Alligators in B-Flat

"Jeff Klinkenberg is the ghost orchid of Florida nonfiction; an observer who prefers swamps and shadows to sunshine banalities; a prose writer of distinction whose roots seek out, then elegantly entwine, that which is fine and funny, outrageous and rare about our beloved state. Alligators in B-Flat is a virtuoso performance, and proves, once again, that Klinkenberg is among our finest writers."—Randy Wayne White

"You read this fine writer and you stare with him into the canals for the dark shape of a manatee, and listen for rumors of alligators, and stand over the grave of a green snake in the yard, in mourning. This is a writer who has never forgotten any of the mystery of this mysterious place, who never allowed his paradise to be paved over in concrete, at least inside his heart, and I could read him all day."—Rick Bragg

"If Jeff Klinkenberg isn’t careful, he might give journalism a good name."—Carl Hiaasen

“No one captures the old, secret Florida, the Florida of the swamps and forests where alligators and panthers rule, like Klinkenberg does. He uses his formidable reportorial skills to get fantastic (often hilariously funny) stories which belie the ghastly six-lane, strip-mall, gated-community, golf-course, air-conditioned, theme-parked Nature-wrecking Florida that most of its citizens know. Almost everything Klinkenberg writes is a public service as well as an enriching and educating experience.”—Diane Roberts, author of Dream State

“Floridians are a charming, talented breed, and this humorous, honest, and often touching collection of tales exhibits the melting pot of traditions and lifestyles from a journalist’s eye.”—Publisher’s Weekly

“Klinkenberg’s deep love for Florida—natural Florida and everyone who knew it before there were so many people—is obvious.”—Miami Herald

“The living legend and award-winning journalist has become synonymous with Florida story-telling, and here’s an evocative collection that shows you why.”—Creating Loafing Tampa

“You’ll want to read this entertaining and ever-so-idiosyncratic guide to the out of the way that lies just beyond our gaze, out in the swamp, out on the dirt road.”—Tampa Bay Times