  eBooks (Atlantic Monthly Press)
  

  Rating (71 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  A Native Responds

  I was born in a little town on the West Coast of Florida, New Port Richie, in 1944 and grew up in the famous Tri-Cities Area of Micanopy, MacIntosh and Reddick before moving to Ocala and later Lakeland. No doubt much of what Mr. Allman has written about Florida is true. And as my good friend Canter Brown said in reviewing this book, perhaps it's time for a critical review of Florida history and an uncovering of the hidden truths of past misdeeds. But Mr. Allman's agenda and bias is too obviously exposed and one wonders why that is so. It is certain that many of the characters described in Mr. Allman's "Finding Florida" were venal, greedy, and ready to sell you out for a couple of bucks. His description of the misdeeds of Andrew Jackson, for example, add little if anything to the historiography of that man's presidency or his mistreatment of the Florida Indians, or slaves in general. While I don't dispute the value of the work done by Mr. Allman, it seems that he has given short... 4/5 Arthur J Wacaster (WARNER ROBINS, GA, US) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Finding Florida (Hardcover) I was born in a little town on the West Coast of Florida, New Port Richie, in 1944 and grew up in the famous Tri-Cities Area of Micanopy, MacIntosh and Reddick before moving to Ocala and later Lakeland. No doubt much of what Mr. Allman has written about Florida is true. And as my good friend Canter Brown said in reviewing this book, perhaps it's time for a critical review of Florida history and an uncovering of the hidden truths of past misdeeds. But Mr. Allman's agenda and bias is too obviously exposed and one wonders why that is so. It is certain that many of the characters described in Mr. Allman's "Finding Florida" were venal, greedy, and ready to sell you out for a couple of bucks. His description of the misdeeds of Andrew Jackson, for example, add little if anything to the historiography of that man's presidency or his mistreatment of the Florida Indians, or slaves in general. While I don't dispute the value of the work done by Mr. Allman, it seems that he has given short... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 1, 2013

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  Flim Flam Florida

  OMG! In this fast-paced and highly-enjoyable book, Allman labels as myths all manner of facts (?) that I learned about Florida in my childhood days. For example, I was always told that Florida was dicovered by Ponce de Leon searching for the Fountain of Youth (Actually, old Ponce did not discover Florida and he was looking for gold.), or that Saint Augustine is the oldest city in North America. I was also told of the happy life that always existed in Florida (even before Disney). Instead, Allman describes bloody forays by gold-seeking Spanish, French, and English explorers. He notes the slaughter of peaceful Seminoles by Floridians. He describes mistreatment and killing of black people before and after the Civil War. Throughout Florida's history, the two constants were violence and sleazy politicians. Today, the violence is largely gone, but we still have the politicians. On the other hand, I woke up this morning to news of blizzards in northern states, while I viewed palm trees and... 5/5 George Webster, Ph.D., (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews, February 8, 2013

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  A Tirade Masquerading as History

  Here we go again, now that another anniversary means there's money to be made. Here, the event is the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida in 1513.In the finest of Floridian entrepreneurial traditions the author seems otherwise to despise, TD Allman's Finding Florida seeks to cash in on all the hoopla. The book does so in a OMG style that owes more to cable TV than to traditional narrative history, another topic he expends enormous energy denigrating. Some may find it riveting; others, headsplitting.In any case, much of the story was better told in a self-published book that appeared in 2009, A People's History of Florida 1513-1876, by Sarasotan Adam Wasserman, whose choice of title honors the influence of Howard Zinn. If you really want the full story on the Negro Fort, its aftermath in Angola, and the Florida War that ensued, pull out Wasserman's text. It's a labor of time and love, rather than a well-timed tirade puffed by all the... 2/5 Crews Lake "Tallahassee Watching" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Finding Florida (Hardcover) Here we go again, now that another anniversary means there's money to be made. Here, the event is the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida in 1513.In the finest of Floridian entrepreneurial traditions the author seems otherwise to despise, TD Allman's Finding Florida seeks to cash in on all the hoopla. The book does so in a OMG style that owes more to cable TV than to traditional narrative history, another topic he expends enormous energy denigrating. Some may find it riveting; others, headsplitting.In any case, much of the story was better told in a self-published book that appeared in 2009, A People's History of Florida 1513-1876, by Sarasotan Adam Wasserman, whose choice of title honors the influence of Howard Zinn. If you really want the full story on the Negro Fort, its aftermath in Angola, and the Florida War that ensued, pull out Wasserman's text. It's a labor of time and love, rather than a well-timed tirade puffed by all the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 27, 2013

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  Lonely Planet Florida (Regional Travel Guide)

  Book (Lonely Planet)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (2.6/5)

  

  A great book for both residents and tourists

  Lonely Planet has released two Florida guidebooks this year. One is from their relatively new Discovery series, which focuses on selected highlights. This one is a classic Lonely Planet guidebook, with the familiar layout and chapter arrangement: Why Go?, When to Go, Highlights, Sights & Activities, Sleeping, Eating, and the A to Z directory at the back with all the nitty gritty details. I own both of these guidebooks and much prefer this one, primarily because it provides more even coverage of the entire state.The first section of the book is "Plan Your Trip," and it provides suggested itineraries, a brief description of each of the nine regions into which the authors have divided the state, and other information that you need to decide which part(s) of the state you want to visit. Then, each of the nine regions is described in greater detail. Finally, there is general information about the state's history, population, culture (including the arts and food), outdoor... 5/5 Vickie T. (Florida) - See all my reviews, June 28, 2012

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  Kindle version not same as print version

  I ordered today the Kindle version of the Lonely Planet Florida (Regional Travel Guide)2012. However, it is not the same as the print version. It starts with a chapter on the Orlando area, followed by some general materials about Florida, but does NOT contain specific sections on the rest of Florida. I have "returned" my Kindle version and am hoping that a full Kindle version of the print edition will be made available for purchase. This "chapter" from the full version should not be linked to the print version web page, and should be sold under a different name with a corresponding price given that it is apparently only one chapter from the full book. It also had no index or table of contents. 1/5 Malcolm Clark - See all my reviews, August 25, 2012

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  Kindle version contains only selected chapters

  The Kindle edition only contains selected chapters from the book. Walt Disney World & Orlando. I have "returned" my ebook. 1/5 arild - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lonely Planet Florida (Travel Guide) (Kindle Edition) The Kindle edition only contains selected chapters from the book. Walt Disney World & Orlando. I have "returned" my ebook. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 9, 2013

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  List Price: $21.99
  

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