Florida Books

I liked the book because I like playing spies and figering out mystoris and I like to read them too. And on the scale of one to ten I give it a nine.

I liked the book because I like to play spies with my friends and have little gadgets on our belts. I would like to ask why did you pick the alligators and Jack Frost for the bad guy? I'm looking forward to reading more Super Spy books!

I really liked the book because I like super spies. There is many cool ideas like Trouble Bubble. I enjoyed the characters and Santa Claus. I thinck my dog enjoyed it too.

I liked the book because it is good for children and it had really neat gadgets. My favorite was the hot chocolate. And I didn't like it because it was to short. It was biging then it ended. But I'm going to let my cousin read it. He'd love it.

From a scale of one through ten I would give this book a seven. One thing is I think I don't like some of it since I'm older. But I really like it since I like spy stuff.

Jo Webnar is an excellent writer. I liked her attention to detail and description. Characters are very believable and realistic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a romantic mystery!

Loved the main characters, loved the dog (hopefully it was alcohol-free beer), loved the story.

Curl up with this book on a rainy afternoon, make sure you've cleared your calendar, order pizza/Chinese for dinner, and read the book in one go. It's that good. Hoping to read more from this author.

Saving Tampa is an outstanding read. The characters, Rachel Cunningham [psychic] and Hawk Arrons,[FBI Special Agent] are well defined. Mrs. Webnar has done an excellent job on the plot as well--giving us a believable story with no need for suspension of disbelief. It all fit together nicely, and I was impressed. The twists and turns in this thriller keep you turning the pages. I hope to read more of Jo Webnar--an up and coming writer, for sure. This reviewer gives her an two thumbs up!

Diane Davis White
Author, Moon of the Falling Leaves

Saving Tampa grabbed me in the beginning and did not let go until the end. I wanted more.

Rachel Cunningham has a psychic ability, which she has used to help police. She moved to Florida for peace and anonymity, but an accidental touch by a man at mall leads her to fear an awful threat is planned, with death for thousands the intended result.

Special Agent Arrons of the F.B.I. is not happy about being assigned to interview her, nor is Rachael pleased with his attitude. Before long though, the threat is deemed real and Arrons is assigned to her. The attraction between Arrons and Rachael increases, as does her psychic visions about the terrorists. The more you learn about Arrons and Rachel, the more you root for them to get together. The more you learn about the main terrorist, the more you want him stopped in time.

Saving Tampa is a fast-paced read, a real page-turner. I enjoyed the main characters, how they developed into people I liked, and especially Ralph, the beer guzzling German shepherd. I hope to read more books like these from the author. Maybe a series with these characters? I highly recommend Saving Tampa.

Saving Tampa by Jo Webnar
Saving Tampa is very well written; the story is engaging and keeps you on your toes. The story is starkly realistic, and you can really feel the Heroine Rachel's conflict. The Hero Special Agent Arrons is almost immediately endearing. Poor Rachel, has all her life "seen" things and she "sees" something major after being bumped by an unsavory guy.
I am not normally a contemporary fan but Jo Webnar has turned that around. I cannot wait to read more of this talented author's work.

Solomon is a terrific book that tells a story that is rarely told; black, emancipated slaves homesteading in North Central Florida and a young boy who becomes a man through his adventures on the farm and as a cattle herder. This book is easy to read and exciting at the same time. It has no bad language and is otherwise very "clean", but the author has included the harsh realities of life in that time period.

An exciting adventure, this book challenges readers to go beyond their knowledge of Florida history and try something new. This book has great characters and a gripping plot that will leave readers begging for more. As a beginning novel, this book beats lall the standards. Watch out Florida because here come the book that is even better that "A Land Remembered!"

Solomon is a one of the best ever, Historical Fiction books i have read in a long time. It has adventure, action and can teach and tell kids of my age and older, and younger about the west and the tough ways of living it.I especially love the way of the book about Solomon. The boy has grown not to love the land but to love the ,hunting and using the whip. Even though solomon's father would have liked him to love the land and follow his foot steps.I am more of a sequel type of person ,and i would love to read the sequel to Solomon.

This was an excelent read with exicting cliff-hangers at all the right times. I loved the fact that if one of this mixed up family was missing no one could function. Every one needed each other. Although Solomon didn't want to follow in his father, Moses' footsteps he still did what he was told. Solomon was very curious about everything and sometimes it got him in trouble. Solomon was a great read for any age. I also loved the fact that this is a book of forida heritage. As many know Florida history books are few and far between. It ws truly an awesome book.

Solomon is an excellent read. As a resident of the area used as the setting, I really enjoyed the historical tibits, but more importantly, I came to really care about the characters, and want to find out more about their lives in post-civil war Florida. This novel really is a coming of age story, of a boy named Solomon who is developing his own strengths. Solomon's father is a farmer who doesn't understand his son's hunting spirit. Shaw's character-driven novel is tightly-woven, filled with great details and action. Middle school students will especially love this novel.

The sincere/passionate message of service and human accountability to help your fellow man, whether that man(or woman) is homeless or simply has not had the gifts that you may have may have recieved in life, is found throughout this wonderful and inspirational book. I have read it more than once, whenever I need some "perspective". I have asked my teenage children to also read this book as well. My daughter read and analyzed this book in her ninth-grade english class and I would applaud any teacher (high-school or college) to do the same. I guarantee teachers will get a reaction and hopefully that seed of conscience toward human accountability for service will be nourished. I am lucky to know Dr. Greer and the sincerity and integrity that he carries out his calling in life is real and can be validated by anyone who has met him.

I purchased and read Dr. Greer's book and was expremely impressed with the details that were modestly included. I did see his presentation on cable TV and his image is is as modest as the book is written. I feel that he is an asset to the medical profession and writing profession and would sincerely like to see more work by him in literature. I would like to stresss here that I have read this book 4 times and still pickup different things while reading this text. The book is an excellent credit to his modesty, profession, humbleness, an sincerity to society.

The book was exellent. It made me really see what goes on with the homeless. Dr. Greer has struggled with giving the homeless medical service, as well as becoming their friend. The same way Dr. Greer has learned from the homeless, we all should learn from him and help him in this.

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS INSPIRATIONAL BOOK ON THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, I NEVER SAW THE DAY WHEN I WOULD BE READING AND RE READING A BOOK FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. BOOK HAS IMPACT ON ANYONE INTERESTED IN SOCIETY AND IT'S ENHANCEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT. THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF DR. GREER'S KIND OF LITERATURE AND FEELINGS EXRESSED IN WRITING. THE TEXT IN GENERAL IS NOT HEAVY READING BUT HAS CONSIDERABLE EMOTION AND GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A WHITE COAT SERVING HIS COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY WITH THE ENDORSEMENT OF HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. THE DOCTOR IS ALSO TRAINING DOCTORS HOW TO BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION SHOULD BE USING THIS TYPE OF BOOK AS A METHOD OF TEACHING AND EDUCATING OTHER DOCTORS WITHIN THEIR HALLS OF ACADEMIA. AS AM INSTRUCTOR AT AREA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN BUSINESS, I WILL INCLUDE THIS BOOK ON MY SUGGESTED READ LIST FOR ETHICS IN BUSINESS AND AREAS WHERE THEY ARE DEALING WITH PEOPLE.

DR.PEDRO JOSE GREER,M.D.-REKINDLED THE PHRASE BY PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY-ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU-ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY."THE COMPASSION THAT THIS MAN SHOWS TOWARDS THE LOST AND FORGOTTEN SOULS IN AMERICA NEEDS TO BE REKINDLED IN ALL OF US.IT REMINDED ME OF THE TIME I SPENT AT THE LOS ANGELES FREE CLINIC DURING THE EARLY 70'S.DR.GREER SHOWED US THAT SOCIAL AWARENESS AND COMPASSION MUST BE AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK -24 HRS/DAY.TACKLING MEDICAL PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY CAN BE ACHIEVED IF ALL OF US WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM FOR THE BETTERMENT OF A HUMAN BEING.

A highly detailed account that is part of a published series from the Florida University System. It has terrific detail and the writing style is enjoyable. Chock full of photos! Gives a perspective on the park that tells the positive and negative impacts on Florida of these attractions. I liked that it also gives a perspective on development of other water attractions in Florida and the people. I never knew that Ricou Browning, who played the underwater role in "The Creature from the Black Lagoon," had so many other accomplishments and played a large role in the Florida springs attractions. I really enjoyed this book and I believe it is a real bargain for the price. Recently, I visited the park and if you get to Florida I can recommend Weeki Wachee Springs for a great fun-filled day!

I ordered this book by mistake thinking I put it on my wish list, and am sooo glad I got it!! It is a wonderful book not only about the mermaids of Weeki Wachee, but also a history of Florida and the Roadside shows. It brings one back to a simpler, more wonderful era. Very moving and nostalgic. Now I must make a trip to Weeki Wachee. Great book for mermaid lovers.

Book was recommended by a former Mermaid from Weeki Wachee - it's a great book, well done - wonderful pictures and history from the area.

I grew up in a small town just a few miles from the Springs in the 40's and 50's and Weeki Wachee was our old 'swimming hole' where the men of the town would go clean out the 'grass' every summer so we could all swim and play even tho the water was ice cold and we would shiver and shake but refuse to get out and warm up. I remember a lot of the things happening that are included in the book and knew some of the 'mermaids' since I went to school with them and our P.E. teacher was also a mermaid. I spent many summers trying to learn how to eat a banana and drink a grapette under water(I never did accomplish this). This book brings back lots of memories and I think anyone who can 'remember when' would enjoy it and also anyone wanting to see a slice of 'old Florida' would also enjoy this book. I took my grandchildren back to the Springs last summer where we saw the mermaid show twice and once again swam in the icy water. They tried to be mermaids for weeks after and were enchanted with the 'mermaid' idea just as I was back in my day.

Lu Vickers has captured the history and essence of a very special Florida attraction in this book. This book offers a glimpse into a fascinating place during a very interesting time in Florida's tourist history, where the unusual was the draw. It has obviously been written with great care and attention to detail, and is a beautiful homage to the legacy of Newt Perry's vision & creation. We are very lucky to still have this historical and unique attraction~ perhaps this book will help to further encourage locals and tourists alike to take a trip and visit this special Florida icon. Doing so will help to make the experience of watching such graceful and talented performers available for future generations.
~Marina~MeduSirena~

I was about sixteen years old when I first read this book. Twelve years later, I am a cop myself, and have read and re-read this book at least twenty times since then. This book is the real deal...it doesn't glorify our job like other books have done...just the real and the raw. It gets to the bottom of what cops have to put up with every day. Great.

This is an outstanding novel. Shows what happens underneath the badge. This is a "Must Read Book" for anyone wanting to become, or understand, what BEING a police officer means.

Over the past few years, I have read several "cop books;" some good, and some not so good. I have been a cop now for almost three years, and I can honestly say that "Blue Truth" is the best book I have read regarding law enforcement...period. McDonald truly captures the emotions, fears, and predjudice that every cop, whether conservative or liberal, faces each day. Being a cop is not an easy job sometimes, and McDonald captures this wonderfully. Thankyou, McDonald.

i a ttended the broward police academy class 190 and cherokee was my report writting instructor and he was one hell of an instructor. he had told the class about his life on the beat and the things that he had been through during his carrer. well i purcased the book and read it and after that i have the upmost respect for mr. mcdonald. he opened my eyes to alot of things that could and can go wrong with your family life and the stress of the job pertaining to lawenforcement.

This is the only book that I could not put down. This book gives insight to how times have changed from the law enforcement of yesterday, to the modern law enforcement of today. This book is a must read by anyone who wants to be an officer or is in love with an officer.

I read this book when I was younger as well and then had the pleasure of reading it to my daughter when she was young. Now I have a copy hidden away for her when she has her own children. It has become a family tradition and an enjoyable time spent reading it to your children. It also lets one relive the book as well.

I am a 60 year-old who never forgot this book. We traveled to Florida when I was 9 and stayed in many motels. Now my 1 year old grandson lives in California and I hope that when he is old enough for this book, motels will still exist!

I turned 58 today. I read this book MANY times as a child, when books were just about the only friends I had. To say that the memory of this book has stayed with me all these years should say something significant about the book. I was born and raised in Florida so it was very real to me. My father died when I was six, and that made it more real. I cannot recommend this book highly enough...5 stars is not enough. It definitely rates a 10. It is a book I want my great-nieces and nephews to read.

I first read this book my older sister had gotten through the weekly reader. I identified with the family in this story very much as I was the youngest in a family where the father had just died, younger than Betsy, the youngest in this family. I appreciated it very much because there are so many stories and often I felt pitied for being in a family where the father had died, and I saw these were normal kids having fun and just as smart, capable and full of average strenths and weaknesses as any other kid. I also liked the title very much as we lived in an apartment complex where pets likes cats and dogs weren't allowed. I think reading it helps people see this and realize kids are basically the same regardless of family circumstances.

I loved this book when I was a girl. I remember re-reading it several times. I liked the interactions between the kids and especially was intrigued by the little mystery. This is a wonderful book for both boys and girls.

I am the president of my Condo and this book is the greatest has all the answers that you want to find with things come up pertaining to Condo rules and regulation. It get a 10 from me.

The Condominium Concept is a great tool for any community manager; the information and references provided have made my life easier and more effective.

Great publication.

This book is a must read for those living in Florida communties under the Florida Statue 718 ("The Condominium Act")including homeowners, directors and sales staff. It is very informative, easy to read, and utilizing the index and content pages, you are able to locate a desired subject quickly.

Being new at the Florida condominium association concept, I need guidance and references for performing my duties on the board. "The Condominium Concept" is an excellent tool. By using the index one can find specific topic within the book. The book has given the confidence I need to make good decision.

This is a wonderful book. It breakes down the Condominum Act in terms that officers of associations and the owners of individual units can understand. Five stars is even to low to rate how wonderful this book is!

Great book! I enjoyed every chapter. It not only let's you smell the roses from your childhood since I lived in Polk County Florida during these times, but it definitely lets you smell the orange blossoms!

I went to High School with Bobby. This is a great book of the small town of Auburndale, Fl. It's fun reading. I can assure you that you will laugh a lot if you put yourself in his shoes.
I recommend it highly.

Although just a bit younger, being from "Inwood" between A-dale and Winter Haven, I know/knew some of the people mentioned in the book. I also have some of the same memories growing up in the area. I went to Winter Haven High School because back then we had a choice. Today I would be going to A-Dale High. I enjoyed the book very much. I don't think Bobby Braddock and I ever met but we do share friends and what it was like grow up back then. It is a time gone for good and that is tough to face sometimes. We had quite a few talented people in music come from Auburndale and Winter Haven.

I was on TV once, flogging a book, when the interviewer, a Terry Splendid-looking mannequin of a guy who could read without moving his eyes but not without moving his lips, got the 30-seconds-and-counting signal from the control room. "We're about out of time, Mr. Adams," he said, hefting my 700-page book as if he were guessing the weight of a hooked mackerel. "This is quite a tome you've created. Could you tell us, in a few words, what you were trying to say in it?"

The answer came to me in a split second, like lightning from the night sky, and I threw it straight to Terry quicker than a baked potato from the oven: "I was trying to say, in three or four hundred thousand words, what a great songwriter named Bobby Braddock typically gets said in three or four hundred. A beginning, a middle, an end. A story, a narrative about original sin."

The red light on Camera 1 was blinking. "That's all our time, folks, see you tomorrow!" Splendid's image vanished from the monitor, to be replaced in an instant by a commercial about Rolaids. Terry and I both looked like we could have used a couple.

Those of us who write long for a living are filled with envy for the likes of Bobby Braddock, the masters of writing short. And so it is with green-eyed admiration that I report the recent arrival of Down in Orburndale, a finely paced, 271-page, growing-up-Southern memoir by--you guessed it--Bobby Braddock, the quiet man behind the words and music of some of George Jones and Tammy Wynette's greatest hits.

If I could write songs half as well as Braddock writes books--this first one, at least--I wouldn't have to worry about my obscurity in the field of long prose. I'd be rolling in clover. The boy from post-World War II Auburndale, Florida, has got the knack, short and long. This book is a confessional of lessons learned from a fully-spent youth, remembered with humor, pain and unflinching honesty.

Bobby Braddock has written an exceptional book -- a portrait of an artist as a young man, if you will. So much honesty about a part of America that is gone. So much honesty about a boy who grew up there and would go on to become one of America's great songwriters. He sees the humor of his darkest moments, and I'm still laughing just thinking about those moments. The book ends just before he makes his fateful journey to Nashville, and fame and fortune. I can't wait to read the sequel. If braddock the bumbling, stumbling boy-to-man is such a hoot, then Braddock in the weird wild world of the Nashville Music bizz is bound to be a classic!

Motherless Eddie Brown (actually Evangeline) candidly tells of her friendship with the new boy in school, Farrell. Both feel themselves to be outsiders and closely guard their family secrets. Their fathers are drinking buddies and their alcoholism overshadows the whole story. The bullying by the other kids pulls the two youngsters together and Farrel teaches Eddie to defend herself.
Young readers will relate to their experiences in coping with hurtful teasing, having to wear glasses, adjusting to a new teacher, and feeling embarrassed about their homes and families. The two of them have an up-and-down relationship as they take their insecurities and frustrations out on each other.
When disaster looms, they hatch a plot together to cope with it. Farrel fears that the new teacher's home visits will result in Eddie and him being sent to foster homes. He says they should run away and travel to his grandmother's.
Eddie must make a difficult choice between her loyalty to her father who has disappointed her over and over or on taking a risk with this new friend. The book ends on a hopeful note.

I don't usually read children's books, but bought this one for my grandchildren, read it myself, and was delighted. Perhaps the strongest feature is the way Ms. Davis captures the voice of 10-year-old Eddie Brown (Evangeline) the sassy little protagonist through whose eyes the story is told.

Eddie's problem is that she lives with her dad, the village drunk, in a run-down Florida motel--one of those places that rents rooms by the hour. The most notable feature of the motel, other than its broken neon sign and shady clientele, is the rear end of a pink Cadillac protruding from one of the rooms. Eddie's dad is the manager.

Eddie is street smart enough to realize that all is not well with all the comings and goings, and finds friendship with Farrell, another kid with problems. His dad runs a greasy mechanic shop and is the drinking buddy of Eddie's dad. The dads aren't bad guys, just a couple of negligent drunks.

Eddie and Farrell play basketball together, fend off bullies, and talk about their miserable lives. As bad as things are, they turn worse when a new teacher comes to town and announces she's going to visit each child at home, have a chat with their parents. No way, says Eddie and Farrell. Not only will they become the laughing stock of the school, but they could wind up as wards of the state. This sets the stage for an elaborate escape, a run-away-from-home with the intention of moving in with Eddies aunt.

I won't spoil the ending for those who haven't read the book, but will add that things go from bad to worse to disastrous when they encounter the really bad guys in a bus station, the sort that preys on little kids.

This book has everything for a delightful read--a loveable protagonist, a BIG problem, a determination to do something about the problem, bad guys and a satisfactory ending. It also has a message for kids contemplating escape from their parents: things could be much much worse. In short, it's a great read for both kids and adults.

In this novel, which won the coveted Ann Durrell Fiction Contest (Dutton Children's Books' contest for new writers of middle-grade fiction), Evangeline "Eddie" Brown lives in poverty with her beer-sodden father. Their home is the rarely frequented Cadillac Motel, decorated with the butt-end of a pink Cadillac. Eddie has lived in Paradise since she was born. The motel is in sad shape and so is Eddie's Pa, who has never recovered from her mother's death when Eddie was five. Ruby, the motel maid, functions somewhat as a mom substitute. Eddie is friendless and teased unmercifully at school.

Eddie meets Farrell, the son of one of Pa's drinking buddies. The two connect through their mutual love of basketball. Eddie is troubled by Farrell's secrets. Why is he afraid of enclosed spaces? Where is the place he lived when his mother died? When school starts, they strike a deal: Eddie will help Farrell with his schoolwork in exchange for fighting lessons. Farrell and Eddie combine their talents to solve problems. Their solutions sometimes result in triumph but also lead them into danger.

Along with her new friend, Eddie also has a new teacher. Instead of cranky old Mrs. Thornton, the class has pretty, sweet Miss Rose. Her new teacher drops a bombshell: she plans to visit each student's home. Eddie is awash in shame and fear at the thought of her lovely teacher in the trashed-out motel meeting her drunken father. She is desperate to prevent that scenario.

This is a poignant book with fresh, surprising characters (I love Eddie's attitude!) and a lively but thoughtful plot. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming but never slips into sentimentality. Although I thought that perhaps the situation with Eddie's father was resolved just a bit too easily, this is a minor quibble with such a wonderful novel. Indeed, I simply cannot wait to read many more books by talented newcomer Michele Ivy Davis.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (...)

This is a wonderful story that made me laugh and cry. I really loved the main character. The author does such a wonderful job that you really feel part of the story. I am an adult and I plan on sharing this one with both my 8 year old and 11 year old. A great book to curl up with!

What a delightful book! I enjoyed the engaging story and the spunk of the main character. Eddie is a no nonsense tomboy on the outside and a vulnerable young girl within. The author lends a remarkable insight into the life of a young girl of difficult circumstances. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to enjoy its simple lessons. I truly do believe that this book shouldn't be limited to kids!