Son of Real Florida

"Nobody writes about the real Florida with as much insight and affection as Jeff Klinkenberg. His essays—spanning the length and breadth of this intoxicating, infuriating state--are pure gems."--Carl Hiaasen, New York Times bestselling author of Razor Girl



"An authentic take on the most mysterious, confounding, and beautiful state. Klinkenberg's gotten to the heart and soul of Florida, and the sincerity, love, and compassion that comes through in these stories kept me turning pages."--Michael Connelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Lincoln Lawyer



"Too often this unique place finds itself the butt of a joke. In Son of Real Florida, Jeff Klinkenberg reminds us of its storied history and fascinating characters, its layers and natural wonder--and he does so with the glint of mischief in his eye. Deeply personal and often moving, rich in color and atmosphere, this collection is not just a love letter to the Sunshine State; it's a paean to family, memories good and bad, and a life lived well in a wild, gorgeous, often misunderstood place."--Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The Red Hunter



"A time warp and a reflecting spring, reminding Floridians to appreciate what drew so many of us here. Klinkenberg takes you to places with exotic names and special identities to meet the most interesting cast of characters ever assembled."--Gary R. Mormino, author of Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida



"This collection takes us to the heart of real Florida."--Janine Farver, former executive director, Florida Humanities Council

“Whether Jeff is eating Key lime pie or reminiscing about Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, he tells it as it was and in many cases, still is.”—Tampa Bay Magazine



"Klinkenberg . . . covers key lime pie, snake wranglers, and the oyster-shucking queen of Apalachicola with nuance. And that lets the rest of us lovingly celebrate our country's (arguably) most fascinating state."—Garden & Gun



"Reverberate[s] with [Klinkenberg's] knowledge of and love for Florida."—Tampa Bay Times