Florida Books

I've had the rare pleasure of reading Alexandra Tomnalonis's book, "Henning Kronstam: Portrait of a Danish Dancer" and it is wonderful. The book is crammed with information; with Ms. Tomalonis's writing style I never felt I was plowing my way through an encyclopedia. The narrative flowed and my interest did not waver. Kronstam emerges a fascinating man. He was a silent Dane not given to letting others know much about him. An artistic genius, his style was all but lost in the era of the Ballet Boom and the following changes in the art. The book tells about his exciting entrance to Royal Danish Ballet, his dancing career, his dramatic excellence, the dancers of his era, and the nurturing of the Bournonville tradition. It continues with his career as artistic director and ballet master, and his influence on the dancers fortunate enough to be coached by him (there are many insightful quotes by his protégé's). He was a man of great detail and it is fascinating to read about those tiny details he'd add or subtract from a ballet in order to make it perfect. I highly recommend to book.

This remarkable book looks superficially like a ballet biography. It is so much more than that. It deserves, and I hope finds, a readership far broader than a ballet book would normally reach... In the book we learn that his first experience as a professional was as a child actor in the very theatre he would later dedicate his life to, so his destiny on stage in some capacity was assured. He danced the principal roles in all the major ballets, and was especially notable in the Bournonville tradition that he helped maintain. He had many new works created for him by modern choreographers, including the part of Romeo in Ashton's Romeo and Juliet. Whenever the Royal toured, which was not often enough, foreign critics and audiences singled Kronstam out for special recognition for both his dancing and his acting. But I venture to say that ballet lovers who know of Nureyev and Bruhn, who were roughly Kronstam's contemporaries, may not know Kronstam's name. This book gives some interesting perspectives that help explain why.

The fact that the book is called "Portrait of a *Danish* Dancer" (rather than simply "Portrait of a Dancer") puzzled me at first. But Ms. Tomalonis has thoroughly captured Kronstam's complex personality, and in many ways that personality was the Danish national character in microcosm. It seems that many of Kronstam's inherent strengths and weaknesses were reinforced by the societal expectations of both his family and his nation. This may have contributed, consciously or unconsciously, to Kronstam's choice to remain in Copenhagen for his entire career when others chose to leave to pursue international recognition with foreign companies.

The book succeeds on so many levels. It has all the hallmarks of a good biography. The author, who personally met with and interviewed her subject extensively and also spoke with scores of his relatives and colleagues, discusses Kronstam's personal matters with tact and dignity. She portrays Kronstam with a kind of tenderness that does not detract from her clear-eyed understanding of him. The fact that Kronstam, an intensely private person, was comfortable and candid enough to reveal as much as he did to her bespeaks a level of trust in the author that few biographers enjoy. Inspite of the pervasive sadness of Kronstam's story at the end of his life, when she met with him, Ms. Tomalonis is able to show Kronstam's warmth and humor as well. It gives Kronstam an aura of nobility which he, in his typical humility, would probably have derided.

For balletomanes, like me, the book showcases Ms. Tomalonis' depth of both historical and current ballet expertise. Her writing style is so fluent and graceful, however, that the wealth of ballet detail never interferes with the book's story line. One can sense that this very expertise was part of the common language between author and subject that made it possible for Kronstam to communicate his thoughts so effectively to the author.

Finally, for anyone interested in understanding the creative process, there is a unique opportunity to hear Kronstam's own recollections of how he developed his roles, how he was able to inhabit a role with his characteristic intensity. Several of the modern ballets in which he created characters contain harrowing psychological plot lines, and one can only wonder how Kronstam was able to both shield and use his own vulnerabilities to bring these works to life. This section of the book should be required reading for dancers, because it illuminates the thoughtfulness and dedication required of any intelligent performer who wants to do more than execute steps and pantomime emotions. Actors, I am told, embrace the opportunity to "be" their characters, to try on other lives. Here Kronstam conveys that process in a human and insightful way. Ms. Tomalonis somehow manages to make herself invisible during these passages, so that it is Kronstam who emerges with tremendous immediacy... Kronstam could have expected no greater tribute than to have his story told with so much grace and feeling.

Although Henning Kronstam was a dancer of world-class talent and style, he chose to remain close to his beloved home, the Royal Danish Ballet. While Erik Bruhn made international headlines, Kronstam remained mostly at home, blessing the Danes with his perfect technique and great stage presence. I never understood why he had chosen so to shape his career, but Tomalonis' excellent book examines the artistic, psychological and social forces which informed him, and the reading is fascinating, whether the reader is a ballet fan or not. She writes compellingly and with grace and wit, so much so that one is almost loth to finish the book, which must, of course, end with its subject's death. One wishes men like Kronstam to live happily forever. Here is a story of a life well worth examining, and from which to learn.

I bought this book after reading about it on a law enforcement bulletin board. It is one of the most eye opening books you will ever read concerning law enforcement and the brotherhood or the lack of brotherhood associated with it. If you thought that police were always the good guys then you are in for a rude awakening. The stories of corrupt management and politicians is very believable and true, as I can personally attest to. It is amazing that no matter where you work whether it be the Public Safety Department in Kent County, Delaware or South Florida, corruption is rampant among the management of those departments and the majority of the time it is overlooked due to kickbacks and other political favors. Good Book, Great Read, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in the public safety arena or just wants to be more knowedgeable about it and its ugly and sometimes humorous ways.

Want to read a book that describes what really goes on in our police system. Try this one. Written by a dedicated retired police officer.

A terrific tribute to some 30 years in law enforcement. Dennis wise, has created an enjoyable, funny, informative, revealing and painfully realistic picture of the intricate and complictated traits within the law enforcement family.
From idiots to egotists, he makes every attempt to hit the nail on the head and call a spade a spade,while entertainng one. This is a book some will praise and others will scorn, but as the author has said, "Let the chips fall where the may!" DON'T BE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO TO PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS AUTHOR GIVES YOU TO JUST PLAIN LAUGH!!!

I've lived in Florida, and studied archeology, all my life. Mac Perry reported on many sites that I had never known about, plus added information on those that I'd already visited. An excellent book, with a clear, interesting style.

Indian Mounds You Can Visit is informative and very interesting. A must read for anyone interested in Florida's history.

The Author has a style of writing that bring the reader into the world of Florida's first people. He very eloquently puts forth his message of conservation and protection. This book is packed with information on the various cultural periods of Florida pre-history like the Weeden Island and Safety Harbor people.

This was a cool book just like "June Dreams" & "August Magic" but I like the other two just a little more,because there was more stuff on the other two books but it still was cool.

The book is really a god onetha tlets you know whatis going on........

I read the first one and then I read this one, now I have to read the third one because I want to find out what happens

This book gives the true eclectic style of Key West. The photos are wonderful and give an accurate insight into the private homes and life style of this laid back, creative, elegant, charming community.....It gives one a look at the gracious stately old homes as well as the most impressive renovations of cottages in "old town". Book is filled with gorgeous full page photographs, beautifully, uniquely, Key West!

I think Key West had an appeal that you don't find in other parts of the country. It's the southern most point in America and there is the same feeling that you get in other special towns in the US, such as New Orleans, and SanFrancisco. Each has something unique about it.

This was a great book for capturing that feeling. It's also nice to see beyond the street view. I found the text interesting and very readable.

I hope if you decided to buy this book you will enjoy it as well.

It's hard to imagine how the natives, or the locals, live in places like Key West or New Orleans. These tropical outposts seem less mainstream than other parts of the USA; unique people put down roots in both of these sister cities. This lovely book gives a glimpse into homes of the poeple who live and work in Key West. It is just beautiful to see gracious living that is for real and not manufactured, but imagined and realized. Starting with the cover photo of the home of Michael Pelkey (and the ten pages of his home, and the ending photo of his kitchen countertop), you will be transported. The author writes with knowingness and sensitivity and respect for the inhabitants of, the history, and of present time Key West. This is a great inspiration book for your own lifestyle and decor, and a lovely arm chair vacation too. I would love the author Leslie Linsley, and the photographer Terry Pommett to come to New Orleans and do a sister book for us here (and bring Michael Pelkey along to lend his expert eye to the whole project).

Kidnapped in Key West, by Edwina Raffa and Annelle Rigsby, is a wonderful and exciting story. As a teacher and grandmother of 8, I have already purchased this book for them. This book is obviously very well researched and it keeps you at the edge of your chair. I found myself thinking of all the different lessons this book provides for teachers. I also look forward to getting my grandchildren's review of this story. A must read for children and adults!

I was prompted to purchase this book,for my grandchildren,based on the author's previous publications...Race to Kitty Hawk and Escape to the Everglades. Both are very interesting and loaded with historical facts, this new effort continues the theme. I am well beyond the targeted age group of these works, I did enjoy them all and look forward to the authors next contributation to this body of work.If your child or grandchild likes an adventure story that they can relate to...give it a read.

Kidnapped in Key West is an exciting adventure story of a young boy who rises to the challenge of proving his fathers innocence when he has been wrongly accused of theft. With his dog Rex, his adventures take him through the Florida Keys to entertain readers while educating them on Henry Flagers story of building the Key West Extension.

After I read the story myself, I couldn't wait to share it with my children. When it came time to close the book each night, my kids begged for, "just a few more pages." They loved this story as it was such an adventure story. They were amazed that the story was based on a true event and had lots of questions. I even found one of my children looking at the map of Florida in the book and reading the historical notes at the end. All in all, this is a great read!

As the author of this novel, my review can only be one thing...it's great!!! in my humble opinion, that is. Basically, it is a story about a young, female chef who turns a culinary career into a singing sensation with the help of a handsome and powerful man, and that's after she deals with the devastating effects wreaked upon her by Hurricane Scarlet. This is my fourth romance novel and the fifth one is in the early stages of development. All my books have a South Florida theme, which is where my characters are drawn from. So, grab a book and head to the beach!

This is the third book that I have had the pleasure of reading that Joyce Marie Taylor has written. True to form as usual I was completely absorbed in the story. I found it very difficult to put this book down & was on the edge of my seat from the start. I was completely caught off guard with how this story ended (excellent writing & very mysterious). Joyce Marie Taylor is an extremely talented writer & I look forward to reading another one of her novels "Aniratak". I am sure that I will be impressed with that novel as well.

Review of Kiss Me Darlin'
By Jeanette Cooper

Joyce Marie Taylor's book, Kiss Me Darlin' is a great read. Joyce is a wonderful writer whose writing style keeps the reader turning pages and lends to a reader's perception of experiencing exactly what the characters are experiencing. I didn't want to put the book down because it had an element of suspense that kept me wanting to find out what would happen.

Jasmine, a young teenager who suffers abuse by an alcoholic mother, runs away with her boyfriend, Billy, spending the next several years with him. She is not a polished young debutante, but instead uses the language of someone who is used to hard knocks in a not too easy life. When Billy leaves her for someone else at the same time she loses her job, worry and financial concerns trouble her. Needing solace, she takes a trip to see her best friend Lisa.

Kiss Me Darlin' follows a plot similar to the cliché "from rags to riches" as Jasmine's friend, Lisa, interests Jasmine in Feng Shui (The Chinese art or practice of positioning objects..., based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects.) Lisa gives her a Scarlett Milkweed meant to draw good luck according to Feng Shui beliefs, and ironically, her luck does change considerably.

Jasmine meets CJ who embellishes her world with a shiny new car and later other things that enrich her life. CJ is at the root of some extraordinary suspense that will unfurl right on up to the very end of the book, which will offer a great surprise ending.

If you'd like a good, fast-paced read that will keep you glued to the pages, then I highly recommend Kiss Me Darlin'.

Reviewed by Jeanette Cooper, author of:
Wall of Color,
Conquered Heart
When Justice is Served

Gary Mormino's ambitious book Land of Sunshine... is an artful contribution to the thin historiography of modern Florida. Picking up after the end of World War II, Mormino shows how new technology and cultural trends shaped the history, population, and land of Florida.

Unlike most academic writers, he employs an eloquent but casual style free of jargon and mind-numbing analysis. Thankfully, this important book is written for laymen, but provides just as many insights for academics and officials. Equally welcome is a focus upon the "people" over the "politicians." It could easily be argued, even today, that developers, businessmen, visitors, and citizens play a more important role in the life and mythmaking of the Sunshine State than political operatives, especially when one takes into account the Florida Legislature. The research itself is superb, and I am in a position to know-I sometimes helped him in his sustained effort.

If the U.S. is relatively uninterested in scrutinizing its own history, Florida hardly seems to have a history at all. In a state full of unconcerned Snow Birds, oblivious tourists, and new immigrants, Florida's history seems to have started when Disney World opened in 1971. Thanks to Mormino's work, the last sixty years of Florida's amazing history are illuminated.

And what a last sixty years! Although a comprehensive review would take too much space here, the subjects of the book's chapters tell a story in themselves. The first, "Look away Dixieland," provides a fine introduction to the places that make Florida unique.

The next tackles the "new land boom" of the 1950s and beyond (did it ever really end?), when common folks from the northeast and Midwest could afford to move to and/or retire in Florida. Of course, there are also the developers, whose sometimes-good intentions were often outweighed by their desire for quick profit. Logically, a chapter about tourism follows, documenting Florida's funky roadside showcases as well as the more elaborate and contrived tourist empires such as Disney World.

Another chapter covers retirement in Florida, from Miami Jews to the active residents of Sun City Center, who were "too busy to retire." Of course, St. Petersburg's green benches make an appearance as well. In "Sunbelt Hues," Mormino makes sense of the impact of international politics (Cold War, Space Race, etc.) and Florida's overheated financial marketplace, all the time acknowledging the unforeseen consequences of government spending, corporate developments, and low-paying service jobs.

Agriculture in the state has had similarly mixed results, bringing nationally known agricultural products to market while saturating the land and water with pollutants and poisons. His chapter on technological change, highlighting such misguided projects such as the barge canal, further demonstrates that there is no free lunch: every development, from A/C to DDT, can cast an ugly shadow. The rising tide of immigration presents other complications, from Mariel to the wet foot/dry foot policies for Cuban escapees.

The final chapter on the beach is a brilliant example of what makes Mormino's work so compelling. He evokes the wonders and horrors of nature and man's insistent attempts to ignore or control it. Throughout the book, he showcases the things that make Florida great and dangerous. Think of the Sunshine State as the U.S. on steroids: it is an invitation to and a warning against the enthusiasm and short-sightedness of modern humanity.

This book does not just educate and entertain, but challenges the reader to consider more carefully the costs and benefits of the Floridian-and therefore the American-dream. Like most dreams, the story Mormino tells here can be frustrating, shocking, confusing, fantastic, and delightful. But it is all written beautifully, carefully documented, and presented with vivid illustrations and helpful maps. For those living in Florida and far beyond, this book offers valuable insights into our enigmatic modern world.

As a new resident of Florida, I wanted to "get up to speed" on the history of Florida, specifically since 1950. This book covers modern Florida's history very well. I liked the book so much, I am half-way through my second read of it. Very highly recommended.

"...a fascinating, original, and lucid history of the nation's fourth largest state...essential reading for anyone interested in past and present Florida." - Merle Black, co-author of The Rise of Southern Republicans
"...the first comprehensive social history of Florida in any of its epochs...the standard against which all future such efforts in Florida will be measured." - Michael Gannon, professor emeritus, University of Florida

Concise and logically formatted this is a great book for rental property owners in Florida. Complete with case law notes and examples the book is really helpful in accomplishing most actions a landlord will have to undertake. The forms are handy as well and will keep you from having to buy a legal forms program or from having to run to the county clerks office.

I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information contained in this book. Its written in easy to understand language and covers just about everything you need to know about renting property in Florida. Thoroughly discusses applicable Florida statutes, includes case references and supplies various legal forms. I wouldn't feel comfortable handling my own rentals in Florida without this book.

After purchasing this book by Attorney Mark Warda, I have found his insight into the real estate laws of Florida invaluable. The easy to read format of the book along with the flowcharts and associated legal forms makes owning rental property less stressful. Common legal problems that a landlord encounters are addressed. A "must get" for the do-it-yourself landlord.

Thoughtful and funny, without the cheap shots that too often drive sports journalism columns, this book reads like a series of wry letters from a friend. Based in Orlando, Guest writes extensively but not exclusively about Florida-related sports, especially the Sunshine State's obsession with football, but not to the exclusion of the Winter Olympics, the Ryder Cup, and the Masters. You can practically see him on the golf course or the racetrack, looking past the stats for the human stories underneath. Highly recommended.

Larry's takes on a business which takes itself much too seriously are just hillarious! The book is well written and well worth the time and money. It's like having Dave Barry as a sports writer. You'll be glad you got this book!

I recently read this book cover-to-cover on an airplane and laughed my way through it. The book hits most of the major sports and contains many insider anecdotes about major sports figures. Guest keeps the fun in sports and reminds us all that it is just a game.