Florida Books

I must say I am biased on my opinion of this book, since the family is part of my heritage. My grandmother is the little girl named Ella who made a doll for the young boy, Hugie. I will reread this book time and time again and pass it onto my children.

Peggy Hansen

A truly inspiring book depicting life at the turn of the century in rural Jacksonville and the surrounding beaches.

Our barrier island of N.E. Florida, stretching from Mayport to St. Augustine, is changing day by day. With the rapid development of business and residential areas, our pristine land has but faded memories. Escape from your daily grind, head for the nearest beach chair and relive a wonderful true story.

It is filled with the struggles of a true native family, living on the edge of swampland, a short distance from where a now famous tiger prowls the TPC/Sawgrass golf course. As a reader, one feels blessed to have all the modern conveniences we now enjoy.

A truly inspiring book depicting life at the turn of the century in rural Jacksonville and the surrounding beaches.

The author did a great job helping my wife and I plan our first trip with our young children to WDW. The book made it easy to look things up in each park and evalute what might be appropriate for us to do. We took special notice of the hints he provided and tried to hit some of the many extra's that were listed. Included is an easy rating scale based on ages on each attraction.

Overall, our trip would not have been the same without this book!

I love all books about WDW, and this book is no exception. WDW in No Time does exactly what it claims - to give you the essential knowledge and understanding you need to know before you go to WDW. A simple, easy to follow format gives you the basics about rooms, the parks, attractions and beyond. It does not pretend to be anything it is not. If you're looking for in-depth descriptions of every little detail, this is not for you. However, my wife, who has accompanied me on dozens of trips since we met, picked it up and immediately said, "This is the book for me!" Plus, it has great callouts of tips and tricks, and some money-saving ideas as well. It is a fun, fast read, and one i highly recommend to first-time visitors, those who may be visiting for the first time with children, as well as those people who are looking to enhance their vacation, without having to go through a book that has so much information that it becomes overwhelming. Well done!

I loved this book! It had great information to help me plan our family trip to Disney World. I loved the Notes and Tips throughout the book. I also liked the To Do lists that were in each section. I have read other Disney vacation books and this one was fun to read, and made it easy to plan our trip. I especially liked the index cards provided. I was able to plan ahead and use them when we got to the park. I just marked which rides we wanted to go to and had a game plan when we got to the gate! It saved us from going to a ride that I knew my kids were to short to go on and them being disappointed when we had to walk away.
I would recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to Disney World.

Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation In No Time by Doug Ingersoll is a book I wish we had had before we spent a week at Disney World and came away wishing we had done this or skipped that to make the most of our wonderful vacation. This book is well laid-out to walk you through three stages: Part 1 gives advice on how to plan getting there and where to stay. Giving basic vacation planning strategies such as how to budget realistically, where to search on the Internet, which exits to take from highways, how to rent a car, etc., this is NOT an advertisement for specific properties or businesses but names each with the price range and outlines amenities, transportation, etc. The same is listed for restaurants in the area. This section alone will save you lots of money and exhaustion and frustration once you arrive at your dream destination. In the second section you will find each area of Disny World mapped,and a basic description of each ride or performance. There are some MUST SEE notes and for each place there is a rating of 1 - 5 for each age group from pre-schoolers to seniors. At the back of the book are trip cards so you can make notes of which attractions to do and which to skip, placing these cards in your wallet for on-site use. There is a section to help you plan what to do after dark and the final section is devoted to other attractions in the area outside Disney World. Using this book before you go will assure you make the very most of your money, time, and energy on this trip of a family dream.

Clif Cormier's humble beginnings in Cajun country provide the launching of a young man who became a career Marine as well as a career newspaperman. He fought in WWII and Korea, led his men through dangers, and lived to write about his experiences with great clarity and vivid details. When he retired from the military, Cormier attended and graduated from the University of Florida and became a news reporter and later a city editor of a major newspaper. His story gives people insight into perseverance and adherance to values. He describes his travels in both the Pacific and later throughout the world. Cormier's writing makes this book a must for people who want to read about US Marine Corp life as well as life after the military. Excellent book that holds reader's interest! Semper Fi!

I read this book in one night--A very interesting look into the life of a military man during World War II, and also the typical life for a boy growing up in Louisiana during the Depression. It is well written, and has a very informative prologue. Highly enjoyable; at times sad, and at times very funny.
He has led a very interesting life; I have recommended this book to a number of people, and will continue to do so.

Captain Clif Cormier was my Battery Commander, at Hotel Battery 3rd. Battalion 10th Marines when I was a young 2nd Lt. in 1959. I found him to be an outstanding leader, firm but fair with those who served under him.

I was fortunate to recieve one of his books directly from Captain Cormier and am ordering 2 more for my children to read. It is a story of what it was like growing up in the depression and being a Marine through World War II, Korea, the peacetime Marines and what opportunities retirement can bring.

When Captain Cormier retired, his officers pooled their money (which we didn't have much of) and bought him a second hand typerwriter. We knew he would be as good a journalist as he was a Marine and we wanted to show our respect for him.

I recommend this book for all who have served in the Military,
those who love history, and those who just like a good story about a real life hero.

Captain Clif Cormier was my Battery Commander, at Hotel Battery 3rd. Battalion 10th Marines when I was a young 2nd Lt. in 1959. I found him to be an outstanding leader, firm but fair with those who served under him.

I was fortunate to recieve one of his books directly from Captain Cormier and am ordering 2 more for my children to read. It is a story of what it was like growing up in the depression and being a Marine through World War II, Korea, the peacetime Marines and what opportunities retirement can bring.

When Captain Cormier retired, his officers pooled their money (which we didn't have much of) and bought him a second hand typerwriter. We knew he would be as good a journalist as he was a Marine and we wanted to show our respect for him.

I recommend this book for all who have served in the Military,
those who love history, and those who just like a good story about a real life hero.

Hogan's voice is unique, poetic, fluid, and very rooted in nature. In both POWER and SOLAR STORMS, she explores the complexity of relationships with our own culture, the natural world, and the spirit world, creating rich and multi-dimensional stories. Both of these books have been beautiful experiences for me that leave me wanting to share them with everyone. All my friends will be receiving POWER for their birthday this year.
Kaya McLaren, author of CHURCH OF THE DOG, ON THE DIVINITY OF SECOND CHANCES, and HOW I CAME TO SPARKLE AGAIN

Of all Linda Hogan's three novels, this is her finest, with a mesmerizing lyrical voice, a young Native American narrator who is coming of age in a time when tribal and environmental law are in conflict. This story of Omishto, the One Who Watches, the endangered Florida panther, a hurricane which reveals family and tribal truths -- is elegantly told and a real page-turner. The courtroom drama at the center of the book, is more fascinating than that of Snow Falling on Cedars (David Guterson's recent bestseller). And I found the descriptions of place, people, and Native American vision and a rebirth of a culture of both panther and tribe to be deeply inspiring. This is one of my all-time favorite novels, and I bet it will be a classic.

Ms. Hogan has woven a tale that is a tapestry both complex and deceptively simple in focus. For many, this story could be told with other than Native symbology, from the point of view of living honestly and the struggles within the lives we inhabit, be it home, work, family, neighborhood, or, most importantly, self. She illustrates with reverance how deeply connected we are to all of creation and how, when we seek meaning in our lives in indifference to all of creation, how separate and fearful our beliefs can become. This is carefully illustrated by Ms. Hogan through the duplicitous nature of many of the characters (not unlike any of us) interacting with the young woman of this story. The fear Ms. Hogan exposes throughout the telling of this story is that which is held in many hearts when confronted with how we have moved from living with respect for life to the group-held belief and reality that being human is separate and above the rest of creation. This book tells of old ways which compel a young woman to herself, which is, in my view, both particular to this story and potentially to any reader that "sees" similar to that of the young Native woman whose story this book reveals. Ms. Hogan speaks of that which is authentic, sacred, and true. The book has much to say, but it also draws the landscape of the Florida swamps with its heat and searing presence indelibly in the readers mind. The book confirms the truth of life as an immutable force larger than any of our efforts to ignore it. I am grateful to have read her work.

In this story, there is a storm, a panther is killed, and there are two trials--one in a courthouse about the death of an animal protected by the Endangered Species Act and one among the Taiga elders, who abide by the old ways, on whether the killing was conducted in accordance with tribal law. We experience these events through the eyes, ears, body, and mind of 16 yr old Omishto as she accompanies her adult friend and "teacher," Ama, on a journey she knows is wrong but inevitable, experiences the chasm between the old and new ways of living for the Taiga people, and seeks to understand her own place in a chaotic and dying world. Linda Hogan's masterful writing led me to read this book with my heart, not my mind. This story is an exquisite masterpiece.

Mr. Simon has outdone himself with this exceptional piece of work - not only a great read full of lots or great pictures, but an excellent historical resource that you'll refer to again and again! Nowhere else have I found such a comprehensive history of our local area...

I found this book to be a fascinating and informative read

It was so nice reading a book that was about what is still home to me even after not living there for 15 years. Some of the people in there are people I knew when I was a child.It made me real homesick.Love to Aunt Mary she was friends with my Grandmother.

Only a person who has been there and done that could capture the rhythm and color of the growth of South Florida. Sandy Simon has put together not only the history of the area, but the feel, even the smell of the past 100 years. Marvelous! It deserves to be on everyone's bookshelf.

In River Whispers, Glynn Alam takes us down to the river once more for a sweet mixture of childhood tales and intrigue. The humid swamps and alligator-infested river come alive in this slice of family life and relationships in northern Florida.

Ms. Alam has once again made the swamps and mystery of N. Florida come to life. We have all heard stories from our grandparents, but they seldom come back to haunt our sophisticated minds. In River Whispers, those stories haunt Mae as she carries out a promise. Ms. Alam has woven a tale of past and present that drew me into the story and made me want to know more. I wish the book had been longer!

This compelling story unfolds as Mae makes her way down a north Florida river on a mission and family mysteries long kept secret are unraveled. Glynn Marsh Alam evokes such a strong sense of place that this reader felt that she was along for the journey. Unexpected turns along the river catch the reader, as tales that Mae has heard in childhood start to take on a very real significance. The characters and setting are very well developed, as is the narrative, which has a satisfying flow and resolution.
Alam has written before of the swampy waters of north Florida in her Luanne Fogarty mystery series and has successfully crossed into the realm of literary fiction, with the swamps again mesmerizing the reader and emerging as strong settings for secrets told and untold.

When Mae Pope's grandma died, Mae promises to scatter her ashes on the St. Margaret River. The journey becomes more then she bargained for when she begins to have run-ins with the Gruman family. Memories of time with her grandma mingle with the present happenings. But will she make sense of it all?

Once again, Glynn Marsh Alam has proven what an outstanding writer she is. The swamp, river creatures, and characters come boldly to life. It's hard not to get lost in this world. I had no trouble switching from the past to modern day happenings as the story unfolded. The only reason I gave this book four stars is because of two scenes that detracted from my over all enjoyment of the story.

With that warning out of the way, I recommend all of Ms. Alam's books. Her use of language to draw the reader in and make him feel a part of the surroundings makes her books stand out from many of her peers. I hope to enjoy her writing for many years to come.

Well, Amazon sent me an e-mail asking me to review this book. Quite frankly, I sold my last copy I had on hand, and I had to replenish my stock, so I purchased from Amazon in order to receive it quickly, which I did. I posted other reviews as Kitty's Creator (above), which were mailed to me by people who had read the book, but had no Internet access to personally write a review, and I also included other reviews, which were given to me by people who didn't know how to navigate this site. Everyone's comments, after reading and enjoying the book, were the same. "When is your next book coming out?"

Consequently, Off Course, A Seaworthy Romance, came next, followed by Kiss Me Darlin', just this past November. There are more to come, so stay tuned!

Joyce Marie Taylor
Author and Poet

As the author of this novel, I can honestly say that it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears of joy to create. I am constantly reminded, even by perfect strangers, that writing a novel - not to mention publishing one - is a great accomplishment.

If you want a peek into what a woman goes through when the big "M" strikes, this book will definitely give you some insight. You'll also have a whole new outlook on men named John and the numbers 1010. Enjoy the read.

"The Ruby Con", by Joyce Marie Taylor, is a fascinating look inside the mind of a woman who is experiencing the effects of aging, as well as all those paranoid feelings that accompany the onset of menopause. The author has cleverly woven this tale of mystery and romance around this episode of a woman's life. The references to biblical characters - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - and the significance of the numbers 1010 will keep you turning page after page until she reveals all the answers. A must read for women of all ages, and men, too, especially if your name is John!

I found "The Ruby Con", by Joyce Marie Taylor, to be an extremely phenomenal presentation of humanness, anxiety, emotion and fear - real or imagined. It is very difficult to put the book down after starting to read it. It's very absorbing to both male and female readers. I shared reading it with a person of the opposite gender and we both enjoyed it thoroughly - for different reasons, in some cases. The writer expresses different personality traits to the understanding of the well-read person, and also to those readers to whom real life drama is expressed in lay terms. Many thanks to the writer for sharing her professionalism with an avid reader.Robert V. Pacevich, Retired, Live Oak, FL

Read most of the book. It's a great one to read. Can't seem to lay it down long, but have to because of my schedule. Just love the way it tells a great story about a special person living in Hollywood, Florida. Anyone reading this book will enjoy it as much as I do - Guaranteed! Keep up the good work, as I know you will. Also it's nice to know a very fine lady as you and a dear friend. Bob Hemmis, Col.U.S.ARMY RETIRED, Hollywood, FL

An excellent presentation from any era, especially from someone having lived through menopause - the fears, the angst are so well orchestrated by this writer. Kudos to a beautiful book and an exceptional writer! Hazel Tyson, retired, Live Oak, FL
Having Lived in Florida for over 20 years, I actually was able to visualize where Kitty lived and her hangouts on the beach. Also, having endured menopause, I understood her paranoia, but! she got me in the end!...I loved it!!! Caroline Watkins, Hollywood, FL

I am reading the Ruby Con (which is a cool way you changed the name from it's original name). I'm not even half way on your book, and all I can say (because I don't want to give it away) is you write as if you wrote it for me to read. You really draw the reader in. I can relate to "Kitty" so much. Right now she's running into a bunch of John's or Jon's or Jean's...you know what I mean. I've already told my friends to purchase the book. My husband asked me just last night, "What book are you reading that has your attention?" (Because if it's not an art book, I'm not normally reading it - I 'm very narrow minded that way - and I'm just not a reader.) But your book has my interest. I'm really enjoying it. I look forward to purchasing your next book. It's kind of like how people will read all the books of one author like Robert Ludlum or Stephen King or whoever you like. Once you find a reader you like, you want all their books. Last time I felt this good about reading from one particular author was Bishop T.D. Jakes. You have a way of capturing your reader! In my opinion, your book should be the first thing people see when they walk in the door! It must be hard right now, competing with the lion from Narnia, but that is a story from Disney, that's tough competition...but I'm not reading that book, I'm reading YOURS!!! Good luck in getting your second book published. I really like the artwork on the Ruby Con! And don't worry about blogging. Personally, I'd rather read your book, but I love your poetry...I wish I had your talent!
Kathleen - Port Charlotte, Fl - Art Instructor

For those who are still in the preservation trenches, the story of South Miami Beach's revitalization is a stunning re-invigoration! It is clear that the struggle to save inherent and classic beauty takes its toll on both skyline and people's lives, but the result can be profitable both to posterity and pocketbooks.

In another small city on the waterfront, one with less flamboyant but no less elegant architecture, the struggle is as ferocious and dramatic. One of the key South Beach protagonists recognized its parallels and potential early on - Geraldo Sanchez. Undoubtedly, within the next decade, reviewers will be writing in about the volume to be written on the saving of Newburgh, New York.

The book could serve as a guide for depressed cities in search of a path to follow. City leaders will find many things to copy, imitate and avoid.

I am a resident of South Beach, and knew of its history as a tattered slum before being amazingly restored to its rightful place as a world-class destination.

What irked me immensely was that I could not find any thorough explanation of how all this was accomplished. I had heard of the wonderful work of Barbara Capitman and the Miami Design Preservation League and wanted to learn more about them. Then one day, on my usual trip to Books & Books on Lincoln Road, there was "Saving South Beach" sitting on display.

After barely looking at the beautifully designed cover, I eagerly bought my own copy. Thanks to Ms. Stofik, we now have the full account of South Beach's salvation, told in a delightful writing style which is at once scholarly, intricately detailed, and gently amusing.

Not just a history lesson; the background of the residents, and the conflicts involving the city government, developers, and preservationists (and the detailed profiles of these players) make this book quite a read. It is hard to put down and most gratifying in the end. Included are rare photos, including of Capitman herself, and the incredibly gorgeous New Yorker Hotel which was tragically lost to demolition.

If South Beach fascinates you, you must learn of its history and this is a perfect way to start.

A must have for anyone interested in preservation and the saving of our national treasures. Stofik shows how one city, despite politics and special interests, revitalized a decaying past into a vibrant future.

An easy going writing style makes this a joy to read and Stofik's passion for historical preservation shines through.

Dr. Larry Rivers has really put together a wonderful research on the institution of slavery. A lot of the information that he provides about slavery is not necessarily new information. What makes this research so good and so important is that he puts it against the background of Florida. Whenever the institution of slavery is discussed, the state of Florida is not the first or the last state that is mention in the discussion. However, with this book Dr. Rivers has made Florida one of the most important states in terms of the developments of the institutions of slavery.
The scope of this book ranges from the year 1500- 1865. This study begins with Florida when it was still a territory of Spain. It is here that the author tries to piece together the African presents in Florida before the institution of slavery is established. The author uses a wide range of sources to his point. He utilizes a lot of researched that focuses on Africans who were free when they first set foot in Florida. He uses sources from historians who have done extensive research in Florida such as Jane L. Landers of Vanderbilt University and Canter Brown of Florida A&M University. This to me adds validity to this book and this study.
The rest of the chapters of this book provide a lot of information that is not nessccary new information in terms of slavery. There have been many studies conducted on slave resistance, on slave condition, slave families, etc. However, there has never been such a study done in regards to Florida and slavery. I am a Floridian by birth and a historian by profession and the way that this booked flowed had me on the edge of my seat at all times. I knew about slavery and about slave conditions, but to read about slavery and slave condition in an area that I am familiar with was very riveting. The information provided about Gadsden and Jackson counties were very valuable to me because I grew-up in those counties. I am sure anyone that has looked at this research and has family ties to Florida would feel the same way.
The sources that he uses throughout this book I think are very appropriate. Each one is used to magnify his point. I really love the slave narratives because they reflect a truth that is not tainted by modern society need to be politically correct. The author uses several quotes from a former Jackson County bondswoman by the name of Margrett Nickerson. Her quotes to me are beautiful because they reflect her grammar of speech and you can almost feel her tone of voice as she reflects about her experiences as a bondservant. Since the author uses so many different sources, it is hard to say if he neglected any appropriate sources. I would think that he used so many different sources because he did not want to be accused of not using enough sources.
Overall, I think that this is an excellent book. As a Floridian, I really appreciate this book because it helps me to better understand the environment that I grew up.

A study of this magnitude can only be described as ground breaking and powerful. Larry Eugene Rivers interprets and analyzes the Florida slave's experience in startling, inspiring, and rewarding ways. The author certainly raises the bar for future state studies of slavery. A model study that should be emulated by other scholars seeking to update and revise studies of slavery in those states that had enslaved blacks during the antebellum period.

Rivers presents his work in a scholarly, readable, and evenhanded manner. The author named names; he treated enslaved blacks as human beings. The voices and humanity of enslaved blacks come through loud and clear in this study. The reviewer can see why "Slavery In Florida" is the fourth most purchased book in Tallahassee, Florida through AMAZON.COM. and why it has already won a national book award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association in the notification category. "Slavery In Florida" is a highly original and stimulating interpretation of the contact between Native Americans (Seminoles), enslaved blacks, and Anglo Americans during the period from 1821 to 1865. Read this gracefully written book and judge for yourself.

I found this book, Slavery In Florida: Territorial Days To Emancipation, to be a deeply researched, beautifully written, and well grounded book on the peculiar institution in Florida from 1821 to 1865. This study presents the story of slavery from both the perspective of the bond servant and the master. The book covers every aspect of slavery in Florida. Among the chapters are those that focus on the slave family, religion and community, physical treatment of bond servants, slave resistance, and the participation of enslaved blacks in the Civil War. Rivers presents an engaging analysis of race relations during the territorial and statehood periods in Florida. Particulary, he discusses the relationship between enslaved blacks, Native Americans, and whites in an even-handed yet critical manner.

Readers will find the voices of slave men, women, and children throughout this study. Rivers used the Federal Writers Project WPA interviews of former slaves as well as other newspaper interviews with former bond servants to described "what slavery was like" in Florida from the viewpoint of the enslaved black. From the extensive endnotes, the author apparently used hundreds if not thousands of probate records, appraisals, and inventories to describe the slave family. Given the cruelty of slavery, Rivers argues that enslaved blacks were still able to carve out some semblance of family, connected with generations of kinfolk. Rivers presents convincing evidence that bond servants were far from being passive victims. They were sometimes successful in getting concessions from masters concerning family matters, work routines, and religious worship.

Some readers might find insightful Rivers' suggestion that the largest slave rebellion in the antebellum South was not the Nat Turner insurrection, but the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), where the majority of the warriors consisted of runaway slaves from Florida and state to the north. Apparently this is what General Thomas Jesup thought when he declared this battle to be "a negro and not an Indian War" (p. 204).

In describing enslaved blacks and whites, Rivers further gives a balanced assessment of the human frailties as well as strenghts of both groups. I found this refreshing since most studies paint all whites as the bad guys and all blacks without a blemish.

Anyone knowledgeable of the historiography of the antebellum South will quickly notice that Rivers includes the latest scholarship on slavery. As an avid reader of books on slavery, this is, in fact, one of the best books I have read on the topic in years. It should serve as a model for other state studies. I hope someone will read Rivers' book and use it as a guide to do a study of antebellum slavery in my state of Delaware (which has yet to be done). Slavery In Florida is a gripping read, and I give it five stars.

A study of this magnitude can only be described as ground breaking and powerful. Larry Eugene Rivers interprets and analyzes the Florida slave's experience in startling, inspiring, and rewarding ways. The author certainly raises the bar for future state studies of slavery. A model study that should be emulated by other scholars seeking to update and revise studies of slavery in those states that had enslaved blacks during the antebellum period.

Rivers presents his work in a scholarly, readable, and evenhanded manner. The author named names; he treated enslaved blacks as human beings. The voices and humanity of enslaved blacks come through loud and clear in this study. The reviewer can see why "Slavery In Florida" is the fourth most purchased book in Tallahassee, Florida through AMAZON.COM. and why it has already won a national book award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association in the notification category. "Slavery In Florida" is a highly original and stimulating interpretation of the contact between Native Americans (Seminoles), enslaved blacks, and Anglo Americans during the period from 1821 to 1865. Read this gracefully written book and judge for yourself.

I've been collecting Mr. Clemence original prints for a few years now and was most delighted to finally see his book. It was during the last Art Basel fair in Miami, when I purchased a beautiful abstract piece by him. A friend then gave me the book which is just brilliant! The transformation South Beach has gone through is shown here in a very interesting way! The photographs zero in on the very creative buildings that fill the city, showing us how good architecture can create an inspiring environment. The book captures that aspect very well, w/ photos that are as original as the buildings! I wish Mr. Clemence would bring his camera to Los Angeles and help us celebrate the great new constructions that are re-shaping our downtown.

What a delightful surprise this book! As a photo enthusiast I was not expecting much from such a simple , inexpensive book. But, was I wrong! The photos are gorgeous, very skillfully composed! And the light used in a very seductive way. The photos " Delano " and " Light Carving " in particular are real gems. Others, like " Neon Ocean Drive" has a subtle use of contrast that creates a very interesting mood.It's clear that after living in South Beach for so long he definetely knows his subject!And the printing also was another pleasant surprise, comparable to the more costly fine art photo books.Later I found out that Paul Clemence has a thriving photographic career in Miami. I have a feeling we'll still hear a lot about him!

After moving away from Miami Beach it was great to find this book! It shows some of my favourite places there and in very cool photos.It totally sends me back, I can just see myself walking again on Ocean Dr., enjoying the breeze, the palm trees and the Art Deco. And the little texts with people's view on South Beach definetely reminded me of many conversations I had with the people I met down there. Kudos for the layout too; it is just as stylish as the photos themselves. Great job!

Despite what the book description says above this is not much of a travel book, but it is a fine photographic essay. Even though they are black-and-white photographs you will be reminded of the colors of Miami Beach. Frequently the exposures are softly focused with delicate textures. Many of the photos are details and they take in small areas rather than a great expanse of building(s). Most of the building views take in sections of well know structures so you will sometimes need to think about what building you are looking at (they tell you where and what in the back of the book). There are just enough wider views to keep you engrossed; all part of the enjoyment of thumbing through this volume. The introduction is informative and the locals' short pieces add some extra color. If you've spent anytime wandering around South Beach gawking at the buildings this book is for you.